Hi there.

My name is Wayne McDonald and I am proud to be representing Upward Frog Yoga as a community representative.

My journey with Upward Frog began five years ago when I randomly searched a local yoga class. Top of the search list was Upward Frog, so I tentatively ventured into the studio into Emma's class.

What struck me was how bright and welcoming the studio space was. This was mirrored by how lovely and nurturing the teacher Emma was. Inspired by this positive energy, without judgement and pressure, I was able to lose myself into the heart of the practice and flow with the feeling.

Although I did feel like a clumsy, lumbering sack of spuds!

With Emma's patience and support, I was able to build up my confidence with the physicality of the movement and poses.
I soon felt that mesmerising, beautiful wave of well being wash over me, like the best, blessed meditation!

This, soon became something to look forward to and cherish. A hearty, happy buffer in which to de-compress the challenges of life, in a warm, welcoming space of camaraderie, connection and community.

Outside of yoga, I work for a mental health charity called Making Space. I work in Community Outreach with people of all ages to empower them to sustain independent living. This includes; managing their diagnosis, managing tenancies, benefits, healthcare and supporting with community engagement.

It can also be as simple, as just being a positive energy, a guiding light to empower, build confidence and to talk and listen. My aim is true to inspire and give of myself to bring the best out of everyone I come into contact with. So that they can drive and thrive towards effectively managing day to day living.

I liaise with many other similar organisations throughout the various Community Mental Health Teams in Manchester, and as such I have built up many positive connections. I am passionate with this energy and feel that this is reciprocated with each and everyday.

My hobbies radiate and reverberate around music. I write and record relentlessly.. This spirit is so joyous for me and has been since I was little! I sing and play guitar in a band called Picnic Area and we regularly link in with the We Shall Overcome food bank program, collecting donations for local food banks. As well as belting out Rock'n Roll standards from the ages in residential care homes around the city.

The love of this gift is a blessed release and life affirming!