My name is Harriet MacMasters-Green and I believe that everyone deserves positive mental health. I am a mother to two young boys, actress, yoga and meditation teacher.
I am incredibly honoured to have won the first ‘Women to Watch’ competition by Darling magazine. At the time of writing, my Intuitive Soul Sanctuary on demand yoga and meditation space is six months old. The seeds of this space were sown throughout the pandemic when I saw how much covid was taking its toll on my community. I am no stranger to anxiety, panic attacks and the daily struggle. It is in fact my own experiences that have provided the catalysts behind my practices and offerings. It’s the most amazing feeling to be able to remain close to my students and members at any time of the day and night and to provide accessible practices at an affordable cost. That is the strength of the ISS, that we have both on-demand and live practices accessible to all.
Both acting and yoga have been in my life since I was a teenager. It was my dream to go to India and train to be a yoga teacher, as much as it was to study Shakespeare in Italian in Rome. In the end, I went to study in Rome and lived there for 7 years, acting in both English and Italian, for both film and stage. I returned to the UK and continued acting whilst training for 3 years to become a BWY 500hr yoga and meditation teacher. During this time I also became a mother and the real juggle began. My own struggles (from anxiety, to insecurity, to panic attacks) have only inspired me to help others more. Whether they are new mothers, city or home workers, for me making self care accessible and enjoyable to everyone is my passion. My purpose is for my community and my members to thrive and experience their fullest, most connected lives.
Photo by Eagle Nair Photography 
Photo by Emma Jacobs Photography
About the Intuitive Soul Sanctuary
The ISS encompasses over 99+ on-demand classes, workshops and tutorials and the all themes and practices are unique. My space is also a community space and I hold regular workshops co-hosted with members with an eclectic skill and passion base; including singing, face yoga and jaw specialists, Pilates, mindfulness, HIIT and art. The ISS is a space for you to replenish, calm and reconnect yourself to both mind and body. All levels, ages and passions make up this uplifting space and it is my hope that it will both ignite and inspire you to live your fullest, most present life, long after the minutes that you spend on your mat.
How can yoga and meditation improve mental health?
I get asked this a lot and I would say this is about self care ‘in the moment’ and self care in the moment encourages self love and self love increases our positive outlook on the world. When you do something for yourself that takes you away from your wild mind, to me, that is self care. We all have different views on what this looks like, but to me self care is inextricably linked to ‘presence’. When we are present to something, we are fully focused in that moment. Much of our suffering is due to the thousands of negative thoughts that crowd our minds each day. This can effect how we feel about ourselves, our lives and the relationships surrounding us. Yoga means ‘union’ and union through mindful movement unites us; with ourselves, our bodies and our community. Meditation slows the mind down, while mindfulness serves as the guide that reaches out the hand.
What if I struggle with shutting off my mind?
This is not an uncommon question when I talk about what I do as a yoga and meditation teacher. I would suggest that you start by inviting ‘micro moments’ of awareness into your day. I would invite you to come to a quiet and comfortable seat, perhaps on a cushion. If you find sitting or lying down difficult due to a racing mind, I would suggest that a walking meditation can really help; Taking a walk around your home or outside whilst listening to nature or a soothing meditation can have a dramatic effect on your mood and this may ultimately lead you to a better space for a seated meditation or movement practice. You can also consciously slow down an activity; maybe it’s the washing up or folding the clothes; ’noticing’ the sensation of your breath, textures and tones; observing your thoughts; This is meditation, this is conscious awareness.
What ISS Members say:
- “Harriet has an intuitive ability to tune in to my energy and sense how I am and what I need. She adjusts the practice to reflect this and it ranges from joyful and energising yoga flow to gentle, nurturing holds and blissful stillness, visualisation and meditation. Her voice is soul soothing and her teaching makes you feel held, safe and at peace amidst the stresses of daily life. She has created a beautiful community with her Intuitive Soul Sanctuary and I am so grateful to her for teaching, her presence and her care.”
- “Practicing with Harriet is something you’d need to experience to understand her true magic. She has a way of knowing what your body and mind needs throughout the practice. Whenever I leave my mat after flowing with Harriet I feel so motivated and so much happier and lighter overall. She tailors every session to your energy and that makes it both comfortable and comforting, no pressure, no expectations, this is energy flowing.”
- “Harriet’s yoga and meditation is like going on a mini retreat for your soul. The very first class I took with her a couple of years back, I knew I’d found my teacher. Sessions with her have enabled me to stay sane through lockdown. Tuning into her voice you can be lifted to what feels like another dimension. No matter what chaos is going on in your life, you feel she really gets it, and gently holds a beautiful space for you to just be. We all need this right now!”
Follow Harriet at @harriet_mg on Instagram and learn more about Harriett’s work at harrietmg.com
Or email her yoga@harrietmg.com
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