Yoga is a bit of a catch-all term; there’s so much variety within the practice that sessions with different instructors can feel poles apart. Some swear by power yoga, while others lean more towards mindfulness. For Naomi Balderson, a Jersey-based instructor, the practice is a spiritual lifeline that acts as a vehicle for inner healing.
Her journey began when she was searching for something to aid her mental health, and it was initially her dad who introduced her to yoga. “We would go together every week,” Naomi said, “and I found it helped my mood so much. Of course, there’s the movement and exercise aspect to it, but more than that – it’s meditation and stillness. You can just shut off for an hour and not think about everything in your life, finding that peace.” The practice became an anchor for Naomi when she was searching for a safe space to unwind.
In the absence of a routine during lockdown, the consistency of yoga deepened her passion, eventually leading her to leave her corporate job and explore teacher training in Bali. “When I booked it, I wasn’t thinking I’m going to become a yoga teacher and start this journey. I just thought – this is going to be a really good break for me.” However, after delving into the discipline and learning more about its roots, Naomi’s mindset changed. “I learned so much about the deeper philosophical understanding of yoga. It’s not just a workout – there’s ancient Indian and Vedic philosophy that goes into it. Going to Bali was a really hard experience – but it was amazing.”
On her return to Jersey, Naomi knew she had to teach – not just to share what she had learned, but to retain it. As her practice deepened, so did her interest in alternative healing. “Another avenue of self-improvement and healing was psychedelics. I’d always rejected traditional medication, as I didn’t see it addressing the root problem or surrounding issues. You can’t give someone with depression antidepressants without looking at their past, their environment, their relationships, their parents. There’s so much that goes into someone’s wellbeing – it’s not just that one symptom, it’s the person as a whole”
For Naomi, leaning into psychedelics became a vital part of her healing journey. “One day I sat with mushrooms,” she said, “and it was the most profound experience of my entire life.” It led her to enrol in the Vital 12-Month Programme by Psychedelics Today – becoming the youngest person ever to complete the course.
“I would never do anything illegal,” assured Naomi, “but I did wonder how I could bring this into my work in Jersey – so I started incorporating integration circles into my work.” These circles are safe, confidential spaces for people to process their experiences – often following psychedelic sessions abroad – with support and empathy. “Aside from yoga, that’s my biggest passion,” said Naomi. “My priority is creating safe spaces for people.”
While many go to yoga to improve their flexibility and strength – factors that Naomi doesn’t shy away from – those who attend her classes experience more of a meditation. “I think people sometimes shy away from the fact that there is a spiritual component to yoga,” Naomi reflected, “because it feels hard for them to process or access. But so many of us are just, go, go, go, all day, every day… To just have an hour where you’re moving your body and clearing your mind, sitting with yourself and your emotions, is so important.”
In addition to the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Naomi prioritises facilitating a space where people can come together to form a community. She is dedicated to building ‘third spaces’ – places outside of home and work where groups can connect and heal together. “It’s important to have these spaces,” Naomi explained. “There aren’t many places in society anymore where you can go, meet people and make friends. That’s really my goal – to build human connection, without phones, completely sober, doing things that are good for us. When you get down to the core of it, all humans ever really want is love and connection. That’s all we’re here to do.”
Naomi teaches group classes at the studio above Hotpod – Thursdays, 6-7pm.
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