Warming temperatures, festivity and optimism
/Dear Yogis,
So… we have had Spring Equinox, Iranian New Year, Easter, Passover, and next week is Sinhala/Tamil (and others’) New Year. Warming temperatures and a season of festivity and optimism. And it won’t be long before we have classes on the yoga decking in the garden, like a retreat. Summer afternoon, said Henry James, "the two most beautiful words in the English language"!
My lucky home studio held its first Friday evening Kirtan and Restorative class. Raising the vibrations of the room was Bina Patel with her harmonium, teaching us and leading us in chanting. After that we had restorative postures for relaxing, melting, softening and, as one participant said, “After a long long time I managed to balance my busy mind with my tired body.”
It will be a monthly event, the next on the 24th of this month.
One more new thing is bookable through my website. On Sunday 19th April (next weekend), I’ll be hosting the abbot of Chithurst Buddhist Monastery, Ajahn Ahimsako, to give a sermon in my studio. Some of you came to the last talk in January. You’re very welcome to come to this one or join on Zoom. It is a free event.
Classes
Some changes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are now all Stretchy classes. As those familiar with the classes know, people who may want an emphasis on backs or necks or, for example, can’t do twists, inspire me to curate the class on the day. You lead these classes.
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday = Stretchy yoga at 7.00pm – this is the popular one.
Friday morning = Ashtanga at 8.30-9.30am – this is the one that pushes you.
Saturday morning = Ashtanga at 8.30 – 10.00am – this is the longer one that pushes you.
And, by the way, you can post a google review of my classes here.
Yoga in The News
Portland Monthly has: Portland Reptile Shop Hisss Strikes It Big with S0nake Yoga. ‘Katy Vanek wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of yoga with snakes, but she’s found them to be a dream companion. Here, (pictured) she hoists a Burmese python named Fluffy while surrounded by (clockwise from right) Diamond, an Argentine black-and-white tegu; Callie, an iguana; Gemma, a carpet python; Lemondrop, an albino reticulated python; and Pebbles, an Aldabra giant tortoise.’ (This is the kind of story that my friend Steve Wright would have loved. To be honest, I started this ‘Yoga In The News’ with him in mind. This was his favourite part of my Friday Yoga Email).
Hounslow Herald has: The Speed Yoga Surge: Why 'Flash Flows' are Taking Over the UK Fitness Scene. ‘It is the "Apple Watch" of yoga. Many studios now offer classes synced to wearable data, where the music tempo increases as the room's average heart rate hits the "Orange Zone.’
Men's Health has: He Quit Football and Lost 40lbs – Here’s How Yoga Changed His Body and Mind. ‘I’ve realised that real transformation happens when we prioritise self-care and holistic wellbeing over external goals. Weight loss can come naturally as a by-product of looking after your body, mind and spirit through practices like yoga.’
