Join me for yoga tomorrow at Wells Leisure Centre:

Wednesday 11th August 1.30pm - 3pm

Info/booking tel: 01749 670055

I will be teaching at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Sunday 25th July 9am - 10.30am; 10.35 - 12 noon

The yoga will be high paced, flowing and vigorous.

Booking essential 01749 670055

I will be teaching yoga in Street as follows:

Weds 16th June 7pm - 8.30pm

Venue: Strode College

Book ahead 01458 443918

Join me again for Energize Yoga; a flowing, dynamic class with a yoga beat soundtrack

Wednesdays 12th May  6 - 7pm

Sunday 16th May 9am - 10.30am /10.35am- 12pm

Wells Leisure Centre

Booking essential  01749 670055

I will be teaching an Energize Yoga class in Wells this week. It will be a dynamic, breath linked practice to increase heat in the body and allow vital energy to flow. I will be playing a upbeat yoga fusion soundtrack to lit the mood and maintain motivation!

Wednesday 5th May 6pm - 7pm

Wells Leisure Centre Tel: 01749 670055

How about a ten minute seated meditation for Earth Day.

Place your blanket on the ground, root through muladhara chakra.

As you inhale and exhale' experience your loving connection with Gaia, Pacha Mama, Kali Ma, Isis, Mother Nature.

I love how the bold and exuberant yellow of the daffodils, primulas, tulips in bloom right now reflects the source of the awakened spring energy, the return of the sun! Brightening, vivifying, the sun sustains all life. How we welcome its radiant light and warmth after a long winter! How glorious to walk along lanes that are stirring back to life with hedgerows popping bright green buds and wild greens erupting from the bare ground. Winter’s bare branches will soon be just a memory as spring surges forward into summer.

I have been enjoying sitting out in the garden during the recent bright weather, angling my face into the sun to fully receive its blessing. The sun is at its zenith at around 1pm at this time of year; and at this time its vital force can be felt most strongly.

In yogic and other spiritual traditions it is thought that the sun emanates cosmic energy, a manifestation of prana, which is one of the reasons why we are instinctively drawn to the sun and can feel irritable and even depressed during its absence in winter. Vitamin D3, essential for bone health can only be synthesised through sun exposure, we can rightly consider the solar body to be a source of nutrition.

According to science, the sun emits UV rays, light on a wavelength that is imperceptible to the human eye. It is further understood that prolonged exposure to UV can be a major if not the major factor in skin aging. As I contemplate this, I recall to a visit the rooftops of Fez in Morocco, where artisans stretch animal skins to dry under the seemingly permanent African sun. The equation is simple: sun + skin = leather.

Let us cover up then, particularly as summer advances and the strength of UV light intensifies. I favour a physical barrier that shades the face, it’s important to keep a cool head! Since the Spring Equinox in March I have been diligently applying sun block to my skin. Make this part of your daily routine, so that it becomes as automatic as brushing your teeth. Cleanse and re-apply at midday, particularly if you tend to perspire, touch your face a lot or are physically active. Use a generous amount of product to ensure good coverage and include the area around the eyes, which is the most fragile. Remember too, to cover the décolletage (area between the collar bone and bust) and apply any spare to the back of the hands, perhaps mixed with a little hand cream.

Here are some recommendations of products I have personally used across a range of budgets:

JASON Organics Facial Sunblock spf 20 150g approx £8.50 Fragrance and paraben free 

Clinique City Block Sheer spf 25 40ml £15 Invisible under make-up. Widely acclaimed and rightly very popular.

Lancome Soleil DNA Guard spf 30 50ml £22.50 A personal favourite, a high quality product

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Eye Contour Care High Protection 20ml £16 A specialist product that really works, especially useful if you prefer not to wear sunglasses.

Boots Soltan Face spf 30 50ml £8.75 A competent budget buy, available on every High Street and often available as buy-one-get-one-free

Enjoy the sunshine!

Let us celebrate the birthday of Ravi Shankar, esteemed and renowned sitar player, who turns 90 today.

Thanks to Shankar's pioneering attitude and prolific output, Indian classical music has been well assimilated into our cultural palate. We have availability of the pure form through concerts, kirtan and audio. The taste of India that Shankar gifted us has filtered into our consciousness through the vastly popular fusion styles such as chic chillout lounge vibes of Buddha Bar, the New Age devotional Bhakti fusion of Deva Premal and the joyful, exuberant dance orientated compilations of yoga diva Shiva Rea.

amously George Harrison studied for six weeks in India with Shankar. They met in London after Harrison was introduced to Shankar's work by The Byrds, who were fans of his sound. Shankar has received numerous international prizes, awards, teaching seats and accolades during his long and diverse career and has influenced both eastern and western musicians across popular and classic genres. The full extent contribution is surely beyond measure.

Enjoy this video footage of Shankar instructing Harrison on the sitar in Srinagar

Visit Shankar's official website

Catch this documentary on BBC iPlayer chronicling Shankar's career
(available until 10th April 2010)

I really enjoy the variety that working as a self-employed therapists provides. I am intrigued how each therapy venue, broadly speaking, attracts a certain clientele. Visitors to Glastonbury are usually very familiar with holistic therapies and healing techniques and will often be teachers and practitioners in their own right, taking a break or retreat, deepening their knowledge on workshops and courses.

The guests I meet in the spa environment generally have full time jobs and regular, busy lives. For them, therapies are an occasional treat or pamper. For two out of six ladies today, their massage with me was to be their first therapy experience; something they would not necessarily have chosen for themselves. They were going with the flow of the group and trying out new things as part of a fun filled weekend - they would be taking a line dancing lesson later in the day.

These clients elected to have Indian head massages and I feel that this is a really sensible choice for a first therapy, particularly if the client is nervous or apprehensive about receiving touch. There is a degree of familiarity to having the head and scalp touched, surely all women have had their hair washed at a salon, a generally pleasant and soothing experience. (Indeed the word ‘shampoo’ is a corruption of the professional term ‘champissage’ which denotes head massage.) The treatment is generally performed seated with the client retaining most of their clothing, which lessens feelings of vulnerability and exposure. The massage can also be taken without oil*, which ‘newbies’ seem to prefer.

It is gloriously gratifying to feel tensions subside as the treatment begins; the client relaxes progressively and allows me to support the head and neck enabling a thorough and effective massage. With all due humility I really do hope that those ‘first timers’ at the spa today might be encouraged to book a follow up treatment, and maybe investigate other therapies. In any event I salute their open mindedness and willingness to receive therapeutic touch.

*Application of oil is strongly recommended for therapeutic value, I always offer a choice of oil/no oil and explain the benefits.

www.somersetspa.co.uk Spa breaks in Somerset with a choice of therapies and activities
www.embodyforyou.com/Treatments/ Information about Indian head massage

You may have felt the renewal of energy that Spring brings, a sense of re-awakening and re-vitalisation. Quite naturally we find ourselves spring cleaning our homes, clearing old growth from the garden, shedding layers of winter clothing, wanting to lose weight, thinking ahead to summer.

We can support the body too at this time of year, through harmonising with seasonal change. From an ayurvedic perspective, spring is associated with kapha dosha, water held in earth. To skilfully adjust, we must stimulate kapha, and counteract the qualities of cold, damp, stillness, accumulation and heaviness. Quite simply we need to warm up, become lighter and more mobile!

Nutritionally, it is all about moving away from rich and heavy foods, reducing oil and adding gentle spices, and bitter, pungent flavours to stimulate digestion. Nature provides: you can find wild spring greens emerging in hedgerows and verges, which tend to be strong and bitter in taste, this reduces kapha. Add to soups, juices and salads. It is important to take expert advice on what to pick, look out for led foraging or hedgerow walks advertised locally.

Movement is the real key to stimulating kapha, vigorous activity of all kinds, energetic bouts of gardening, decluttering and spring cleaning all count! For our yoga, increase the number of sun salutations and up the pace a little. Include more standing poses, twists and inversions and hold these for longer. Prepare for your practice with ujjayi pranayama, which increases inner fire.

The body naturally wants to detoxify at this time of year. Support this with daily dry skin brushing. Using a palm sized natural bristle brush, make light long strokes towards the heart. Any heating essential oils are great to add to your bathing rituals. Try black pepper and ginger. Now is a good time to move from baths (passive, slow, relaxing) to showering (brisk, active). A weekly sauna would be great too for adding heat to the body and releasing waste through the skin.

I also recommend massage at this time of year. Massage will assist the natural detoxification undertaken by the circulatory and lymphatic systems and also helps tone the muscles. Ask your therapist for an energising treatment. This will include percussive movements such as clapping, cupping and drumming, and will leave you feeling alive and awake! Ideally, you would book a series of three to four full body treatments to be taken within a two week period.

Wishing you a vibrant, healthy and happy Spring time!  

How about a blast of colour to enliven your yoga wardrobe and brighten your mood as winter  fades out…? For sure this gear is pricey, but a great inspiration source nonetheless.

You  could easily put this look together with High St or charity shop finds.What fun to add a lightweight ethnic scarf to your outfit, you probably already own one. Keeping the chills at bay, effortless style!

Take a browse around the website for further ideas.

www.lovestretch.com

“Am I a good yoga student?” A question posed in earnest after class recently.

Fundamental expectations of basic courtesy such as arriving on time, respecting other students and paying for the session have, happily, always been met by my students. I love the variety of people who turn up to class. I relish having high quality interactions with my students. Mostly I am dealing with a group of regular attendees whom I am getting to know incrementally and respectfully, a mutual rapport deepening over time. Occasionally one meets a new student who has a powerful and invigorating effect, bringing new perspectives. They may stay for one or two classes only before they continue their sadhana (spiritual journey) elsewhere.

Personalities vary greatly; and we do bring our personality to yoga. A student may be passive and quiet, working without an apparent need for attention or they may like to engage the teacher with questions, comments and requests for explanation or assistance. In truth I cannot state a preference for any kind of behaviour or personality type. To categorise students as ‘good’ implies that there is a possibility of being ‘not good’, or ‘less than’; and this is simply not the case! All must be welcomed and accepted for who they are and how they learn. There can be no room for judgement, particularly from the teacher, who best serves by remaining a neutral prop, a facilitator.

The other aspect to the question is the need of the student to receive validation from the teacher in the form of praise or approval. This is such a common scenario as many of us from an early age have not been loved or accepted for who we are are, rather we have built a conditioned and therefore fragile sense of self-esteem and self-respect, needing someone outside of us to tell us that we are ‘good’ that we may feel worthy or even loveable. One’s yoga can be a valuable space wherein one cleanses the false self, sheds expectations and conditioning and cultivates self awareness. Let us practice for the sheer enjoyment of yoga and commitment to a deeper level of self-understanding. Let us relinquish ideas of succeeding and failing; let us practice without attachment.

