Teacher Spotlight: Clive Hayward
In this special series our teachers here at The Secret Space take the opportunity to tell us more about themselves and what brought them to where they are.
In this blog we introduce you to Clive Hayward, aka Yogi Kamalnayan.
How long have you been at the Secret Space and what brought you here?
I took over the chair yoga class from Karen Grimes in 2024 after taking an online chair yoga course with Live Love Yoga. I’m now a full-time yoga teacher!
Tell us about your yoga journey so far. How long have you been practising? What drew you to train as a teacher?
I have been practicing for almost 14 years. My then teacher told me I should become a teacher myself, but I had no self confidence. I’m dyslexic, thought I was too old, and at 6ft 8 and 22 stone did not think I would be a good example of a yoga teacher! But after being diagnosed with prostate cancer then cellulitis twice I decided to try, and flew off to mother India to study.
Where and when did you do your training?
After recovering from my prostate cancer surgery, I went to Samyak yoga in Mysore India for 5 weeks to do my first 200-hour teacher training. After 18 months at home I went back to India with Himalayan yoga bliss in Darjeeling for a further 300 hours. Samyak not only saved my life but changed the way I think about it.
What does a typical class with you look like?
Slow steady and peaceful. I love my Yogis! I feel blessed not only to teach them but to have them in my life.
How do you create a supportive, safe space for clients?
To be honest, as mentioned above I love my Yogis and I think they know it! Treat everyone with kindness and compassion and you get it back.
Do you have a specific philosophy or mantra that you live by?
Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be. There’s also a book called ‘Opening the Door to Your Heart’ that totally changed my outlook on life.
Most rewarding thing about what you do?
Bringing a little peace, calmness and tranquility into other people’s lives. It’s not all about asanas.
What does life look like for you outside of teaching?
Well, I’m retired now so I walk a little, try to read a little (try!) and I have 5 grandchildren who keep me busy! And I’m a man who still loves football! Oh and tea - I love tea!
Your favourite thing about the Secret Space
My Yogis and the overall calmness of the place.
Tell us a fun fact about you aside from your yoga!
I collect teddies – well, anything fluffy to be honest! I also served in the army for a while… so in my life I’ve gone from army boots to yoga sandals!
To find out more about Clive’s classes at the Secret Space, visit his page here.