Omtober Yoga Show

Dear Yogis,

Time to say ‘goodbye’ to September with its summer weather, Harvest Moon, Kapsali retreat and yoga holidays, Ealing Half Marathon, general gorgeousness, and ‘hello’ to October, its ‘Black Moon, dark mornings, Autumn colours, Indian summer and... the yoga show. This is my birthday month and I love it! (And, by the way, if you’re interested in the possible effects of moon cycles on the body, mind and yoga practice, here’s a nice article posted on the Triyoga website.)

Yoga Show and Workshops

This is the month of The OM Yoga Show at Alexandra Palace, 21st-23rd October. I have already booked workshop tickets for: David Sye’s ‘YogaBeats Infamous Chocolate Tequila Rave’ on Friday; ‘Yogangster’ by Benjamin Sears and Goldie on Saturday; Mythical Soulful Vinyasa with Tanja Mickwitz on Sunday and, also on Sunday, Sweet Funk and Flow with Kathy Ran. There are so many free, half-hour workshops to do; you don’t have to pay for the big names or speciality sessions. Let me know if you plan to go and what workshops you plan to take.

Home Studio

According to the revered teacher Sri Pattabhi Jois: ‘”Yoga should be neither be practiced in the open air, in a place that is unclean or malodorous, in a basement, nor on a roof. Instead, the place of its practice should be spotlessly clean and level, have windows, and be suitable for smearing with cow dung”.

Bite the bullet and come to my home studio! There are plenty of places available next week. I have everything you may need for your practice... apart from cow dung, I’m afraid. 

Shooting Stars of our Kapsali Yoga Retreat

Dear Yogis.

I come back from the yoga retreat to autumn leaves, fallen conkers, cool equinox, darker mornings and autumn rain. The night before leaving I gazed for hours at the harvest moon and the glorious night sky and saw shooting stars. Here’s my wish upon a star; two yoga retreats next year! So, please let me know if you would be interested in an ‘early season’ retreat – perhaps early June - taught by me and Kiros, our Kytheran Ashtanga teacher. I’ll keep the September retreat so let me have your expression of interest if you fancy coming/returning.

Feedback Quotes

“The experience has deepened my understanding of yoga, but most importantly has left me feeling nourished!”

“You & Lisa are so inspirational & I feel so blessed to have teachers like you in my life!”

“Thank you for a wonderful break. I learned a lot, not just physically... You Can and you Do when there is love and support. 

“Everyone says I look fab, glowing. Someone said I look like I’ve had a facelift.”

Next Year

Alexandros, who owns Zeidoros (the amphitheatre, art centre and yoga deck), will increase the capacity of the deck and upgrade the space and shading. More room, more yogis, more achievements and more joy! A trip to Mylopotomos will be included next year - to eat in the pretty, open-air taverna, visit the beautiful waterfall and visit our retreat-friend, Sarah, who is a Herbalist and has a shop there. Massage was a huge hit this year and will be available again next.

Home Studio

My studio is positively Bikram in the summer but now back to normal temperatures. You can generate your own Ujjayi heat without passing out. Tonight (Friday 23rd) I have two extra classes (6.00 and 7.30) and there are still places if you’re free and fancy some Friday yogic company.

Postcard from Kapsali Yoga Retreat

Dear Yogis,

Kapsali greetings September 16th 2016. As I write this I’m watching the full moon setting over Kapsali bay, about to disappear behind the mountain. The only sound is of the sea and of the hum of a generator from one of the boats moored in the black night. The lighthouse flashes and I can see car headlights snaking their way up the hairpin bends and disappear into the lights of the next village dotting the hilltop. It’s our last full day on the yoga retreat.

On the first day we asked people to get into groups and discuss what yoga means to them: how it makes them feel and have there been any milestone events in their yoga years. Each group had a similar reaction: yoga gives peace of mind, is calming, helps to get through tricky situations, and offers a safe place. One said it made her grateful and accepting. Another said it was a main pillar in her life. The practice has helped people through the loss of loved ones. All said they feel distinctly and positively different after a class. I wonder if any of this resonates with you.

The milestone question revealed the opposite aspect of yoga – the physical practice and the light bulb moments when a difficult posture becomes easy or when the fear disappeared. Headstands and arm balances are key in this confidence-building aspect of yoga practice. Whereas there were tears for the first question, there were broad smiles for the second. This conversation was unstoppable.

There. The moon is gone and one boat sails out of the bay. The hunters in the next apartment are getting ready for their morning hunt. They kill birds. Not everything is yogic here!

Home Studio

Classes are back on Thursday 22nd September. I have added two classes on Friday 23rd as a one-off in case any of you want to catch up on missed classes. Did any of you try other yoga classes? Elena Sensei, Yoga West, Teresa Saliba’ Yoga First?