This is the very advice offered by Patanjali in the yoga sutras:

Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tat nirodhah I.II

I respectfully offer the following translation: the mind is quietened through repeated practice and non-attachment.

In other words, to be a good student; show up for class and then let go!

For a more detailed look at the yoga sutras of Patanjali http://www.rainbowbody.net/HeartMind/Yogasutra.htm

I will be teaching at Strode Leisure Centre, Street as follows:

Wednesday 10th February 7pm - 8.30pm

Advance booking required, call 01458 443918

I am pleased to share the news that Goma will be performing locally next weekend.

The return of these talented, spiritual musicians is eagerly anticipated by many in the Glastonbury community. Goma offer their work in the name of their guru, or spiritual teacher, Mahavatar Babaji. They will be performing sacred chants and mantras from India, skilfully arranged, delivered with love and imparting bliss to an enraptured audience.

Bring blankets and cushions to relax on, dancing usually happens, and maybe some cash to purchase Goma’s exquisite CDs which are lovely to listen to at home.
Chai (spicy milky tea) and cake will be available, with proceeds going to the Saha Astiva Foundation, supporting tribal families in rural India.

Follow this link to my review of an earlier Goma concert.
And here to listen to a segment of Goma’s album track Shiva Maheshwara.

On this occasion the concert falls the day after Maha Shivatri, Shiva’s great night, during which devotees worship the Hindu deity from dusk until dawn with fasting, prayer and devotion. Babaji’s follower’s principle mantra or prayer is offered to Lord Shiva and there will be all night celebrations taking place at the Babaji UK ashram (spiritual residential centre) in Devon. Such auspicious timing bodes well for a powerful evening of absorption and upliftment.

Goma in Concert
Saturday 13th February 2010 8:00pm - 11:00pm (arrive from 7.30pm)
West Pennard Village Hall BA6 8LW
Entrance: sliding scale £6-£10, concessions £5
For further info call Uma 01749 812151

When I tell people what I do, that I teach yoga, people imagine stretching and movement. And indeed the poses are so useful to us in the west in countering our busy, often stressful lives. For many, the weekly yoga class is a precious opportunity to move the body, calm the mind, release tension, and come away feeling calmer, focused and relaxed.

However effective and enjoyable, the postures represent just one eight of the practice of yoga: the astanga yoga or eight limbs described by the great indian sage Patanjali over two thousand years ago. A complete practice includes breathwork, meditation techniques as well as honouring moral and ethical precepts. In short, a template for how we might live in the world, yoga becomes a lifestyle.

I undertook my final teacher training in India, studying one to one with my teacher. At our first session he observed me as I moved through a sequence of poses that by then had become comfortable and familiar. “No more bending” was his considered conclusion. He taught me the power and beauty of mantra, chanting ancient prayers in Sanskrit, deepened my knowledge of pranayama, breathing techniques and we meditated together daily, releasing the mind to become absorbed in an inner bliss. Later in my studies I added mudra, sacred hand gestures to refine and intensify other aspects of the practice.

I have felt increasingly moved to offer a yoga that combining pranayama, mantra and mudra. Thus enabling one to move from the external world to the internal; from the physical body to the subtle body, to become fully centred, surrendering deeply and becoming absorbed in the self.

We had the first class today and it was a subtle and powerful experience. Intimacy and sacred space were created as we sat together, student and teacher in a circle forming a mandala, the symbol of wholeness. The joy of this way of working is that each of us becomes responsible for our personal experience, there is neither a constant referencing of the teacher, nor a need to give adjustment or correction. In stillness and quiet we practiced with eyes closed and a focus on our private, internal experience.

Personally I felt deeply calmed and relaxed and this was reflected in the comments and feedback of the students. The class runs weekly throughout February and March at Shekinashram, Dod Lane Glastonbury.

I will be teaching at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Friday 22nd January 12.30pm -2.30pm

A two hour class affords a wonderful opportunity to relax deeply and work with the breath.

For further info call: 01749 670055

During January I receive many enquiries from those who are new to or returning to yoga. I wanted to share some thoughts and suggestions for anyone who is embarking upon the yogic path.

Which style of yoga will you pursue? Take a moment to think about the benefits you would like. Traditions vary greatly from physically demanding to relaxing and restorative. If you are seeking a spiritual focus, look for a class that includes chanting and meditation.

Choosing the right teacher is key to success and a sustained practice. Opt for drop-in classes rather than paying for a term. Calling ahead for a chat with the teacher is a good way of easing nerves and getting a feel for personality and teaching ethos. You are looking for someone friendly and approachable, a source of inspiration and support who can give individual guidance even in a group context and be sensitive to your needs and learning style.

Consider class times and how this will affect your commitment. Choose a day when you have plenty of free time so that you can arrive ahead of time rather than late and flustered. Seasonality is another factor; many of my students enjoy an evening class during summertime, but find this a very different proposition on a cold, wet, dark winter’s night!

Save money! If you have tried the class and are prepared to commit, offer to pay for a block of sessions and you may well be offered a discount. If on a low income call ahead, there may be a concessionary rate.

There is no need to buy specific yoga clothing unless you follow a dynamic, power or hot yoga. Light stretchy layers such as leggings and short sleeved tee shirt will allow a full range of movement; you may consider whether you need to invest in a supportive bra.

Many studios and teachers supply yoga mats for student use at no extra cost. You may prefer to have your own. Check supermarkets for a budget buy (under £10). I recommend that you pay more and invest in a quality branded mat when you are ready.

Yoga DVDs, wallcharts and books are useful resources once established. I don’t recommend them for beginners. Start your practice with a trained teacher to ensure you progress at an appropriate pace and so avoid injury.

Yoga is therapeutic but is contra-indicated in certain circumstances. If you have had recent surgery or have an active medical condition, do first check with your GP/medical practitioner and if you get go ahead, inform your teacher at the start of class or call ahead. If pregnant you should look a specific pregnancy class as many postures in a regular class will be unsuitable.

Enjoy your yoga! You are setting out on the path of improved health, self knowledge and spiritual fulfilment.

After the exuberant abundance of Christmas celebrations, a fresh attitude of health, simplicity and frugality is a welcome contrast. And so we move into January; a new month, a new year, indeed a new decade. A fresh sweep of time stretches ahead, clean and blank and ready to be imprinted with our hopes, wishes and goals. There is the feeling that we may sweep old habits away with the tinsel and recreate our lives, our very selves anew!

I offer a few thoughts and suggestions for anyone who may be embarking on positive change at this time.

1 Aim for sustainable, manageable change. Be kind to yourself and keep expectations realistic to ensure success.

2 Build upon what you have already achieved. For example an occasional yoga class could become a weekly commitment. If you attend class regularly, why not resolve to practice at home on the days you don’t see your teacher.

3 Let go of old habits gradually. Release the stress and drama of going cold turkey: aim for one dairy/alcohol/caffeine/sugar free day per week. When this is established, extend to two or three days, then five and so on.

3 When introducing new habits, set time parameters. For example including a fresh juice with breakfast for 10 days or for the month of January, then review.

4 Allow yourself to receive. Holistic bodywork such as massage will reduce stress and support other changes, particularly if exercising or detoxing. You might also invest in essential oils, and book a few sauna or spa sessions

5 Prioritise your new habits. Set time and money aside and honour your commitment to yourself. Block out time in your personal diary and family calendar and protect with vigilance! Attending to your health is not an added extra or luxury! It is key to your ability to stay relaxed, healthy. After all, when you are physically and emotionally balanced you will be in a much stronger position to support your loved ones.

I wish you every success in your endeavours and a peaceful and prosperous 2010

Happy New Year!

With cold feet and a warm heart, I have just returned from watching the midwinter solstice sun emerge from the night sky as it rises over Glastonbury Tor, a well observed ritual within my community. Sun worship is an ancient practice; early humans evolved spiritual beliefs and rituals that reflected their relationship with the natural world, and created symbols and deities representing the sun as a symbol of consciousness.

The sun is referenced liberally throughout ancient Indian texts and in the physical yogic tradition, we have surya namaskara, sun salutations, which are performed daily before sunrise. It is a flowing breath linked sequence of postures that generate prana, purifying and rejuvenating the practitioner.

I love the timelessness of surya namaskara and how, as we move through the poses we are connecting ourselves with thousands of years of yogic wisdom and honouring our connection to the rythms of nature. On a study trip to India three years ago I was introduced to a set of bija (seed) mantra that accompany surya namaskara, thus giving a complete and powerful spiritual practice. The sun is named in between each of the thirteen rounds, praising its aspects as follows:

Om mitraya namaha – the sun as friend
Om ravaye namaha – he who shines
Om suryaya namaha – dynamic aspect
Om bhanave namaha – remover of darkness and illusion
Om khagaya namaha - by whom we measure time
Om pushne namaha - who bestows strength and nourishment
Om hiranyagarbhya namaha – the golden germ of all life
Om marichaye namaha - Lord of the dawn, he who illuminates
Om adityaya namaha – the cosmic mother, boundless and inexhaustible
Om savitre namaha - vivifying and stimulating
Om arkaya namaha – source of life and energy
Om bhaskaraya namaha – revealing all truths and showing the path to enlightenment

The practice concludes:
Om sri savitre surya narayanaya namaha – salutations to the universal spirit

Using mantra in conjunction with the physical form allows us connect to and awaken these divine qualities and thereby embrace the tremendous strength and potential that exists within.

Join me for yoga in Wells:

Wednesday 16th December 1.30 - 3pm

Call 01749 670055 for information

I will be teaching an additional class this wek:

Wednesday 16th December

Crispin School for Strode Leisure 7pm-8.30pm  Call 01458 443918

I will be teaching at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Monday 14th December 5pm-6.30pm

For further info or to pre-book call 01749 670055

At this busy time of year it is important to take time out for ourselves. Periods of planning, shopping and socialising need to be balanced with adequate rest, exercise and good nutrition.  Here are my 5 top tips for festive harmony:

1 Savasana with props: The ultimate restorative pose to calm the senses and soothe the nervous system. Try to find time for this every day during the run-up to Christmas. Lie on your back with a rolled towel or blanket under the knees and another support under the neck. Close the curtains, close your eyes. Relax deeply, allowing a full deep breath. Stay here for 10-20 minutes.

2 Carry a small atomiser of rosewater to mist the area around the face. The skin is easily dehydrated by central heating. This simple intervention de-stresses, freshens, hydrates and uplifts!

3 Select a simple mantra or affirmation, such as All is well, or Everything is flowing smoothly, My day always unfolds effortlessly. Write it out and place somewhere where you will see it several times a day: the mirror, fridge door, dashboard of the car or tuck into your purse.

