Ingrid Barnsley
Ingrid Barnsley has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and English for nearly 40. She has a passion for learning about yoga, Pilates, PT, group exercise, writing, sound healing, stress management, and life itself!
She enjoys teaching in a way that is inclusive, balanced, and student-centred. Ingrid teaches in-person and online. Whether it is an outreach programme, writing workshop, corporate context, or classroom, she believes that we can and should be more mindful and integrated.
In terms of wellbeing, what is the best thing you have ever invested in?
I think my most worthwhile investment has been signing up for yoga teacher training! It has led me to a place of ongoing good health, mental balance, and a host of new friendships and work opportunities… and now I get to continue the legacy by training new teachers.
Of all your accomplishments, which has been the most meaningful to you?
I am very proud of my family—I married my first love, and we are still solid, silly, and happily married. We now have two happily married daughters who are kind, educated, employed, and connected.
When are you most happy?
I am generally happy most of the time—this is not a brag! I actively seek opportunities to share my passions, and that enthusiasm becomes contagious. I love a good yoga or Pilates class; I enjoy walking the dogs, napping, reading, playing word games, working on a crochet blanket, and going to an art class. Recently, I have been working as a quizmaster, and trivia can be such fun!
If you could pursue any course, what would you choose?
I have recently completed my Reformer Pilates training—that was tough but enormously satisfying. If I were to study further, I think it might be something eclectic, like bibliotherapy or hypnosis—maybe art therapy. I’m naturally curious, so it could be anything, really! As far as the brain goes, I think it’s a case of “use it or lose it.” I also conducted a wedding service recently, and that may lead to other opportunities too!
Has anyone played a significant role in guiding you on your personal journey?
I have a few influential people in my life: my dad awakened a love of art and music in me, and I still pursue these interests today. My yoga teacher, Doreen, was a rare mixture of kind and stern, and she challenged me to train as a teacher. Yoga has truly changed my life and led me into the wellness world—studying aerobics, personal training, group exercise, Pilates, meditation, sound healing, and more.
What advice would you give someone feeling stuck or struggling with motivation?
To those who may be struggling, I have two tips. Firstly, just start! Secondly, no self-pity, okay? Even if the start is wobbly, flawed, or unpleasant, just begin. No one ever became worse at something by practising! I learned how to ride a bicycle just before I turned 50—it was scary, and not a particularly attractive sight, but so what? If I hadn’t tried, I would never have known.