Clocks Backbend

Dear Yogis,

Clocks go back this weekend in the UK. Enjoy the coming descent into the darkness of winter, our major celebration in the depths of the winter with lights, food and presents, and our climb back up into the Spring light accompanied by snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils...  It’s a metaphor! Even in the darkest times there can be family, friends, support and celebration. And the lighter, warmer days are coming. Once the sun is on our faces again, we forget how cold the winter was!

Home Studio

My lucky little home studio had the pleasure of full classes this week and wonderful yogis who bring their best to the class. Out of the blue yesterday a film crew and presenter from SAT-7 TV turned up in need of a backdrop for their filming! (It’s a Christian TV network for the Middle East and North Africa.) This is the first time my little studio has been used like this. (I must do some advertising around Ealing studios!) SAT-7 needed to film a piece about posture in early pregnancy. Apparently the programme will be aired in Iran in five months’ time! 

Come to class! Don’t delay in booking your place. Now that the evenings are darker, the classes seem to be in big demand. The regulars have booked and a few spots remain. Shoes Off And Game On!

Yoga in the News

What’s going on? The Radio 4 Today Programme is talking about yoga... The Times and The Guardian too. It’s all about establishing National Occupational Standards for Yoga. It involves money, politics, history and control. It’s pretty hilarious. (If you want to listen to the Radio 4 piece, wind forward to 8.49. I have to admit, it’s a bit like listening to paint dry.) 

In Our Yoga Community

Raakhee has sent up a business and life coaching agency called Backbone Thinking. She believes that many of us trudge along without knowing our true purpose and what really motivates us. That was me! I definitely know people who need help to balance the demands of work, the need to earn and the absolute necessity of saving their health and well-being. (You know who you are!) Raakhee is offering a free half hour consultation so if you are interested please visit www.backbonethinking.co.uk or call her on 07834374089

Training

Well, I’ve mentioned David Sye and his Tequila Yoga a few times!  I did his workshop at the Yoga Show and after laughing and grinning with every tooth the whole way through, I decided on following his teacher training programme, if he will have me. He interviews all applicants. If you’re interested in joining me, let me know. 

Light Bulb Moments

Dear Yogis,

This morning I taught a class of 32 people in a studio that is used to taking 20-or-so. I’m always struck on a Friday morning by the sheer positivity of the class and the levels of effort. It starts my weekend in a way I am very attached to! I was struck this week when a couple of yogis said that they hadn’t realised how they had been getting a posture ‘wrong’... ‘all this time!’. Please don’t be harsh on yourselves. Teachers have many different ways and styles of teaching so inevitably some postures will come along under certain tuition which work. A slightly different instruction won't suit you. We’re all developing and refining. There are lots of light bulb moments on the way.

Home Studio

Plenty of spaces next week. The regulars have booked their spots and there’s room for more. I had a joyous week this week of welcoming a lot of newcomers to my little studio. I also had the pleasure of being a student in the class of Nina who was practicing her final teacher training assessment routine. I absolutely loved being a student for a whole hour in a small studio with an up-and-coming teacher. I attended her assessment (Friday 21st) with two other Home Studio Yogis and I couldn’t have been more proud. Of course, she passed!

OM Yoga Show

The Yoga Show starts today. It lasts three days. I’ll be there from Friday afternoon for David Sye’s workshop and, if there’s one thing to tempt you, it’s David Sye. Over the weekend I’ll be taking part in ‘Yogangster’ by Benjamin Sears and Goldie, Mythical Soulful Vinyasa with Tanja Mickwitz and Sweet Funk and Flow with Kathy Ran. Marcus Veda, too, if there are tickets left – he’s the one for the Rocket yogis.

Come and see what it’s like.

Yoga in the News

I thought this was funny... a matt for $1,000! And, if you’re interested in actual yoga, here’s an article about yoga in prisons.

Everyday Magic

Dear Yogis,

I was born at 6.40 in the morning of October 10th... but, in truth, we get the chance to be reborn every waking day. We can make resolutions and, if we fail, we get another chance tomorrow – very yogic. Time is a loving parent: always forgives, always moves forward, never looks back, and gives endless new chances whatever our faults. Birthdays are a time to remember that. I felt like magic all the way through Monday and tried to hold on to that sense of feeling special and feeling like the present day is ‘my day’. I recommend this approach! There’s a wonderful positivity you get – like a new love affair.

Home Studio

Plenty of spaces next week. The 6.00 class on a Monday doesn’t seem to have many takers so I have taken it off the timetable for now. I’ll put it back if there is demand. On the other hand, I have had the pleasure of welcoming many new yogis to my studio all motivated with different reasons, from different professions and looking to achieve different things. I’m excited by every new yogi that comes along. (I was very upset to hear that a celebrated yoga teacher from one of the big studios said teaching beginners is boring. Believe me, there is not ever a time that teaching yoga is boring. Not ever.) 

OM Yoga Show

The Yoga Show starts next Friday. It’s such fun. Even if you go for just one day to nose around, there are so many ‘free open classes’ and you can try-out styles and teachers you wouldn’t ordinarily come across. You can buy new gear and turn up to class in yoga fashion! It’s cool and un-cool at the same time!

Yoga Podcast

Here’s my favourite yoga broadcaster Lucas Rockwood talking about how to develop a home practice. Hilariously, he says that on some days you’ll have to call in late to work to get your practice in. Hmmmm! Danny Paradise says that yoga will make you unemployable! Hmmmm!

In Other News

The public ballot entry system for the 2017 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 is now open. I have my place.

Happiness is Right at your Heels - Bertolt Brecht

Dear Yogis,

I absolutely love the interest you take in yoga, especially in the email responses I get to this Friday Yoga Email. Last week I was asked about Downward Facing Dog and how to get the heels touching the floor. Great question! I made a little film in my Home Studio about it. (It’s on YouTube and here on this website on the a Yoga Practice page). Let me know if there is a posture that you want me to unpick.

Home Studio

It was a bit of a wash-out this week as I had to cancel the classes on Monday and Tuesday. As a result, I’ve added a class tonight at 7.30 in case any of you want to catch up. If you haven’t been before, come and unwind to finish your week and recharge to start your weekend.

Teacher Training

“If you want to know a thing, read that.

If you want to understand a thing, study that. 

And if you want to master a thing, teach that.” 

- Yogi Bhajan

My teacher, Valentina Candiani, is offering her autumn teacher training course beginning Friday 14th October. It lasts for 9 long weekends meaning that the first class of the weekend is on Friday evenings. Details on her website. I have seen various students I teach go through teacher training and I still think Valentina offers the best and most supportive course.

I’ve just had my sixth anniversary of starting to train to be a personal trainer with the YMCA. I absolutely loved every second but fate picked me up, shook me down and swapped me over to yoga teacher training. As a result, I have spent my 40s happier than I ever was or could be in the world of office work.

Yoga in the News

The Londonist is apparently on a mission to explore London’s alternative yoga scene and here is their latest article. It’s hilarious!  It includes ‘Loaded Yoga’, ‘HIIT Yoga’, ‘Disco Yoga’, and ‘Hip Hop yoga’.

Yoga West

Tomorrow at 8.30-9.45 I’ll be teaching at our very own yoga-studio-in-the-west. It’s an Ashtanga yoga class. The address is: 33-34 Westpoint, Warple Way, London W3 0RG. Here’s a map. It’s a very nice space to practice in with floor-to-ceiling windows and endless energy in the room. You can also bring a friend for free if you have bought a class pass.

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.