4 Take healthy snacks to parties and social events to prevent overindulgence and mindless eating. I like to take grapes and fresh dates.

5 Stay connected to nature. The winter landscape can be quite breathtaking with bare trees silhouetted in bright daylight and hedgerows bejewelled with berries. I like to take a morning walk along the lanes around Glastonbury Tor; breathing in fresh air and enjoying the quietness of it all.

 I will be teaching additional classes this week as follows:

Wednesday 2nd December

Crispin School for Strode Leisure 7pm-8.30pm  Call 01458 443918

Friday 4th December

Wells Leisure Centre 12.30pm-2.30pm   Call 01749 670055

I have noticed during the last few days that my facial skin is becoming a little dry; perfectly natural during the colder months. I have introduced a weekly cleansing routine to nourish the delicate complexion. This is ideally performed in the morning.

Firstly, an oil massage to maintain moisture levels and boost circulation. Right now I am using Neal’s Yard Orange Flower Facial Oil, which comes in a handy dropper bottle for easy application. I would also recommend Weleda’s Wild Rose Intensive Facial Oil capsules, rich in essential fatty acids and winner in the 2009 Natural Beauty Awards. A budget option would be pure apricot kernel oil. This has a delicate sweet scent and is intensely moisturising, often the base ingredient in natural skincare products. Ask for it at your local health food store.

Apply the oil with light upward strokes from below the jawline to the forehead. Use fingertips to ‘tap’ all over the face, taking care around the eyes. If time permits, rest with the eyes covered in cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel and pre-cooled in the fridge.

Now exfoliate with your preferred product. Modern Friction by Origins is widely acclaimed; One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser from Clarins is suitable for daily use, Boots Botanics Purifying Face Scrub is a great budget buy.

Apply with the fingertips, patting and rolling the product, avoid vigorous scrubbing movements.

Remove with a muslin square soaked in hot water to which you have added your favourite essential oil: I favour lavender, frankincense or orange, dependant on my mood.

Follow with a cool cloth, apply toner and daycream. Voila! You should be experiencing bright, clear and well hydrated skin.

More and more I find that incorporating mudra, sacred hand gestures, into my personal yoga practice and teaching. It is a means of adding subtlety. working with yogic energy systems and refining  practice.

Chin mudra is well known and commonly associated with yoga: picture a yogin in seated pose, eyes closed, hands balanced on thigh or knee, open palms with thumb and forefinger touching. A simple yet auspicious form.

Sit comfortably, either in sukhasana, siddasana or padmasana. Rest the back of the wrists on the upper thigh, close to the knee. This in itself creates a closed energy circuit within the body and stimulates one of the main nadi (energy channels) on the inner thigh. With relaxed arms and soft, open hands, touch the tumb and tip of forefinger. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the rhythm of your breath, inhaling and exhaling through the nostrils.

Symbolically, chin mudra represents the joining of jiva atma or individual consciousness with brahma or universal consciousness. An appropriate mantra would be so-ham, inhaling so and exhaling ham. Brief and powerful, so-ham can be interpreted as I am that; a reminder of our true and infinite nature.

I arrived at class today to find several of my regular students already in the teaching studio, arranged in corpse pose, covered with blankets. I took this as a sign that a quieter practice was called for!

The weather outside was pretty turbulent; the long Indian summer of warm sunny days that persisted through September and October has yielded sharply to a November of chillier temperatures and the return of the rain.

The steady yellow glow from a halogen heater in the corner of the studio was evocative of the departed sun. We used ujjayi pranayama to increase our inner fire or agni and create heat internally. This warrior breath can be used throughout the practice of sun salutations and standing poses.

The use of additional stretches, parsva chakrasana, kati chakrasana are also appropriate during the colder months and we may have to make peace with a lesser range of movement. It feels good to spend longer in restorative poses such as balasana (childs pose), creating natural pauses in our asana sequences. Generally working with fewer poses. And we opted for a a passive inversion, with the trunk relaxed on the ground and the legs raised and supported on the wall.

A longer savasana is also called for, with a blanket to retain heat; allowing the body to rest completely.  As we rested quietly in the final moments of the session, the ran ceased, the sun reappeared. A welcome blessing!

The sound of cracking joints, perhaps when rotating wrists or ankles is a clear signal that something is not quite right. It is the audible expression of  vata dosha, the air aspect of our constitution. The popping sound accompanies the release of gas in the joints.

Usually, this comes about as a result of overexertion, a period of increased activity or movement creates an excess of vata in our system. This effect may be more strongly felt during autumn which is the season of vata: it is a time of change characterised by wind and falling leaves, a drying out as the life force of the natural world is withdrawn as we move towards winter.

If unattended to, vata will accumulate in the tissues of the body and overtime may manifest in degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

To restore balance firstly it is a matter of slowing down and resting. This brings a halt the generation of vata and allows us to harmonise with the seasonal cycle. Joint health is restored through lubrication. Warming, nourishing, heavy oil counters the qualities of vata (light, dry, mobile, rough, erratic). If possible take a professional massage treatment on a weekly or fortnightly basis throughout the colder months. As part of your evening routine, apply lightly warmed sesame oil to the body in light strokes in the direction of the heart. Pay special attention to hands and feet, ankles and wrists.

You may like to use mahanarayan ayurvedic oil, an ancient traditional formula prepared with medicinal herbs that restore and maintain the health of your joints, available widely on the internet, I have found a good brand reasonably priced here.

 
Wishing you good joint health!

October brings the first frosts, vivid autumnal foliage, the clocks are adjusted hastening darkened evenings and celebration: Hallowe’en, Samhain, Diwali. We bring fire into our lives through lighting and heating our homes, warming food and burning candles.

I enjoy the subtle changes that can be noticed on a daily basis at this time of year: a few final warm, sunny afternoons, the turning of a leaf, horse chestnuts, acorns and beechnuts strewn in abundance in country lanes. The enchanting morning mists, the sharp chill in the air and glorious melting sunsets.

In terms of our yoga, we can respect Nature’s rhythm by slowing our practice and taking a longer savasana so as to harmonise with the resting phase of the annual cycle. We can add heat to counteract the chilly, damp mornings with heating pranayama and meditation on the sun, fire or our own solar centre.

Ayurveda would further suggest the use of warming colours for our clothes and in our homes and taking brisk exercise outdoors at midday whilst the sun is at maximum strength. We might consider supplements to increase the digestive fire such as black pepper and ginger powder, or ashwaghanda to maintain a strong immune system.

I have started using the sauna once or twice weekly to detoxify and add heat and am favouring gently warmed soup over juices. My essential oils have become less floral and more woody and spicy: using rosemary and black pepper in footbaths and for massage.

Enjoy October!

I will be taking class in Wells at the Leisure Centre this week as follows:

Tuesday 7.15 - 8.45am

Wednesday 1.30 - 3pm

For further details or to pre-book call 01749 670055

We are experiencing the autumn equinox, the point in the calendar at which day and night are of roughly equal duration. The long days of summer have ended and we find ourselves moving into a phase of shorter days and lengthening evenings as the sun departs on its journey to illuminate and warm the southern hemisphere.

Last weekend we were blessed by sunbaked days of continuous blue skies and summer temperatures of 22 degrees. It felt like July, in fact it was an improvement on this year’s rain sodden July. I was fortunate to be spending the equinox with like minded company at the Out of the Ordinary festival (OOTO) in Sussex. While the classic elements of the green festival scene were in full effect such as chai stalls, workshops, saunas and great bands, the timing of the event enabled us to  celebrate the equinox, making the most of the fading light around campfires, chanting and drumming together. The sunshine boosted the mood and helped create a memorable, magical event.

Back in Glastonbury, the equinox was honoured by a ceremony at the well head of the White Spring, at this very time I was holding my weekly drop-in yoga class at the Rowan Centre on the High Street. With the equinox in mind we used nadi shodana (alternate nostril) pranayama to reflect internally the balanced situation of the sun, finding a moment’s pause at the end of the inhalation and exhalation as we have perfect equilibrium in the solar cycle.

As a final farewell to the summer sun, many friends will be gathering at Coed Hills rural arts community in South Wales. With the sun continuing to pour its blessings steadily upon us it looks to be a lovely gathering, with workshops, a healing space and cabaret to keep each other happy and well. I am negotiating a last minute workshop proposal for a pranayama & mudra session as my contribution, I am hoping that this will go ahead.

Howsoever you spend the weekend it looks set to stay sunny, enjoy!

www.outoftheordinaryfestival.com

www.coedhills.co.uk

I will be taking an Energize yoga class at Wells Leisure Centre

Wednesday 9th September 6 - 7pm

Call ahead to book or for info 01749  670055

Strolling through the leafy lanes of Glastonbury, nature's signals are unambivalent: summer is drawing to a close. We may be blessed with long days of warm sunshine and yet the berries are ripening in this gentle heat: hawthorn, elder, blackberries. I took a new path today on my walk and found myself in a disused orchard. A glade of unkempt apple trees their fruits fully ripe, some of which had fallen were fermenting and decaying, a perfect illustration of the cycle of life as I recall how delighted I felt at the emergence of blossom so much earlier in the year.

In the UK we have just enjoyed the late August Bank Holiday, and from here on we are focussed towards the autumn and beyond. Reluctant school boys are wriggling reluctantly into stiff new trousers, we may be preparing our winter wood store, our diet begins to subtly shift to welcome in richer flavours and velvety textures.

I enjoy the ritual of storing summer clothes and reconnecting with the warm colours and comfort of an autumn wardrobe: velvet, corduroy and wool.

It is time to create a new routine and become re-established at home after the travelling and merriment of a summer of festivals. I am pleased to be starting yoga drop-in classes in Glastonbury

next week, thus beginning a period of settled regularity. I am looking forward to this greatly. 

Join me for yoga at the Leisure Centre in Wells as follows:

Tuesday 18th August 1.30pm - 3pm

Thursday 20th August 10.30am - 12pm

Suitable for all, call 01749 807089 for directions, info or to pre-book.

“No stretching!”  a seemingly baffling non-yogic command rapped out by Marc during Sunday’s session.  Unsurprising in the context of the Scaravelli method and Marc’s evolution of his yoga. We were dealing with the idea of the spine as the central axis of movement and support, having  explored the breath and the bandhas during Saturday's session. It seemed that every movement, every investigation we made served to illustrate how one might move from external mechanical responses, to quieter internal rearrangements. Freeing the breath so that the spine is relieved of its habitual burden of carrying the weight of the body. Instead, support might be found from forming new structural relationships, creating space in the fluid core, allowing movement to follow the release of the exhalation.

As to be expected from a workshop, we looked at relatively few poses, but took plenty of time to watch Marc demonstrate and verbalise his suggestions.  Adjustments were shared with the group and Marc attended to us all individually, so that our body could access this way of working, creating in Marc’s words, “Less conflict” thus then leading to “Integration”.

