National Iyengar Day, UK (almost)

Today is apparently the first ever National Iyengar Day in UK and Ireland. I had thought to mark this occasion by going to my first ever Iyengar class. A local teacher was offering a free session as an intro and it seemed like a great coincidence since blogging friends (you know who you are!) have... Continue Reading →

January 16, 2016 4

It’s not about me, it’s all about him

I got home from work yesterday and Hubby decided he'd like me to lead him through a yoga practice at home. No prep time, let's just do it! All things considered I think it went rather well! I've never tried to teach a vinyasa practice before (I've barely tried to teach anything before!) but I... Continue Reading →

September 8, 2015 1

Pratyahara by the pool, with my ego (and others) for company

I retreated poolside this afternoon. I didn't want a swim, I just wanted some quiet mat-time. But we don't always get what we want. My mum wanted to come with me. She wanted to watch. She also joined in for a bit! Then Hubby came along. Partly I think to distract Mama. He took a few photos.... Continue Reading →

July 31, 2015 4

Hot holiday yoga

Yoga on holiday -- sometimes a challenge, but always a pleasure. A bit like yoga at home, now that I've put it that way! Yet holiday yoga always feels different. Why is that? Is it the warmth? Hmm, maybe, but my usual studio is far from cool, nor is my home on home practice days. It's certainly not... Continue Reading →

July 27, 2015 4

Metronomes and breathing in yoga asana

My teacher often says that yoga is just about breathing and that asanas are just an extension of this. It’s one of those things I hear, but my brain can’t quite compute. Intellectually I think I get it, but experientially not so much. I mean I know that pranayama is one of the eight limbs... Continue Reading →

July 12, 2015 8

atha yoga anusasanam? now my yoga starts?

So I completed the 3 day immersion I was fretting about so much. And I've been trying to figure out how to write about it in a reasonable sized blog post... but I can't! It was just too much of an experience to boil down to anything sensible. Plus my heart, mind, and body are... Continue Reading →

July 7, 2015 5

Vinyasa in the real world

In my early classes I was as graceful as a hippo: I didn't feel graceful and I'm sure I didn't look it. One of the first things my first yoga teacher explained to me in my very first class was what vinyasa meant -- placing in a special way, deliberately, thoughtfully, with intent. And as with... Continue Reading →

May 14, 2015 3

Learning to love the questions

I just can't not offer feedback, when I love something or when I hate it. 'Continuous improvement' (to use the business jargon) is central to who I am, and I can't help but foist that on others, even if they don't ask it or necessarily want it. So I offered my comments to my teacher... Continue Reading →

April 30, 2015 4

Coming home in a Hatha class (of all places!)

Further to my explorations in restorative yoga last night, I followed up the spirit of trying new things with a Hatha class today. OK, so for most people I imagine [but please correct me if I'm wrong!] Hatha is the beginning, the vanilla yoga, the basic style from which they might then choose to diverge.... Continue Reading →