Marley Thorpe is one talented lady. Not only is she the founder of Woman of the Wild she is also part of the Wandering Folk team and the younger sister of our founder, Sharnee Thorpe.
She uses her talents to create beautiful safe spaces in which people can explore and connect to a deeper part of themselves. She was the guiding force behind our Moonshadow campaign, and as our resident yogi she shared with us on how yoga brought healing and direction to her life's journey. Enjoy the interview below...
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm Marley, 28 years young and in love with all things bright, colourful, and WILD. I am a yoga teacher, free mover, truth-seeker, and a deep thinker... I grew up surrounded by nature, it soothes my souls and is my biggest teacher. I live for the ocean and to move my body in weird and wonderful ways!
What lead you to yoga?
I started dancing at the age of 4 and fell with movement and expression. I loved expressing myself through movement and sharing it with those around me. Even at a young age, I was aware of the depth of this practice.
As I grew older my love for movement kept me connected and inspired. At the age of 21, I found yoga or yoga found me, AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE.
Tell us how it has changed your life?
Before yoga, I was a professional dancer. I trained in all styles until I was 20, it was my dream job. Though once I was in the industry, it was not as glamorous as it seemed from the outside. We were constantly criticized for the way we looked and the way we moved our bodies. The dance industry was brutal, I was never skinny enough, tall enough, flexible enough.
So I quit, not because I gave up, but because I wanted to reconnect with myself from a place of love instead of judgment. I healed my relationship with my body and mind through yoga. I dedicated a whole year to self-love and self-compassion, I started seeing everything differently. My mind began to open and my entire world began to change...
What would you say to someone who has never done yoga before?
If you are feeling called to yoga, listen to the calling. Trust that it will give you exactly what you need. Whether it is to relieve tension from your body or to clear your mind, or to just take an hour for yourself away from the noise of the world. Try to let go of the little voice that says "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible". Use it as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and tune into the wisdom of your body.
You never regret a yoga class :)
What’s your greatest achievement?
Yoga has brought so much depth, beauty, and adventure to my life.
I spent 6 months traveling through India, where I completed my 500-hour teacher training. This experience was the most soul-expanding journey. From there I got a job teaching in Sri Lanka. I was supposed to be there for one month and I ended up living there for 3 years. It became my island home. I taught at many different surf and yoga retreats up and down the south coast.
This is where 'Woman of the Wild' was born. The simplicity of island life allowed me to connect with my innate wildness, a deep sense of freedom and connection. Then I decided to needed to share this with others. So I started hosting women's retreats and welcomed women from all over the world. Each retreat I have hosted, women tell me it has changed their life. This by far is my greatest achievement, knowing they have been deeply inspired.
Has yoga led you to your purpose?
Yes! Though, It hasn't been an easy journey. It has been deep, challenging, confronting yet the most magical thing I have ever experienced. When I am hosting a retreat, I have this deep knowing this is my purpose. This is what I came here to do. To create a space of non-judgment, so women can express themselves freely. And reconnect with the wild woman that lives within them...
To connect with Marley and experience one of her retreats for yourself, visit Woman of the Wild. Happy International Day of Yoga everyone x