Marc concluded Sunday’s session in a most beautiful and unexpected way, as we rested in savasana he coaxed gentle chords from a harmonium and chanted one of my favourite Sanskrit mantra: Sahana vavatu accompanied by wide, expressive oms. It was a delicious soundbath, the excited street sounds of Brighton fell away as we bathed in blissful vibrations, immersed in relaxation, a perfect conclusion.

Visit Marc's website for details of workshops, yoga holidays and retreats www.yogawithmarc.com

Natural Bodies, yoga studio in Brighton for drop-in classes, therapies, workshops and teacher training in the Scaravelli tradition www.naturalbodies.org

I will be teaching an Energize Yoga class at Wells Leisure Centre

Weds 29th July 6pm - 7pm

To pre-book (recommended) call : 01749 670055

A collective wave of sadness is felt across the Green festival community today with the news that this year’s Big Green Gathering, due to take place at a farm near Cheddar, Somerset next week has been cancelled. I’ve spent a sizeable chunk of this afternoon on Facebook as well as attending to texts and phone calls from stunned, incredulous friends and colleagues, all of whom were planning to have a really good time and create a beautiful festival for ourselves and the general public when the gates would have opened on Wednesday.

Most of us were loading our vehicles today with the intention of heading onto the site tomorrow. Indeed the infrastructure of the site; plumbing, loos, crew catering offices etc is already established. There have been strict instructions issued not to approach the site, that it is closed.  

The reason for the closure is related to legal issues which are being thoroughly aired on local news sites. What is emerging for me on a personal level is the deep sense of connectedness that persists in the festival community as we mourn our loss. Many will have been preparing for months; purchasing stock, creating decorations, generally getting excited and enthusiastic.

I have attended the Big Green on the last four occasions, as a therapist in the Healing area. This year I was planning to join in with the rambunctious fun and diversity of the Earth Energies and Divinatory Arts Field, I had been looking forward to teaching morning yoga and giving crew massages.  Elsewhere, friends would be creating arts spaces, a bhakti yoga space, a garden of found objects; offering sound healings, fairy craft workshops, sacred plant medicine healings and so much more. 

The diversity and vitality of the Big Green bears testament to the breadth and scope of the current green scene in the UK. With many of the issues pioneered now embraced by main stream society, such as green energy, sustainable homes, organic gardening, the need for a forum, a showcase for alternative lifestyles is highly pertinent.

I will miss the horse drawn camp for its unique flavour and timelessness, the late night sweat lodge in the tipi field, hanging out with friends in SAMS sauna, the unexpected moments of beauty and bliss that fuel my festival adventures. The Big Green Gathering is (was?) a brave and important event, unique in its authenticity and unrivalled in its outlook. Sending thoughts of peace and love to all involved.

 www.big-green-gathering.com

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8169477.stm

I was joined by a group of fellow yogis at the Rowan Centre on Glastonbury High St for a morning of yoga; the second in a series of two summer workshops. My intention in creating the sessions was to provide the opportunity for regular students to regroup while weekly drop-in classes are paused for the summer. How delightful then that the groups have comprised a mix of familiar faces as well as those who I have met whilst covering and teaching at festivals.  

The teaching studio is a bright, clear space with an intimate feel, just right for a small group of eight to ten. I am told that the St Michael line (a geomagnetic energy channel which has been mapped from East Anglia to Land’s End) tranverses the room, giving added benefits!

We began supine, resting down onto the floor, through feet and hips, pelvis, shoulders and skull. Beginning the business of allowing the weight of the body to drop away, becoming softer, more spacious, finding room in the joints, the spaces between vertebrae, elongating the spine, allowing the fullness of one’s natural breath to assist in this deep undoing.

So much of this approach to yoga, the Scaravelli tradition, is about not doing; the quieter and less involved we can be, the more the body will yield and open. Sometimes we have to get out of our own way! We can then come to experience the body’s preferred, natural state of being. Not doing, breathing, becoming quieter, creating conditions for the body to experience a lightness, spaciousness and freedom so that any resultant movements are joyful, free from resistance, in a sense effortless…

During a pause I passed around Vanda’s book, Awakening the Spine. Far from being  a how-to manual, much more an evocative inspiration. Her wonderfully lyrical words and selected imagery convey the feeling sense of how the body might move: a backbend is analogous to an ocean wave; we are reminded of the gentle serenity of the Buddha; the curving grace of a swan’s neck is an invitation to yield and find the inherent beauty in our asana.

The sun shone warmly and so we took tea together in the garden and I left the students chatting and bonding amongst the flowers and herbs as I discussed arrangements for my autumn teaching schedule with the office manager.

I feel blessed and uplifted to have shared my love of yoga in such a profound and yet easy, uplifting way. Thanks to all who attended.

If you would like to receive details on upcoming yoga workshops via email, kindly subscribe to my newsletter

I will be covering a dynamic yoga session at Wells Leisure Centre

Sunday 26th July 10.30 - 12pm

For info or to book your place (recommended) call: 01749 670055

In the middle of a busy summer schedule it feels good to break pace and have a change of scene. Last Sunday I took an early morning drive to Devon, plunging through wooded valleys and lush pastureland, leaving the chaotic, creative swirl of Glastonbury for the smarter, sophisticated vibe of Totnes and an all day workshop with Scaravelli yoga teacher Bill Wood.

The session was held at the Forge Yoga Studio, at the top of Totnes High Street, tucked down a narrow lane. It is a beautifully designed yoga space with natural light, a wooden floor, plastered walls and thoughtful details throughout; an abundance of yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, a kitchen area for drinks, satisfyingly solid crafted wooden doors.  

The theme - the breath. Explored through the classic tenets of the Scaravelli approach: relaxing the diaphragm, resting down through feet and hands to find hips and shoulders, witnessing, letting go of outcomes, finding the ‘internal dynamics’ of yoga, moving with fluidity and freedom.

Bill’s warm encouragement enabled all present to access the poses in a safe and enjoyable way. He moved around the studio delivering precise, sensitive adjustments which were frequently shared with the group. Comments were invited and spontaneously offered throughout the day to the extent that workshop felt like a continuous, dynamic dialogue between Bill and ourselves. A subtle infusion of Buddhist teachings gave a rich texture. I found myself engaging with powerful inversions such as handstand and forearm balance with confidence and enthusiasm as my breath progressively relaxed and my body opened to new possibilities. Wonderful. I hope to practice with Bill again, soon.

Bill holds drop-in yoga classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training in Devon and the southwest.

www.billwoodyoga.co.uk

www.forgeyoga.co.uk

Following class today a student enquired as to the language of yoga, was it Hindi? Hindi as a language relates to the Hindu religion and is the most common language of modern India, widely spoken and understood across the subcontinent and now echoing around the globe via countless Bollywood movies. Whereas Sanskrit is the ancient, scholarly language of classical Indian art, music dance, philosophy, spiritual tradition and therefore yoga. Seminal texts such as the Upanishads, the Vedas, Patanjali’s yoga sutras and more.

Sanskrit is the language of spoken and sung devotion. Mellifluous mantra, bhajan and sloka (chants, songs, prayers) are all recited in the medium of Sanskrit. Most of us are familiar with Om, the sacred syllable said to be the vibrational seed that creates and recreates the universe. Or the eagerly implored repetitions of Hare Krishna! Perhaps a longer mantra used to begin or conclude yoga practice. It is a warm rich language, pleasing to the ear and uplifting in its vibration. For millions of devotees, yogis and academics it is the language of God.

On visits to India I frequently encounter fellow yogis who are studying Sanskrit; the mesmerising swirling forms of the written form and the voluptuous sounds as it is spoken aloud. I have absorbed some knowledge of Sanskrit through my yoga studies: commiting Patanjali’s yoga sutras to memory at the insistence of my teacher in Mysore. Lino Miele’s patient, faithful counting and naming of the poses whilst leading the primary astanga vinyasa series. Blissing out chanting devotional bhajans with a group of plump Indian housewives at the Neasden temple in north London. Reading texts for ayurveda, tantra, Buddhism….

I prefer to use Sanskrit terms for yoga poses during class. Hence seated forward bend paschimottanasa, triangle pose trikonasana, cobra bhujangasana and so on. In this way one connects oneself and ones students with the ancient, esoteric practices that have shaped and preserved our precious yoga.

Follow the link below to hear some delightfully uplifting sanskrit chanting from the Padma Purana.

Join me for yoga at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Friday 3rd July 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Monday 6th July 5pm - 6.30pm

Tuesday 7th July 7.15 am - 8.45 am early morning!

Wednesday 8th July 1.30pm - 3pm

Pre-booking recommended call Wells Leisure on 01749 670055 

I have been giving organic facials for a few years and attracting a steady number of male clients. I decided it was time to create a treatment just for the guys.

Men’s facial skin is thicker than women’s, it tends to be oilier and coarser with larger pores. Men are less likely to have followed a skincare regimen resulting in congestion and blocked pores. Regular shaving and use of astringent aftershave leads to dryness and sensitivity. Years of unprotected sun exposure may cause premature aging and sun damage. There is clearly work to be done!

I needed to create a high quality treatment with clear benefits. I wanted an alternative to the floral products I use with women. I begun looking for a suitable product range. Organic, affordable, widely available and from an established brand with ethical values and integrity. I chose the JASON Vitamin C range as it specifically addressed the issues of sun damage and premature aging. I felt that the scientific references to free radical scavengers, anti-oxidants, ph levels and bold orange and black packaging would appeal to men.

The treatment itself begins with a seated head and scalp massage, to stimulate circulation to the scalp and induce relaxation. I use the foaming cleanser as men enjoy the feeling of lather. This is removed with a muslin that has been soaked in hot water and tea tree oil. I am told that this is remniscent of trips to the barber! This is followed by exfoliation, facial oil massage, massage to the neck and shoulders, application of toner, day cream and lip balm. My guinea pigs loved it!

I am excited about taking the men’s facial to the Glastonbury festival next week, It’s a great forum for trialling new treatments as the crowd are wonderfully friendly and enthusisastic.  I hope that I have created something that appeals to men and that they will find effective and enjoyable!

www.jason-natural.com/products/vitamin_c_care

I will be covering a yoga class at Strode College, Street

Wednesday 17th June 7pm- 8.30pm.

For info/directions call Strode Leisure on 01458 443918

I work from a lovely spa in the Somerset countryside. Its peaceful, idyllic setting makes it an ideal bolt hole for city dwellers who visit to shrug off urban stress and spend the weekend relaxing in nature’s tranquility.

We often receive groups of young women, on a pamper break or hen weekend. Typically they unwind in the sauna and hot tub and have a treatment or two. Almost invariably they present the same symptoms, tension in the shoulders and neck. A half hour massage is usually sufficient for them to achieve relaxation.