Our Little Life is Rounded with a Dream

Dear Yogis,

We’re off to Greece on Sunday! When we get back the nights will properly start ‘drawing in’, bikes will need lights again, and a band of tanned yogis will be in your midst, all ashtangered up, aligned and enlightened!

Home Studio

There are no classes in my Home Studio until Thursday 22nd September. I have added two classes on Friday 23rd as a one-off in case any of you want to catch up on missed classes. While I’m away, here are a couple of places you could try for your yoga practice. Elena Sensei has a studio just at the top of Windsor Road where the old Allied Irish Bank used to be. As always, Yoga West in Acton has a bewildering array of wonderful teachers and a 30 day introductory offer. One more, Teresa Saliba’s Yoga First is in Corfton Road I’ve been meaning to go there ever since we met last year.

Yoga Family

Sad news that one of our yoga family has passed away. Lindsey, who practiced yoga at Eden Fitness, went to bed, fell asleep and left us in August, with summer still shining on her life. She was nowhere near her own autumn of fading light or winter's chill... but she left us anyway.

She enjoyed yoga, she was excited to be studying for a Creative Writing degree, she was a voice/speech coach and she always had music in her voice and a ready smile. She worked once as a chef on a yoga retreat making vegetarian food. I was hoping that we would one day work together under an azure sky in a far-away land. The last time I saw her she was swishing through Walpole Park with her amber beads and looking lovely. Lindsey Pearson 1960 – 2016.

Remember to tell people you love that you love them, or people you’re proud of that you’re proud of them, or if you called just to hear someone’s voice, tell them. My Old Uncle Bill told me on the phone recently that he just wanted to hear my voice... it gave me such joy!

Last Call!

Dear Yogis,

Nine days to take-off for the second Good Times Yoga Greek retreat! I still have one place and this is my last push to inspire you to take it up. Please pass this email on to anyone you might think would be interested in coming. Don’t wait till next year – we have no idea what time has in store for us! I have added information to my website; you can find this year’s timetable there and also a list of Ashtanga postures you are either familiar with or will definitely become familiar with.

There’s plenty in the tiny and exquisite seaside village of Kapsali to hearten your yoga and make you feel wondrously different. Yoga in our normal setting takes the edge off life's stresses but yoga in Kapsali is practiced at a whole new level. The body unwinds, hustle and bustle is wiped from the hard drive, the shoulders drop down to their rightful place, the hard-drive disappears! On the day we arrive, we will be greeted by 25°C and a clear sky, winds light and variable.

This year we have our own Shiatsu Massage practitioner, Evagelia, to treat our tested muscles. Come and practice yoga under Greek skies.  Pick and eat figs from surrounding trees after class. Sit in cafes, gaze at the sea and let the sound of the waves wash over you. Ahhhh, I can’t recommend it enough.

Home Studio

More loveliness in my Home Studio this week. I’m lucky enough to have new people join classes or take private sessions after coming across my website.  I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming new yogis this week and I can never quite believe how lucky I am to be the one introducing them to the benefits of yoga. I’ve seen such massive progression from people who were beginners not so long ago. As I write this only next Thursday is fully booked. Other classes next week have plenty of space. People seem to book a week or two in advance now.

Teacher Training

My teacher, Valentina Candiani, is offering her autumn teacher training course beginning Friday 14th October. Details on her website. I notice that another trainer, Lucas Rockwood in Barcelona, said that in ten years of his TT course, 3-5% of his graduates go on to make yoga their career and their livelihood. That means that the vast majority are taking these courses for their own interest and benefit. My motivation for taking Valentina’s course back in 2011 wasn’t very well defined but it felt completely right the minute I started the course.

In Other News

The ballot for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 is open. Grab life by the handlebars! The entry for the September 25th Ealing Half Marathon closes when places sell out. It’s an award-winning race: number one half marathon in the UK (twice) and number one for atmosphere. Get your medal!

Braveheart Yoga

Dear Yogis,

I often reflect on what great yogis you are. You’ve turned up to class with injuries, physical conditions, sheer tiredness, heartbreak, panic attacks, and other challenges of life – perhaps even miscarriage and bereavement. You all amaze me with your bravery and effort. I’m so humbled by your courage; your will to turn up and get through a class with a belief and trust that something good will come out of this - something physically and emotionally beneficial. You’re great! I learn a lot about yoga from you.

Greek Yoga Retreat

A couple of you are still thinking about coming. That’s OK. Last year, one of our number decided to join us one week before departure. If you do, you won’t regret it. If you’ve collected air miles, that makes the flights more affordable. We have more space in the day to relax this year (starting earlier in the morning) and some wonderful optional extras. You already know that a week of yoga will improve your practice exponentially. What about a Zen Shiatsu massage to go with that, located right by us in Kapsali Bay? Or a diving session with Kythera Dive, or ‘cave swimming’ with Spiros and his glass-bottomed boat, both also located in Kapsali? There’s walking and canyoning too. It’s my favourite place in the world... it might become yours.

