I often get asked what the difference is between Yoga and Yoga Therapy so I thought it may be helpful to share with you my thoughts about this below.

Yoga and yoga therapy both share the same foundation, but their purposes, settings, and approaches are distinct. 

The theme for my classes this week is linked to the clocks going back this coming Sunday, which marks a return to Greenwich Mean Time. 

The falling leaves of Autumn have been happening for a while now, and as the clocks change and daylight saving time ends, it’s another useful reminder to embrace the flow of life, recognising that change is inevitable. 

I hope you had a wonderful October so far! I’m thrilled to be back to teaching private 1-2-1s starting tomorrow, Friday 18th, after taking a short break for a second cataract operation. Incredibly, we have access to such advanced treatments—and on the NHS, no less! With the new lens in my right eye, the world around me appears brighter and clearer, which is a real joy. I must admit, though, that I’m also noticing more cobwebs and dust than before!

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility; it builds strength, improves mobility, and reduces stress. In this blog, I’ll share how yoga can benefit men and how to make it part of your routine.

Did you know that the average person speaks 16,000 words per day (Mehl et al, 2007) and on top of that, we listen to the radio, podcasts, music, often when we first wake up or on the way to work or walking in nature. Then there is watching and listening to TV and social media. This constant noise contributes to draining our energy.

As nature awakens around us, we are greeted with the gorgeous blossoms, the magnificent magnolia trees, the colourful tulips and other radiant flowers, whilst the melodious songs of birds fill the air, heralding the arrival of this beautiful time of year.

Trying to find moments of tranquility in everyday life can often feel like an elusive dream. Amidst the noise and busyness of life, our breath remains a steadfast anchor, offering a pathway to inner peace and clarity. We all breathe and hence we all have access to the transformative power of breathwork to quiet the mind and soothe the soul.

A retreat in the sunshine can be really transformative as well as relaxing and rejuvenating, I appreciate that this isn't always possible. So have you thought about creating a yoga retreat right in the comfort of your own home? Taking time to find solace and peace within the walls of your personal space can be a game-changer. So, here are some suggestions for crafting a rejuvenating retreat that caters to your body, mind, and spirit.

Last week, I was forced to spend a few days lying on the sofa and in bed, nursing a cold. Feeling a bit miserable and frustrated that my plans would have to be shelved, including having to cancel my yoga classes, I reminded myself that if I embraced it rather than trying to fight it all the time, feeling unwell can be a profound teacher offering helpful insights. While I did get glimpses of the insights, they have emerged more clearly now that I am feeling much better. 

I always think that changing the clocks can act as a very useful reminder about impermanence and change.

Change is a fundamental aspect of life. When the clocks go back in the UK, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of change. This seasonal shift serves as an excellent opportunity to reflect on the concept of change and how practices such as yoga can support us in embracing it.

One of my practices is to step back and notice whether I have once again got overly caught up in the constant demands and expectations of life. As part of this, I take note as to whether I am once again clinging tightly to desires, fears, and attachments, which often lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

I feel incredibly fortunate this August, I enjoyed a trip to the West of Scotland to stay with some friends. We hiked, explored, and took the breathtaking train journey from Mallaig down to Glasgow. During the five-hour train ride, my eyes were open so wide and my mouth agape in awe of the stunning scenery. It was incredibly uplifting and inspiring.

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding inner calm can often seem like an elusive dream. The demands of work, relationships, and daily responsibilities often leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. But what if there was a way to tap into a profound sense of tranquility amidst the chaos? Enter the world of meditation, a practice that has been harnessed for centuries to cultivate inner peace and balance.

Greetings from the enchanting island of Zakynthos,

I am feeling very fortunate to be here, leading a group of beautiful souls on a week-long yoga retreat. Following our morning yoga practice outside on the shaded yoga deck, I am sitting writing this, surrounded by olive trees, apricot, pear and lemon trees, listening to bird song, with the clear, crystal turquoise waters of the Ionian sea in the distance.

1/ Standing in Mountain pose - you can do this anywhere at home, at work or when you are out and about. Standing with your feet facing forward and hip width apart ( approx 2 fists distance between your knees and feet - you can bring the feet together too if you wish, but keeping a small space between the feet can bring a more stable feeling for many people.

As many of you know, most of my West Hampstead yoga classes are in the evening. One of the benefits of the longer hours of darkness at this time of year, I always think, is that we have more opportunity to enjoy the different types of lights around us as we practise - including the tranquil atmosphere of candlelight.