However, when a person is chronically stressed, a single treatment is rarely enough.

Stress, when it manifests, is evidence of the mind-body connection. The body responds to a constant onslaught of thoughts and emotions by tightening, holding on. If the stress inducing situation is longterm such as a high pressure job, unsatisfactory domestic or environmental conditions or a difficult relationship, the stress becomes chronic and the effects start to show up in the body’s systems. A common list of stress related ailments are familiar to most in modern society and includes ulcers (digestive system), insomnia (nervous system), IBS (digestive system) and so on.

Last weekend I massaged three junior doctors, all in their early twenties and living in London. They had finished their final medical exams a fortnight before and were awaiting results. All agreed that it had been a highly stressful time! During  consultation, we identified that their stress had been accumulating over a number of years, starting with ’A’ levels and the pressure involved in securing a University place: these talented young women had a history of chronic stress dating back six or seven years! 

Whilst they all enjoyed their massages, it became quite clear that post-treatment my clients were still carrying a tremendous amount of tension in their bodies. Under such circumstances I advise a course of therapeutic treatments. A typical program would be one massage per week for four weeks, thereafter fortnightly, eventually monthly. I recommended that they get in touch with a natural health clinic in their local area, where they should find several massage practitioners offering different styles. Having found a therapist they feel comfortable with, pre-booking a number of sessions and paying in advance could well lead to a discount. Over time the body will give away its stress and wellbeing will be restored.

I will be taking class at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Friday 12th June 12.30pm - 2.30pm a lovely two hour session

If you would like to come along call to book on 01749 670055

How might we declutter, find internal space?  Create conditions for a lengthened spine, a fuller experience of the breath? The workshop title Antigravity, the diagphragm and the fluid core, gives a sense of Marc’s approach to yoga: an interpretation of the work of Vanda Scaravelli underpinned by anatomical and biomechanical knowledge.

Indeed, Marc makes use of a skeleton, hanging conveniently in the teaching studio, to illustrate concepts such as the similarities in design of the skull and pelvis, the movement of the ribs, how the tailbone might be encouraged to drop.

Typical of the Scaravelli method, Marc teaches through demonstration, verbal instruction and hands on adjustment. Beginning with kapalabhati breath and ending with sarvangasana we covered relatively few asana, in the conventional sense. The work is exploratory and poses are used to demonstrate the principles which were being conveyed. The essence of the teachings: cultivating an inner attention, responding with sensitivity to the breath, treating the body with kindness, allowing the natural expression of the pose to emerge.  

Confident and charismatic, Marc’s teaching style is inclusive and engaging. He welcomes comments and suggestions, enjoys humour and is extremely approachable.  

It felt great to be a student once more at Natural Bodies, the yoga studio where I spent many happy hours attending drop-in classes and workshops as a former Brightonian. I left feeling longer and lighter!

Visit Marc’s website www.yogawithmarc.com 

I am resting quietly at home following a weekend of heat hazed fun at this year's Sunrise Celebration. The healing area was situated atop the festival site, affording a splendid view out across wooded hills and ensuring that we benefited from a cooling breeze. We enjoyed a wonderful opening circle, sharing earth chants with Johnathan Cainer and a Tibetan lama amongst others.

I led two of the several daily yoga sessions: an energizing morning practice and a quieter, restorative afternoon session. Mornings required a little karma yoga in advance of class to remove paraphenalia left by partygoers who used the space as a hangout; indeed on Sunday a group of revellers had to be gently coaxed back into consciousness and enouraged to leave, which they did in good humour.

In the same space, shamanic journeying took place daily; part of the free workshop schedule which included classical Indian dance, bhajans, T'ai Chi and Qi Gung.

I set up my therapy space and gave a serious number of organic skincare facials. This has become my signature treatment at festivals, a big hit with mothers who are able to leave their children for a half hour or so to receive a much longed for pamper and relax. Elsewhere, massage proved popular treatment with ayurvedic, holistic and thai modes available.

A beautiful sound pyramid and travelling garden created soothing magical spaces enabling festival goers to pause and calm their senses before heading backdown into the hurly burly of the main arena where the various sound stages, cafes and markets were located.

Smaller in scale and ambition this year the balance of festival crew,ticket holders and traders felt just right. The flowing contours of the site - an organic farm near Bruton, Somerset created an intimate setting for a true sense of community to be created. Blessed by a steadily radiant sun, Sunrise has become a joyful and exhilarating start to the summer festival season.

www.sunrisecelebration.com

I’ve been rummaging around in my storage boxes, looking for legwarmers; essential festival wear when it comes to yoga.

My teaching career begun at festivals, as a dedicated student I would practice daily in the morning quiet, often beside the canvas geo-dome that is my live-work structure, perhaps in a communal workspace. My face became familiar and eventually I was asked to teach.

What a wonderful experience it is! One is most often teaching from a temporary space, large structures with hand hewn wooden frames, covered in brightly coloured canvas. The floor, that is to say the earth, is pleasingly solid yet decidedly lumpy, it may be covered with tarps and rugs which adds to the uneven character.

Situated within the Healing Area of most events there is usually a pleasant soundtrack of didgeridoo, chimes, chanting or singing, however during large events the amplified music from the sound stages does tend to dominate: Last year I gave a session at Download, the heavy metal event at Castle Donington.  Needless to say my usual suggestions to fall still and quiet seemed rather pointless as Zebrahead raged in the background.

Students are a highly diverse bunch, a mixture of serious yogis, first timers, children as well as those who have drifted in to see what’s going on. Sessions are generally free which allows for experimentation, most events will host at least two or three styles. It is entirely possible to turn Buddhafield or the Big Green Gathering into an eco yoga vacation, combining any number of classes between dawn and dusk with therapies, sauna and vegetarian food.

I love the randomness and unpredictability of festivals, especially the smaller events on the alternative festival circuit. A chicken wanders in from the horse drawn camp during meditation, a violent downpour ends and a rainbow appears, a bluegrass ensemble give an impromptu set across the way. It feels good to take my practice into this lively creative arena and offer a soothing counterpoint to the hectic stimulation of the event.

Join me for yoga in summer 2009 at the Sunrise Celebration, Buddhafield, the Healing Field Gathering and more…

Join me for yoga at Wells Leisure Centre as follows:

Sunday 24th May 9am - 10.30am, 10.35am - 12.05pm dynamic yoga

Tuesday 26th May 7.15am - 8.45 am for early birds!

For further details or to pre-book (required) call  01749 670055

An aspirant, by grace of his guru and constant practice of yoga can someday realize the nature of supreme peace and immortal bliss. Yoga Mala

I'm studying an image of Pattabhi Jois,from the back cover of his text book Yoga Mala. He is a young man, in bare feet and simply dressed with shining eyes. Many years later, an older, portly and benevolent man is known with great affection by thousands of yoga practitioners across the globe as Guruji - dear teacher.

The scale of Pattahbi Jois’ contribution to yoga is vast; his promoted method, astanga vinyasa was somehow just right for an emerging breed of yoga students in the west. Powerful, challenging, absorbing, intensely physical it appealed to those who might have alternately worked out in a gym or done a lot of cardio work. They came in great numbers, a trickle at first in the 1970’s then as word spread, hundreds of practitioners would diligently make the journey to Mysore to study with him for months at a time.

Jois’ influence is felt throughout the contemporary yoga scene; the vast army of practitioners he personally trained and authorised to teach his method, who in turn are teaching and training others. The proliferation of derivative yoga styles such as dynamic yoga, power yoga and vinyasa flow. Celebrity followers such as Sting, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow who shunted yoga out of the hippy backwaters and into mainstream cool.

Beyond the inestimable amount of dollars and rupees generated, the toned bodies, the quantum boost to yoga’s popularity, the great man leaves another, quieter legacy; the impact he made on those who personally knew and loved him. Today they are mourning their loss and celebrating his life.

Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, South India, left his body 2:30pm 18^th May 2009 at his home in Gokulum suburb with his family.

www.ashtanga.comInformation on the practice and updated list of teachers and workshops.

www.kpjayi.org Website of the Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore, South India, established by Jois as his teaching base.

I will be teaching an evening yoga class at Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury this week as follows:

Thursday 21st May 7pm -9pm  £5 drop-in

This is a great opportunity for a restorative session, with attention to breathwork and  mudra. All welcome.

www.shekinashram.org

I am very pleased to have been accepted as a therapist at the Shekinashram in Glastonbury. The ashram is a spiritual centre situated on Chalice Hill on the lower slopes of the Tor and easily accessible from the town centre, it is a few minutes walk from the High Street. I love working from this most peaceful setting.Therapies are taken in a snug and cosy wooden cabin within the gardens, which are lovingly tended by staff, helpers and visitors as part of their karma yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Following a treatment you may enjoy herbal tea by donation, or take a sauna for an additional fee. I love working from this most peaceful setting.

Shekinashram offers a full program events and activities for personal and spiritual growth and has b & b accommodation available. Check their website for details.

If you would like to take a massage at the ashram with me, kindly call 07779 807089

“Is this yoga going to be vigorous?” 

A question posed at the start of class, in fear rather than hope, from a new student. I take ‘vigorous' to mean a powerful, strenuous, fast moving practice. Certainly there are yoga forms one can study today which are highly vigorous: astanga vinyasa, Bikram yoga, power yoga and derivatives such as dynamic or vinyasa flow. The intention here is to create heat within the body, allowing the body to open more deeply and expel toxins through powerful breath and of course sweating. Many enjoying the feeling of exercising the body to one’s limits, maybe beyond! And of an increased heart rate. The effects are similar to a cardio-class at the gym or a good work out. There is a great feel good factor, post-class one can feel relaxed and exhilarated.

Whilst the yoga I offer has a vigorous component, it cannot be categorised as vigorous. My path of study has led me to understand that the body opens deeply when we turn our attention to conscious relaxation: undoing rather than doing. It is a metaphor for how one approaches life: busyness, stress and overactivity versus quietening down, observing and allowing what is, moving from a place of deep awareness.

It is important to add heat to the body to facilitate movement, cleanse and detoxify. We might pre-face our asana practice with ujjayi pranayama or kapalabhati kriya. Surya namsakara (sun salutations) are extraordinarily effective at generating heat, following a few rounds in class we usually turn the heating down and open a door or window. Then the skill is to maintain the heat and flow as we progress through our asanas. Generally a standing sequence is by nature vigorous, requiring a degree of stamina and strength and it is pleasing to link such poses into a sequence to maintain a sense of vigour.

For a balanced and integrated practice we must allow time for cooling restorative poses, with a slower breath. Poses such as seated forward bends and hip openers which we cannot impose upon the body, we must become quiet and await the body’s response.

