About LaiLin Yoga

“Yoga begins right where I am—not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.”
— Lisa Sparrowe

Hi, I’m Debbie, the owner of LaiLin Yoga and a passionate accessible yoga teacher.

Have you ever felt out of place in a yoga class? Maybe you’ve felt awkward, uncoordinated, or struggled with flexibility? Or perhaps you’ve had trouble keeping up? I believe that yoga is for everybody and every body, and my mission is to help you practise yoga in a way that feels right for you.

I offer gentle, eclectic yoga that blends various styles and influences, including meditation, tai chi, and different forms of yoga. In my classes, I offer variations of postures and movements to meet each person where they are, and I encourage the use of tools—sometimes everyday household items—so that you can discover what works best for your body and mind.

My yoga journey began when I turned to meditation to manage the anxiety and stress of a demanding corporate career. I was drawn to the physical side of yoga to help counteract the long hours I spent sitting at a desk. At first, I hesitated to teach, thinking I wasn’t flexible, strong, or thin enough. But through my training, I’ve learned that yoga is about so much more than just the physical postures (asana). It’s about calming the mind, cultivating mindfulness, and asana is only one step to achieving that!

That’s why I’m so passionate about making yoga accessible for all—so that others can experience its benefits, whether they’re looking for physical relief, mental clarity, or simply a deeper connection to themselves.

 
 

Qualifications and professional development

Yoga Australia, Registered Level 1 Teacher

  • Diploma of Satyananda Yoga Training | Satyananda Yoga Academy, Australia

  • Restorative Yoga Certification | Mitch Gibson, YogaBowl

  • Accessible Yoga Certification | Jivana Heyman, Accessible Yoga Training Academy

  • Teaching Chair Yoga™: The Sitting Mountain Series | Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga

  • Dru Breath Coach Certification | International School of Dru Yoga

  • Teaching Yoga for Elders | Satyananda Yoga Academy, Australia

  • How to Make Restorative & Yin Yoga Welcoming to All Bodies | Natalia Tabilo, Yoga For All Bodies

  • How to (Really) Teach Beginners | Natalia Tabilo, Yoga For All Bodies

What’s in a name?

Lai-lin (麗蓮) means ‘pretty lotus’ and is my Cantonese middle name. I am a fourth-generation Australian-born Chinese.

In Eastern philosophies, the lotus is a metaphor for personal growth—it has its roots in muddy water but breaks through the water's surface to bloom into a beautiful flower. LaiLin Yoga reflects my heritage and personal journey to find balance and peace within myself.

Unfortunately, I don’t speak or understand Chinese (except for some of my favourite yum cha dishes!).