Home Studio

Next week, Monday is a Bank Holiday and I’ll be running two classes – 6.00pm and 7.30pm. It’s September next week so the Thursday class is back at 8.00 for Ashtangis. As I write this, there is space on all four days – only the 6.00 Monday class is full.

Local Yoga Studio

I’ll be teaching an Ashtanga class at Yoga West tomorrow (Saturday) at 8.30 – 9.45. Yoga West is our very own west London Yoga Studio just off Acton Vale. I believe the classes are £15 (Their website is down at the moment).

Yoga in the news

Hormone yoga therapy could cure menopause's hot flushes and mood swings. According to The Standard, ‘London studios such as Triyoga and Ten Health & Fitness are offering classes and workshops specifically designed to harmonise our hormonal systems as an alternative or supplement to medication.

Hey ho!

Have a wonderful bank holiday / carnival weekend.

You Are Perfect

Dear Yogis,

Last weekend I attended workshops with Kino MacGregor. She’s a super star of the yoga world. I often play her CD of yoga chants in class when I teach. She’s funny and lovely to learn from, and here’s how the first workshop started: ‘Each person is born perfect. The purpose of the practice is to recognise that true spirit, not to accumulate postures – a sort of materialism when it comes to poses. Your worth doesn't depend on achieving a posture. If you operate from a sense of wholeness, the outcome is already whole. If you operate from the perspective of accumulating postures then you will never have enough to be whole.’  

Greek Yoga Retreat

Come with us! Take the last spot!

Here’s a recommendation from last year: "It was fabulous to go on a proper yoga retreat, I've been disappointed in the past and it put me off going for a while!! Both Tania & Lisa, the yoga teachers, were phenomenal, really knowledgeable, passionate, encouraging and awe-inspiring!! Covered lots of different types and aspects of yoga, I could go on and on……..a testament is that most of the class of 2015 are booking for next year, including me!!”

Home Studio

There are still places on Monday’s two classes next week. One is from 6.00-7.00 and the usual one is from 7.30-8.30. On September 1st I’ll reintroduce the Thursday class.

Event

Next Thursday evening, 18.00, in Whitehall Gardens there is a yoga event to raise money for St Martin’s in the Field homeless charity, The Connection. All you need to do is take your mat and enjoy yoga in the Autumn evening. The teachers, Dora and Lisa say it’s: ‘a 60 minutes DONATION-BASED Yoga Class that welcomes all ages & all levels’ and ‘There is absolutely no stress about being new to Yoga’. bit.ly/2bFApuL

Hit & Run Physio

Oh the pain! I think it’s easier to be hit by a car and it’s certainly quicker! However, the elbow and the expertise are hugely appreciated and I’m looking forward to being pain-free with the physio’s help. My homework includes bridge pose with glutes engaged. Many yoga teachers instruct that bridge and wheel should be practiced without engaging the glutes – which I never really understood. The physio is very, very clear that glutes need every opportunity to strengthen, especially for a commuter cyclist like me as “cyclists don’t use glutes”! Here’s a very detailed article on the subject of glutes-or-no-glutes in backbends, in case you’re interested.

Off-Piste Yoga Paradise

Dear Yogis,

Last weekend’s workshops I attended with Danny Paradise were so much fun that I urge you to book yourself a place if you ever get the opportunity. We started in the traditional ashtanga way and soon went off-piste (suddenly we're in ‘Bird of Paradise’!). He said: “Yoga practise is play; it isn’t dogma” and he handed out more and more yoga poses like giving sweets to children. We were greedy and excited to try more. He emphasised: ‘Yoga is designed to create independence and freedom. There is no guru. There is no intermediary. These techniques are designed for you to create mastery in your own life’. He was fun and deep at the same time, as it should be.

Home Studio

Next week the classes in my home studio are all full with waiting lists so I have added an extra class on Monday at 18.00-19.00. You can book as usual through the website. If it suits you, I’ll keep that class at that time.

Greek Yoga Retreat

A month from now, on September 12th, we will be practicing for the first time in the open, under a Greek sky, in Kythera. Our guest teacher last year told us that Kapsali Bay, shaped like an ‘Om’, has healing properties. I believe him! Lisa and I have agreed on a timetable and I will be sending that out to those who are coming and to you if you are interested. One more place has become available so you can take this opportunity to treat yourself to a week of yoga in the warmth and friendliness of Kapsali Bay. If you are planning to take a holiday on your own this is perfect for you. Most of our group are solo travellers.