Finally, savasana, the pose of the corpse, Iyengar believes it to be the most challenging pose. How might we lie still and do nothing with our physical self for an extended time?

I will be teaching a morning yoga class at Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury this week as follows:

Wednesday 6th May 10.30am -12.30pm  £5 drop-in

Shekinashram is a beautiful, spiritual venue on the side of Glastonbury Tor and the yoga room is a wonderfully uplifting space.

I am thrilled that Goma will be returning to Glastonbury this Bank Holiday weekend.  They will be performing sacred chants and mantras from India, inspired by their devotion to their guru, Babaji. I find their music utterly mesmerising and uplifting, from the opening notes one finds oneself absorbed into bliss. Highly recommended.

Event details as follows:

8pm Saturday 2^nd May 2009, West Pennard Village Hall nr Glastonbury, Somerset

Sliding scale £6 - £10; £5 concs

Further information: call Uma 01749 812151

Follow this link to hear Goma sing Shiva Maheswara from their 1998 album River of Grace

Order Goma CDs online   

I will be teaching at Wells Leisure Centre Friday 1st May 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

A two hour session gives us ample time for guided relaxation techniques and breathwork.

Call in advance for info/booking 01749 670055

The yoga drop-in classes that I hold weekly in Glastonbury are the backbone of my work. I truly enjoy the mix of regular students and new faces and witnessing individuals progress.

Another aspect of my teaching is my work as a cover teacher, sometimes at the Shekinashram and more regularly at the Leisure Centre in Wells. I have become a familiar face to many of the students there and it is gratifying to be so positively received. What I appreciate deeply is how willing the class is to explore yoga from a different perspective with new ways of working. Yesterday, for example, I introduced restorative pairwork to a group who had showed up for dynamic yoga.

Thinking back to my days as a student at drop-ins, I sometimes held mixed feelings when my regular teacher was replaced, often at no notice! More often than not, it afforded an opportunity to broaden my experience of yoga; I was first introduced to Patanjali by a cover teacher in a health club in South London.

Most of us look for and commit to one teacher as the surest way to advance. I admire those who can easily accept a temporary change of teacher. Moreover I take it as proof that yoga leads to flexibility and openness on all levels…

I will be teaching two dynamic yoga sessions Sunday 26th April at Wells Leisure Centre.

Class times: 9am - 10.30am, 10.35am - 12.05pm

The dynamic yoga style is characterised by flowing sequences of poses that build strength and stamina.

For further details or to pre-book (required) call  01749 670055 

I recently received an email from a lady in her '70's who is interested in returning to yoga. How wonderful. Vanda Scaravelli (pictured), whose method I have been absorbing for the past 3-4 years, practised asana well into her eighties. Fortunately there are many beautiful pictures of Vanda and her graceful practice to encourage yogis at any age. Vanda's words are equally inspirational,
"There is no age for yoga. You can start at 70, 80, because if it's done with gravity, with the breath, you receive and you don't go against, and you will never damage the body. The first thing is not to fight yourself. Be ready to receive energy. Energy helps, breathing helps. There is no age."
And this week an enquiry regarding a teenager who is coming to yoga to help with posture, breathwork and relaxation.
I love to be reminded of the breadth of the practice of yoga, that it can encompass three or maybe four generations of student within a class. The important thing is to heed the call to yoga, whatever one's age.

To read Vanda's bio & an interview conducted by one of her longterm students click here www.estheryoga.com/vanda

I will be teaching a class in Wells later today 5.30pm- 7pm, call the Leisure Centre on 01749 670055 for details/to reserve your place.

Just back from teaching the regular Monday night drop-in session in Glastonbury. It's Easter Monday and it has been a glorious weekend. We have enjoyed wonderful, warm sunshine, which creates instant feel good mood. Many of us will have been out and about in nature, exploring the countryside or tending to one's garden. All around bushes and trees are greening up at Spring's insistence. So in class today, we approached tree pose, vrikasana from a spring perspective, with a focus on our branches and buds, the arms, hands and fingertips. As the students settled into savasana and I extinguished the electical light overhead, it was thrilling to note that the sky was not yet completely dark. The lengthening days are our invitation to increase activity levels and send our  metaphorical buds and branches out into the world, with boldness.

I am very pleased and excited to be returning to regular sessions at the Rowan Centre, starting Monday 6th April. In addition, I will be covering a series of classes at Wells Leisure Centre, so here is an opportunity to 'catch up' with your yoga if you took a  break from practice while I was away.

Monday 6th April: 5pm - 6.30pm

Tuesday 7th April: 7.15 am - 8.45am

Wednesday 8th April:1.30pm - 3pm

Thursday 9th April : 5.30pm - 7pm

Why not join me for some or all! Pre-booking advisable, call Wells Leisure on 01749 670055

For the past 3 weeks I have been practising at the Brahmani Yoga Shala, here in Anjuna. Formerly known as the Purple Valley Yoga Centre, specializing in ashtanga vinyasa, now under the directorship of Julie Martin, the range of classes and activities has diversified to include restorative yoga, acro yoga, pranayama & meditation making this a good place to loosen the strings of your practice and try something new.
Sessions are suitable for all levels of experience and commitment, from daily drop-in classes to workshops and advanced teacher training. I have been working on my personal yoga with Liz Warrington, who is guest teacher here during March offering the Scaravelli approach.
In addition to the high quality teaching, what I find engaging and enjoyable about Brahmani is that it operates as a mini yoga hub, attracting an international set of yoga pilgrims from the South Indian yoga circuit (Mysore, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)and beyond. Hence a great place to connect with other yogis and share experiences.
Last week I met Jennifer, a young athletic New Yorker who much as one might imagine has students answering Blackberries and cell phones during class. I was moved by Elizabeth's story, from the US, she is currently living in Namibia and is planning to introduce yoga to the stressed executive ex-pat community there. Yesterday I breakfasted with James and Beccy, a formidable pair of travelling Tantrikas; researching the metaphysics of sacred sexuality as they move around the globe.
Brahmani is located within the grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea, also known as Granpa's Inn. This means that a whole selection of useful amenities are on hand. It is a great spot for post-yoga brunch and one can take a cooling dip in the outdoor pool for a small fee.

Visit the Brahmani website: www.brahmaniyoga.com

I've been practising out in India for two weeks now and really enjoying being a student again! Letting go of the role of teacher is a real break and a reminder of what it is to be a student; absorbed in one's personal practice, receiving instruction, guidance and adjustment.
My teacher is Liz Warrington, an established teacher of the Scaravelli method with a strong reputation. Liz brings a warm, joyful approach to the work and has a lightness of body and spirit that is reassuring and inspirational. I love the lyrical, poetic commentary that Liz offers as she guides us through the sessions. Toda, she spoke of getting, "...the whole body to sing the same song." Wonderful.
We work in a slow, focussed way, with relatively few poses, tuning in deeply to the body and breath. My body is responding well to Liz's gentle suggestions and with the warm, steady heat of India I find myself opening, softening and feeling incredibly alive! Happily, Liz has been giving extended sessions at weekends so I am being thoroughly replenished and will have plenty to share with students upon my return.
Liz holds workshops in the UK and abroad. She seems keen to visit to Glastonbury and we have discussed the possibility of her coming to give workshops, watch this space!

You can visit Liz' website here www.lizwarringtonyoga.com

My first meeting with Emil, four years ago, was quite memorable - he lay a vibrant red hibiscus bloom beside my yoga mat. At that time, he was taking a regular pranayama & meditation class at what was then the Purple Valley Yoga Centre in Goa.
These days Emil mainly teaches workshops and contributes to Yoga teacher training courses. He concerns himself with the inner aspects of yoga: mantra, pranayama, meditation and philosophy.
I've just participated in a with Emil exploring mudra, symbolic hand gestures that can be employed to enhance and enrich one's yoga practice. Mudras are an ancient form with roots in Tibetan Buddhism, Tantrika and classical Indian dance.
Emil delivered the session with thoughtful insight, revealing the depth of his knowledge, accumulated during many years studying and teaching in India and Nepal.
We explored the form and benefit of the mudras most commonly encountered in a contemporary yoga practice, adding in Emil's words, "a few drops of beauty". There seems to be a powerful connection between mudra and breath, which I will be exploring in my personal practice. I look forward to sharing these insights with students upon my return. Emil also presented the group with a flowing sequence to assist one in life's creative process, essentially a moving meditation of the hands. This is an elegant and sacred practice which we preformed as a ritual and I am very pleased that Emil has given me permission to teach it.

Emil will be visiting England later in 2009, for more information on his work & schedule visit www.beyond-the-asana.com  

Here in India, Ayurveda, the Science of Life, represents an unbroken tradition of knowledge and practical application, transmitted by teachers and gurus, often throughout several generations. To take an ayurvedic massage is to receive the benefit of ancient wisdom, so perfectly suited to the most modern of ailments: stress.
I took my massage at a walk-in centre on the main road in Arambol, a thriving yet laid back beach resort in North Goa. These days Goa is peppered with Ayurvedic Centres which have sprung up to serve the tourist economy, staffed largely by Keralans whose home state can quite legitimately be called ' the home of Ayurveda'.
I requested abhyanga sweda, a treatment I have happily recieved many times on previous trips. Essentially, this consists of a thorough oil massage followed by a steam.
Following tradition I was assigned a female therapist, a young, slender Keralan, Sandhya who would shortly be returning south to continue university studies. This was not a spa experience, I was led to a solid wooden couch in a bare room and invited to undress to my briefs. Seated on a plastic chair, I received a thorough head, neck and scalp massage with a heavy application of medicated oil. The same oil was used throughout the treatment, which is characterised by long, flowing repetitive strokes and lashings of oil. This treatment is designed to reduce excess vata, a symptom of overexertion and stress. I should mention that our western sensibilites and etiquette do not apply; the therapist will leave you uncovered throughout the treatment and massage the whole of the bust.
Post-massage I was lead into an adjacent room where the steam unit was being prepared. I can only describe it as something like a quilted jacket crossed with a tent! That is to say one sits inside a structure, often a wooden box where steam is introduced. One is sealed in up to the neck, the head is never steamed as it is undesirable to increase pitta to the head. I stayed here quite contentedly chatting to Sandhya for ten minutes or so until sweat was truly pouring.
I left feeling deeply relaxed and satisfied and will probably take one treatment a week while I am out here.

The treatment lasted about 90 minutes in total and cost Rs 600 (a little under nine pounds sterling).

