The Founder of Cactus Yogis
Hi, I’m Adele (Del) founder of Cactus Yogis.
I started practicing yoga in 2009 through desperation to support a physical and mental crisis.
Yoga offered me a space to stop and feel into my body, to reconnect with myself. I believe that beneath the stress, self-doubt, and conditioning lies a version of ourselves that is whole, wise and worthy exactly as it is.
For over twenty years, I dedicated my career to supporting children, young people and adults. It was work that aligned deeply with my values and my passion for helping people recognise their worth, develop their identity, and thrive as individuals.
As I embarked on my journey of self - discovery and started exploring the concept of the essential self, I became increasingly aware of how disconnected I was feeling within my professional life.
I realised that the discomfort I was experiencing wasn’t a sign that something was wrong with me. It was a sign that I had grown.
Rather than ignoring the pull, I decided to follow it. I enrolled on a 300 hour yoga teacher training course and began a new chapter in my life.
Through yoga philosophy, self - inquiry, meditation, movement, and reflection, I discovered a framework that mirrored so much of what i had already come to believe. Yoga wasn’t simply about physical postures; it was about understanding ourselves more deeply. it was about peeling back the layers of conditioning and reconnecting with who we truly are.
Whilst the setting has changed, the purpose remains the same. Whether through youth worker, family support, yoga, workshops, retreats, or coaching, my passion continues to be helping people reconnect with themselves.
Travel
Wanderlust Was Always Me
People often ask me where my love of travel comes from. I usually smile because the answer isn’t what they’d expect.
I wasn’t exposed to travel growing up. Family holidays abroad weren’t a regular part of my childhood, and the world felt much bigger and much further away than it does now. Yet, even then, there was something inside me that longed for more. Looking back, I realise it was one of the first signs of my true nature.
Being a Sagittarius, I definitely fit the stereotype that we’re born to explore. Whether you believe in astrology or not, it certainly rings true for me. I’ve always had an overwhelming curiosity to see what’s beyond the horizon, to understand different cultures, meet people whose lives look nothing like my own, and collect experiences rather than possessions.
Much of my travel in my early twenties was done alone. Looking back, those solo adventures shaped me more than I could ever have imagined. Backpacking with very little money taught me resilience, resourcefulness and confidence. Every hostel, long bus trip, shared meal and unexpected conversation became part of my education.
As life has changed, I’ve also been fortunate enough to experience travel at the other end of the spectrum. Beautiful hotels, incredible restaurants and luxury experiences have shown me another side of the world. But here’s the surprising thing…
When I reflect on my favorite memories, the price tag has very little to do with them. Although I will admit to needing a good quality bed these days.
The feeling of watching the sun rise over a mountain, laughing with strangers who become friends, getting lost in tiny streets, trying food you’ve never even heard of, or sitting quietly with a cuppa (or beer) watching everyday life unfold—those moments are priceless whether you’re staying in a hostel or a five-star resort.
Every journey has taught me something. It’s made me more open-minded, more grateful and more aware of how wonderfully diverse our world is. I’ve learned patience when plans have gone wrong, courage when I’ve been alone, humility when I’ve realised how little I know, and perspective when I’ve stepped outside my own everyday life.
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve ever learned haven’t come from books or classrooms. They’ve come from airports, mountain trails, bustling markets, conversations with locals and moments where I’ve been completely out of my comfort zone.
Travel has given me stories I’ll tell forever, friendships I’ll always treasure and memories that continue to shape who I am.
The more of the world I see, the more I realise how much there still is to discover.
And that’s the beautiful thing about travel.
You never really arrive.
You simply become a little more curious with every journey.
After visiting more than 70 countries across six continents, I still get excited planning the next adventure. There are countless places still waiting to be explored, cultures still to learn from and experiences still to collect.
For me, travel isn’t a hobby.
It’s part of who I am.
And I honestly can’t wait to see where the next journey takes me.
My work running Cactus Yogis continues to align with my essential self. Running retreats and my retreat side of the business aligns with who I am. When something is created from your essential self, it carries a different energy. There’s no forcing it. No trying to be someone you’re not. It feels honest, grounded and deeply authentic. I truly believe that we create from that place as the power to ripple outwards.
Check out my RETREATS section…
Thank you for reading, I appreciate YOU. xXx
Qualifications
BA Youth Work - Qualified JNC Youth Worker
BA Fine Art
300 Hour Yoga Alliance - Yoga Teacher Training
ICF Approved Life Coach
Meditation Teacher Training
Trauma Informed Restorative Teacher Training
Trauma Informed Certification
Astrology Diploma
Somatic Therapy Diploma
Cactus Community
The Cactus Community is a yoga-based collective that brings people together to support wellbeing, connection, and mindful living.
Through regular yoga sessions, workshops, and community events, members have opportunities to practice, learn, and socialise in a welcoming environment.
The community also stays connected through its dedicated WhatsApp group, where participants share updates, event announcements, and encouragement, helping maintain an active and supportive network both on and off the mat.