Yoga Podcast

As usual, I find Lucas Rockwood a really easy, informative and entertaining listen. This week he talks about how to appeal to men and get them to practice yoga. Does gender dictate fitness preferences? What are the differences between how men and women keep fit? His guest talks about strength training that yoga can’t provide - that nothing in yoga mimics the pull-up or rowing motion with resistance. He says yoga should be only one component of your fitness routine. www.yogabody.com/episode-215-guys-yoga/

Next week

After my hit & run last year, the solicitors have agreed to provide physiotherapy which starts next week. The therapist promises to be tough! That probably means he’ll use the dreaded elbow in my painful points... and I think next week’s Friday Email will be comic.

Cat on a Mat

Dear wonderful Yogis
I often get asked about yoga mats. The majority of you cope manfully on slippy gym mats! Here are the ones I use in my home studio:

Calyana caught my attention at The Yoga Show last year. I was in a workshop and was incredibly impressed with the thickness, grip, and how delightful it felt. £50 but they probably will be cheaper at the Yoga Show.

Atmananda is the expensive one. I was given the first one by the NY yoga teacher/mat designer. It has hand and feet outlines, a line for the 45-degree angle of the foot in warrior poses and it comes in three sizes. It's heavy, though, but I think it's nice if you want to inspire your home practice. £75

Lululemon’s ‘Un Mat’ was given to me in a really beautiful and unexpected act if generosity and it subsequently inspired lots of yogis in my classes to get one. It's thin and designed to go on top of the gym mat. It has a grippy side and a smooth side. It's very light. I think everyone who bought one loved it. If you do a free class at a Lululemon shop, you get to try out their mats. £42

Home Studio

You can try the mats here in my home studio. Book a class! Have a go! Classes this month are on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. As I write this, Monday and Tuesday (the yin-like classes) are full. At the moment I’m not teaching on Thursday evenings in my Home Studio while so many of you are on holiday. This means you can have a private class at that time or get me into your workplace and have a go at a corporate class with your colleagues. 

This week was slightly blighted by cancellations. Please understand that I can’t fill a spot with only an hour’s notice of a cancellation – much less 10 minutes notice or simple no-shows  I can’t use my waiting list which is a shame.  

Greek Yoga Retreat

Our Yoga Adventure is in just over a month from now. Now is the time to pay in full if you haven’t already! I have updated this website to give more details including a description of the level of difficulty and a new review of last year.

From Paradise

Dear Yogis,

Next weekend I’ll be doing workshops at Triyoga Camden with Danny Paradise. It’s a name only a yoga teacher could have! He’s a student of Pattabhi Jois, the teacher everyone calls ‘Guruji’ who codified Ashtanga Yoga and taught many westerners in the 70s. Danny Paradise’s first teachers were two people I have practiced with, David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff. (Apparently he introduced Sting, Madonna, John McEnroe and Paul Simon to yoga!) I’m really interested in all of the original Ashtanga teachers. They have such a length of service and a beautiful humanity and acceptance. If any of this is faintly interesting to you, please join me.

Greek Yoga Retreat

The countdown to our Greek Yoga Retreat adventure has started and there’s one place left. Right on cue, as I write this, an email came from one of the participants last year who is now back in her homeland, Australia. She said: ‘I absolutely loved all of the workshops we did! Being able to practice all of the complex moves like that really helped me...  I think the real benefit of the retreat is the depth it gives to your yoga practice. Before I had participated in classes and had really like them but not really understood what’s going, why we do them and even the proper way to do things.’

The retreat dates are Sunday 11th September to Saturday 17th. Knowledge of the Primary Series is expected. For more details, get in touch and/or check out my website: www.goodtimesyoga.co.uk/greek-yoga-retreat

Home Studio

The lovely thing about the classes in my home studio is the introductions that are made and the support people give each other. People find what they have in common: trials in life or in yoga, they complain about work or celebrate each other’s successes, some bring along a posture from a gym yoga class that they couldn’t understand and we break it down and make it more manageable. We talk about parents and/or children or whoever we’re looking after. People bring partners, family members or friends to share the class. We take plenty of time after the class to leave – it’s a languid affair. No one jumps up after ‘Namaste’. Getting off the mat, chat and banter, putting shoes on and then off into the evening can take up to 40 minutes! It’s really sweet. It couldn’t be more different to yoga in a gym or studio.

At the moment I’m not teaching on Thursday evenings in my Home Studio unless there is a demand for it. This means you can have a private class at that time or get me in to your workplace and have a go at a corporate class with your colleagues.

Free Yoga

Lululemon in Westfield, Shepherds Bush, has free yoga every Sunday at 10.30-11.30. They provide yoga mats and just ask that you get there 15 minutes early. Pretty good, eh! (All Lululemon stores have yoga classes in the store). bit.ly/29Ef9WG

Whatever you do this weekend - yoga, London-Surrey 100, beach rugby on Finsbury Square -have fun!