Winter in the UK is well and truly on it's way out; although March can be pretty turbulent with all kinds of weather happening at once. I have opted for some winter sun in Goa. March is a great time to take a late winter break: prices are very reasonable, resorts are quieter and upon return to the UK the nights will be lengthening and there will be a true feeling of spring in the air. The perfect reward for having survived a particularly cold winter!
When it comes to skincare I take a holistic approach. The skin has several functions, it protects us, yes  and also it is an organ of elimination ie it has a direct connection to the digestive and circulatory systems. In a hot climate, the skin plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, an optimal and balanced physiology.
The inner reflects the outer, our emotions as well as the food and substances that we put into the body will show up on the skin, hopefully as a smooth, unlined face and a clear, glowing complexion.
My holiday skincare preparation begins in the days leading up to departure. I recommend a pre-flight full body exfoliation and moisturisation treatment. There are many benefits to this. The exfoliating product loosens and removes dead skin cells that form the upper layer of the epidermis. This  assists the natural proces of skin renewal and leaves a brighter, clearer complexion. The product is generally applied with brisk, vigorous, circular movements which stimulates the circulation and lymphatic system, promoting detoxification which in turn contributes to a brighter, clearer skintone. The exfoliant is rinsed away under a warm shower and a rich body moisturiser applied which boosts moisture levels in the skin for a soft, plump appearance. Please consider paying to recieve a treatment or ask a friend to help, so that all parts of the body are treated and with even pressure.
The other treatment I would recommend at this time is a pedicure so that you can confidently bare your feet which have been hidden for months in boots, socks and slippers. Be bold and pick a bright pink or red varnish for added glamour! An added advantage is that the feet contain reflexology points and a thorough massage will stimulate your body's self-healing and relaxation mechanisms.
At this time I review my skincare products. Throughout the winter one tends to use richer creams to counteract driness, whereas in the heat it is all about cooling and balancing oiliness. I opt for a light, foaming cleanser, a toner for combination/oily skin and a light day cream. I usually pack a clay or mud mask for a twice weekly deep clean while I am away.
When flying, the mantra is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In the departure lounge, see if you can guzzle down up to two litres of mineral water. On board, don't be tempted by alcohol, tea, coffee and salted or deydrated foods such as crisps and crackers. Instead pack plenty of water rich fruits and veggies to keep moisture and mineral levels high. I like to take pre-cut carrots and mixed peppers, cherry tomatoes and grapes. These foods place a minimal load on the digestive system which means that you are far more likely to be able to rest, sleep and arrive relaxed and refreshed at your destination.
Bon voyage!

Jennifer recommends:
Clarins body exfoliation and moisturising treatment available at Clarins salons nationwide.
Aveda pedicure, available at Aveda salons nationwide
Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask available at Origins counters at major department stores nationwide or buy online.

Here in India one finds oneself in the middle of Holi, the Festival of Colours, a 3 day spring festival celebrated nationwide, a most exuberant and joyful time. It's all about having fun and "letting one's hair down", this is the most commonly used phrase I have heard. India is already colourful enough, yet during Holi the brightest possible pigment powders are thrown enthusiastically at passers by in the streets and people gather to sing, dance and generally have a good time. Elephant processions and feasting are all part of the fun. Holi hai!

I’m going on retreat from tomorrow, flying to India and heading to Goa. I’m really looking forward to it. To retreat is to withdraw from daily life, to rest, relax and restore on deeper levels, often in tranquil, natural surroundings. One will often meet like minded people, and the opportunity to share  thoughts and experiences can be wonderfully enriching.

In the case of a yoga retreat, one is able to practice poses daily, or twice daily at a regular time and involve other aspects of yoga such as meditation and mantra. In this way we can live the yogic lifestyle, free from the distractions and obligations of our daily lives. It is a way to deepen our practice and actively assert our commitment to yoga.

I hope to use this time to experience the profound peace and renewal that comes from living close to nature. I am excited about pursuing my personal yoga practice and connecting with other teachers and students. I am looking forward to reading and absorbing a few classic yoga texts in an unhurried manner and meditating at sunset.

I will be covering yoga classes at Wells Leisure Centre this week as follows:

Monday 23rd February 5pm-6.30pm

Tuesday 24th February 7.15am-8.45am

Classes are suitable for all levels. Pre-booking recommended call 01749 670055

Shivaratri, “Shivas great night” falls this year on February 23^rd. An important Hindu festival, it is celebrated at new moon to honour the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. It is also considered to be the night when Shiva performed the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction of the universe.

Devotees honour the occasion with ritual, chanting, story telling, prayer and fasting, continuing through the night until dawn.

It is believed that a devotee who observes a Shivaratri fast with sincerity and utters the name of Lord Shiva with perfect devotion is absolved from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Follow this link to hear Shiva’s powerful mantra. Om namah shivaya: I bow before Shiva.

I am looking forward to tomorrow’s yoga class with more than usual enthusiasm having missed last week’s session due to the renovation of the teaching space.

I began wondering how regular students, those who turn up week after week would handle a two week gap in their practice.

I would love to think that many of my students have begun to practice at home. For it is when we take responsibility for or own yoga that the practice becomes very powerful, we become our own teacher.

Students tell me that they elect to attend led class because of a lack of motivation to practice at home. However, when the teacher is absent a gift is offered- the opportunity to honour our commitment to yoga and practice alone.  Through such action we reinforce our commitment to yoga, our health and wellbeing. Alone with the breath and the poses we can explore movement and stillness joyfully, confidently, uncovering a deeply enriching experience.

Monday evening's drop-in class at the Rowan Centre 9th Feb is cancelled due to the renovation of the teaching space.

Class resumes next Monday 15th Feb at the usual time 7.15pm-8.45pm.

I look forward to seeing you next Monday!

During class I frequently make references to the sit bones. Most commonly when we are preparing our posture for pranayama  and also during sequences of seated poses.

The sit bones are anatomically speaking ischial tuberosities, the bony protrusions located at the base of the pelvis. An easy way to locate them is to sit cross legged  in sukhasana and shift the weight of the torso until you get a sense of them, the point at which the skeleton contacts the floor. It can be helpful to move the flesh of the buttocks out with ones hands if necessary!  Now try in dandasana, for a more subtle experience.

Having established connection with the sit bones, one can adjust one’s posture for optimal results. We can place our attention on the contact of the sit bones and from our stable seat invite the feeling of a light, upward moving spine.

This feeling of being grounded through the sit bones can help us stay balanced during seated forward bends and twists where we might be inclined to overemphasise one side of the pose and sacrifice our alignment.

I will be covering as follows:

Tuesday 3rd & 10th Feb 6pm - 7.30pm

Wednesday 11th Feb 7pm- 8.30pm

Strode Pool & Fitness Centre, Strode Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0AS

If you would like to come along, you will need to pre-book Tel: 01458 443918

I will be covering the following classes at Wells Leisure Centre this week as follows:

Monday 26th January 5pm - 6.30pm

Tuesday 27th January 7.15am - 8.45 am one for all you early birds!

For further details or to book (advisable) call 01749 670055

I just received an invite from the sportswear company Sportswoman.co.uk to their warehouse sale. It's where I buy technical yoga wear by Casall; their items have been designed for the pratice. Sportswoman often discount sale items heavily, so I am looking forward to a warehouse sale with even greater reductions and bargains galore!
The sale takes place Tuesday 27th - Thurs 29th January, 9am - 5pm. Address: 23 Wessex Business Park, Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton, Somerset TA11 6SB. Telephone: 01458 274441. Conveniently close to Glastonbury; let's shop!

I will be covering the lunchtime class at Wells Leisure Centre on Wednesday 21st January, 1.30pm - 3pm. For further details call the centre on 01749 670055.

After class earlier this week I was discussing my personal yoga experience, answering questions from students about my background and training and so forth. One woman seemed surprised that at this time I am choosing to study asana with Western teachers.

While the international popularity of yoga means that good teachers are to be found everywhere, naturally one thinks of India as the best place to receive instruction. Indeed I have made several study visits to the subcontinent and elected to take my teaching qualification there. Without doubt India is my only option for the study of pranayama, mudra, sutra and mantra, the subtle, internal aspects of the practice.

When it comes to asana, I work primarily with western teachers. In Europe and the US we have seized upon the postures; indeed yoga in many people’s minds is synonymous with poses alone. Whether this is a desirable state of affairs is a matter of opinion, the strength of the western yogic tradition lays in the fusion of anatomical understanding with the timeless, ancient Indian poses. Western teachers continue to progress the method in a way that is relevant and accessible. I would cite Paul Grilley (US) and his yin yoga and Gary Carter (UK) for his bold evolution of Vanda Scaravelli’s work.

This week I have been covering a variety of classes locally, meeting wonderful new people and fielding several questions about the practice of yoga.

At Shekinashram yesterday, a student wanted to know, how long should we spend in a pose.

Patanjali tells us in the Yoga sutras sthiram sukham asanam;that poses should be steady and comfortable. It is one of my favourite aphorisms, I quote it regularly. What does this mean in practical terms?

Firstly, it is a matter of physical comfort. If we are approaching yoga from a mindfulness perspective, we move into postures and extend ourselves an appropriate amount. We are challenged by the pose, yet can hold ourselves comfortably there. There is a point in every pose where we reach our personal limits. If we attempt to go beyond this point, we are likely to experience tension, discomfort, pain and are likely to cause injury. Vanda Scaravelli notes, ”Students are sometimes inclined to force the flexibility of their bodies to the maximum, but this leads nowhere.” ¹

The second aspect is that of the breath; the breath is a great guide in this regard. At all times we should be able to maintain a steady flowing breath through the nose. Generally speaking, one maintains a pose for five full breaths, the slower the better. Naturally this is easier to achieve in supine, forward bending or restorative poses. During dynamic sequences and standing poses, twists and inversions the breath may be shorter, faster, less available.


¹ Vanda Scaravelli, Awakening the Spine p41, HarperSanFrancisco 1991

In addition to regular classes, I will be covering as follows:

Tuesday 13th January 1.30pm -3pm at Wells Leisure Centre, call ahead on 01749 670055

Wednesday 14th January 7pm - 8.30pm at St Crispin's Hall, Strode College, Street. Info/directions 01458 443918

The weather in the UK is decidedly wintry; with sharp frosts that persist throughout the day, sub-zero temperatures and strong winter sun. In such conditions our delicate facial skin is easily stressed and dehydrated, particularly if you have a fair, fine or sensitve complexion.
In terms of daiy moisturising, I have taken special measures... in the form of Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream. I simply will not leave home without it.
Dr Hauschka is a well established premium organic skin-care brand, with a devoted fanbase including A list celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow. Hype aside this product delivers. The gentle rose fragrance is sweet and nurturing. Squeezed from a tube the cream itself is reassuringly thick and unctuous. It spreads easily with the warmth of one's fingertips to provide a protective layer, it is worth taking a little time to apply to ensure full and even coverage, using the ring finger to dot around the eyes, never rubbing.
At approx £20 for a 30 ml tube that should last out the current cold snap, I would suggest that this is an affordable luxury. Buy online from the Dr Hauschka website, available in most High Streets, check out your local health food store, yoga shop or beauty salon. When the big chill is over I will most probably revert to a lighter daycream as this product is rather rich. However right now it is just right. Recommended.

New Year is traditionally a time to set fresh intentions and make positive changes in our lives. For many, this means a concerted effort to improve one’s health through diet and lifestyle changes. It is a popular time to take up yoga. Of the enquiries I receive there is a common lamentation: “I’d like to start yoga, but I’m not flexible enough.” This is a classic conundrum, identifying the desired result (increased flexibility), held back by perceived personal limitations. I admire the courage of anyone who tries something new, it is challenging to our status quo when we move out of our comfort zone into the unknown. New Year is a time to step out boldly and embrace the new. Your decision to attend a yoga class is your first step to a more flexible you. Remember that a host of other benefits will follow, such as a calmer mind, improved sleep and digestion; inner peace and deep contentment may also follow! Participation in group yoga gives us an opportunity to face our fears that we are not good enough, that we need to compare ourselves to others. We can let go of that as we experience the class as a safe, supportive environment to explore our personal responses to the postures and the breath, letting go of competition and judgement and enjoying the presence of the other students, sharing our yoga and ourselves.

The silence of mid-winter is an invitation to our personal stillness. As December closes we are poised to leave one year behind and transition into the new. It is natural to pause and reflect upon what has gone before and what is to come. I would encourage a positive bias. Choosing to recall those experiences that were uplifting, nourishing and joyful. This can be formalised into a prayer or meditation, a closing ritual for the old year. Getting into a mode of appreciation sets the tone for welcoming yet more postive experiences into our lives.

At this time of year, despite our best intention, it is likely that the skin on our face skin is under stress. The sun is farthest away on it's annual cycle, so our energy levels are likely to be low; an indoor, sedentary lifestyle leads to a sluggish metabolism, we are prone to puffiness and fluid retention. If we do venture outdoors the combination of cold dry air and wind leads to dryness. Our centrally heating homes can exacerbate the drying effect. Not to mention the rich food and drink, including alcohol that for many forms an integral part of the holiday celebrations. So what do do? On one hand we need to boost our metabolism and vitality through taking exercise, a brisk walk is ideal as we also receive sunlight which benefits us on many levels. However I would advise applying a sunblock to protect delicate facial skin from excessive UV. Apply an enriched day cream such as Dr Haushka's Rose Day Cream, to optimise moisture levels. Avoid overly spicy foods, ensure you are taking sufficient EFAs, try adding cold-pressed flax or hemp seed oil to meals or take an evening primrose oil supplement orally. To humidify a centrally heated home, add essential oils to a bowl of hot water and allow to diffuse. Orange is brightening and sweetening or try mandarin for a more subtle citrus flavour.

It's the holiday season and while most are focussing on Christmas, some people are honouring the winter solstice, which occurred today; representing the shortest day. From now on, whilst still in midwinter, we can look forward to lengthening hours of daylight and the promise of spring ahead as the sun returns. In yoga, the sun is worshipped through the surya namskara,  the sun salutations, traditionally practiced just before dawn to herald the coming day. This morning I offered my personal practice to Surya, the hindu deity representing the sun. In classic depiction he rides resplendent across the heavens in a horse-drawn chariot, appearing at dawn, the embodiment of will-power, vitality and courage.

You may already be aware, that the Ashtat Centre at the top of Glastonbury High Street has new owners. Sue Jennings and Peter Stein hold a vison for continuing work in the creative and holistic arts. They have renamed the centre, henceforth it is to be known as the Rowan Centre.

Sue and Peter are hosting an open day this Saturday, 20th December. You are invited in for a chat, a mince pie and glass of mulled wine between 10am and 4pm and admire the recent redecoration and newly installed exhibition of paintings. You can take part in programme of talks and taster sessions including the Louise Hay method, emotional freedom technique and story telling.

I will be holding a (free!) 30 minute yoga session at 3pm, I'd love it if you could join me, why not pause your Christmas shopping for some gentle stress relief! No need to book, just turn up or if you're not in the mood to practice, just pop in and say hello!

For further details contact the Rowan Centre on: 01458 837881

BKS Iyengar of Pune turns 90 today. This incredible man is well loved, internationally renown and respected by yogis of all disciplines. I studied with one of his senior teachers in London for a period of several months.

The Iyengar method is characterised by a stringent regard for precision and alignment in the poses, faciliated by the use of props such as straps, blocks and bolsters. Iyengar teachers are rigorously trained to a high standard and exhibit a high degree of reverence for their guru, this is a classic system of yoga.

Iyengar's contribution to yoga is vast: a natural philosopher and scholar, he has produced several classic texts dealing with all aspects of the practice, most notably Light on Yoga. If you have not yet experienced the Iyengar method, the nearest dedicated studio is in  Bristol. For further information on the great man and his fascinating life,  check out the official website:

 http://www.yogawest.co.uk/index.php

http://www.bksiyengar.com/

I will be covering a yoga class at Wells Leisure Centre Monday 15th December, 5pm - 6.30pm. We will begin with a deep relaxation and breathwork before proceeding through sun salutations and classic poses to final relaxation. This session needs to be pre-booked: call Wells Leisure on 01749 670055

Last Saturday I attended a concert by the family group Goma. Goma are talented spiritual musicians who offer their work in the name of their guru (teacher), Mahavatar Babaji. The programme consisted of mantra (prayer) and bhajan (song); both aspects of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. Music flowed seamlessly for 2 hours, the singing accompanied by traditional musical instruments played by Gopal Hari & Ambika (pictured) and their sons. The evening was well attended by friends and familiar faces from Glastonbury; it was an uplifting and rewarding experience and I look forward to their next local appearance. Below is a link to Goma's schedule, hosted on the main Babaji UK website, where you also can find further information about Babaji. Audio CD's of Goma's music are available for purchase from Hemp in Avalon, Marketplace, Glastonbury.

http://www.ombabaji.org.uk/calendar.htm

Right now there is a golden opportunity available for the bargain conscious yogi. Prana eco yoga mats available for £20, representing a significant saving. These are high quality items from my favourite yoga brand which I recommend wholeheartedly if you are looking for your first mat or wanting an upgrade with excellent eco-credentials.

http://www.yogamatters.com/product/703/maecopshow/prana-eco-yoga-mat---ex--show-stock.html

I will be covering a couple of classes at Wells Leisure Centre in the near future: Friday 28th November 12.30pm - 2.30pm. A 2 hour class permitting time for deep relaxation, exploration of breath and working individually with postures. Sunday 7th December 9am - 10.30 am. A dynamic,flowing class which builds stamina and heat in the body. Classes need to be pre-booked, call Wells Leisure Centre on 01749 670055. Staff are friendly and can give further details and travel directions. Hope to see you there!

A glance up at the skyline reveals that the trees have shed their leaves, and are now bare and silhouetted. The days and nights are cold and wonderfully still, winter time is upon us. I am enjoying the stillness and using my yoga to connect deeply with the seasonal mood. At the start of practice one may enjoy coming into a quiet seated posture in preparation for pranayama. Drawing one’s attention and focus inwards as the trees withdraw their life force, we become stiller, quieter, and connect with our inner self. During breathwork, see if there is a natural pause available at the end of the inhalation and exhalation. If it is comfortable, place your attention there and allow the pause to lengthen. Take time at the end of practice for a long savasana; go deep and fall into the centre of yourself.

I love holistic bodycare products and the rituals of bathing. I adjust my routine seasonally to affect maximum personal wellbeing. The following is based on my current, personal choices;

Morning: Energising, enlivening. Begin with dry skin brushing, which stimulates the lymph and circulatory systems. You can pick up a brush in most chemists & health food stores. It should be a little larger than your palm, in natural bristle. Use light, fluid strokes from the extremities to the centre of the body.

With admirable honesty, a longterm student of mine has admitted that she does not enjoy pranayama, the breathwork aspect of yogic practice. She cites laziness, saying that she sits passively through the exercises in class, which we undertake before moving onto asana (poses).

I am very aware that my body needs extra stretching right now. It feels so good to keep the body light and open at this time of year. The shorter, darker days, cold, wet weather and demands of the approaching holiday season can have a cumulative effect on body and the mind.

Something that came up in last Monday’s class. I had included several poses that could potential stress the knee, a vulnerable joint that is prone to injury because of its limited range of movement. The knee it is a hinge joint, permitting movement in one plane only. Yoga students might tend to overexert pressure on the knee in an attempt to move deeper into poses such as baddha konasana (pictured) which rely on an opening of the hip joint, something which can only be achieved by relaxing, waiting and allowing: non-doing rather than doing. While it can be frustrating to feel held back in our poses, we must practice mindfulness ie cultivating awareness of what the body accepts and acceptance ie making peace with where we are.

Last Saturday at the Sustainable Solutions event at Glastonbury Town Hall, Neal’s Yard’s head of sustainability, Louise Green, delivered a powerful and convincing presentation outlining the company’s strategies and ethos. I had been aware of the brand, with its stores across the UK and iconic blue glass bottles. I was impressed by the scope of their commitment, their progressive business ethos and range of leading edge environmental strategies. The company has invested in creating an organic herb farm close to Shepton Mallet, which adds an interesting local dimension. I have perused their catalogue and selected products for use in my therapies, specifically the organic blended body oils for the winter wellbeing massage. Shop online at www.nealsyardremedies.com, free p&p for orders over £25.

Tuesday evening I attended a wonderful and uplifting concert at the Shekinashram in Glastonbury. Kavi is a soulful singer and musician and for a little over an hour he delivered  a beautiful and intimate acoustic set of his songs. The themes of his work are divinity, bliss, self-knowledge and love. I would recommend that you check out his work. I was particularly touched by his humility and grace. 

This is a link to his MySpace page : www.myspace.com/kavihockaday

Enjoy!

In addition to my regular drop-in classes in Glastonbury, I will be covering 3 sessions at Wells Leisure Centre this week, times are as follows:

• Monday 27th October 5pm - 6.30pm
• Tuesday 28th October 7.15am - 8.45 am (yes, an early one!)
• Thursday 30th October 5.30pm - 7pm

For enquiries/booking please call Wells Leisure directly on : 01749 670055

The words of Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore. It has become a well-known yoga aphorism. Discipline is required to maintain our practice, in the context of our busy lifestyles. I am preparing to teach this evening and it is raining heavily, it has been all afternoon. I am moved to wonder if the weather might affect attendance levels in class, the British autumn is in full swing and it is dark well before class begins at 7.15pm. So in advance of this evening's session I salute my fellow yoga students who will be expressing their dedication to the practice and joining me later.