From Me to You, news and inspiration

Excerpts from my regular newsletters. Sign up to receive yoga news and inspiration straight to your inbox

Spring 2023 - Imagine change into being

Warmest greetings from Many Ways Yoga. We are moving towards another turn in the seasons, where darkness and light have equal duration. The days are becoming warmer and we can see new growth all around. It's a time for new projects, having a good tidy up and clear out, and getting out and about a bit more. All very good for body and soul!

In our current classes we're exploring the Hatha Yoga practice of working with energy centres within the subtle body. Our current focus is the Ajna Chakra, or third eye centre. Ajna translates from Sanskrit as perceive, or command. This is believed to be a place from which imagination and inspiration can flourish, but also wisdom and balance. By focussing on this through our breath practice, āsana (poses) and guided relaxations, we seek the self-belief to realise ideas or wishes for the future. For me, my inspiration comes directly from each student who comes to class, and is manifesting itself in my search for an additional venue for some new classes, or workshops, and building my teaching practice.

What can you imagine for yourself this Spring? A settled mind, a strong body and sense of purpose can help you get there.

Winter 2022 - the Wisdom of Winter

Warmest greetings from Many Ways Yoga. As December rolls along and the end of the year comes closer, I am drawn towards ideas of stillness, the cover of darkness, silence, solitude and rest. I layer these ideas over myself, like blankets keeping me warm and safe. Slowing down in the winter gives time to reflect on what has been.

And yet… there is always that turning point, something that tempts us to peep out from our hiding place! We have passed the shortest day and now Christmas too. Frosty mornings such as this from my garden, will surely come and go for a little longer, but the awakening sense of anticipation and hopefulness is irresistible. How fortunate we are, that the seasons give this rhythm and direction to life.

This time over the holidays has created the space for all sorts of new ideas to bubble up in my mind about teaching in 2023. I am looking forward to being more physically active and sharing practice with you. Let's make a fresh start together.

Autumn 2022 - Appreciating Autumn

Warmest greetings from Many Ways Yoga.

A short note to acknowledge the change of the season, as September races by and October approaches. The sun is setting earlier and the air is becoming cooler. Now is the time of misty mornings and cobwebs round the garden. Perhaps a time to pause and be thankful.

In our current classes we are taking inspiration from the teachings of the Yoga Sūtras, specifically the suggestion that we have the potential to discover a consciousness which dwells in wisdom and provides a truth-bearing knowledge from within, that is distinct from any other knowledge found in the words of others.* This reveals itself during yoga practice as we focus on our own first-hand, intuitive knowledge of ourselves, to guide our awareness, breath and physical movement.

Many Ways Yoga classes provide the time, space and guidance for each individual to follow their own path. It has been truly beautiful to witness each student’s faith in the process of their own connection with yoga. Each class involves working with the breath and opportunities to slow down and let go of tension, working through a sequence of postures designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body, aiding flexibility, balance and relaxation. Adaptations are offered throughout the class and each student is encouraged to safely explore what works best for them personally.

Summer 2022 - What inspires you?

As my engagement with yoga has deepened, I have found inspiration in many places. The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali are a collection of ancient Sanskrit verses which teach the foundations of yoga philosophy and practice, beginning with the concept of stilling the mind. This idea can help us to focus in on our breath and our body, to connect more deeply with our innate inner wisdom, and live a more settled life.

Another source of inspiration are all my teachers and fellow yogis in community classes and my British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Training. The connections between people in daily life are a source of joy, nourishment and enlightenment. Even difficult encounters create the possibility of discovery, compassion and humility.

What would inspire you on your own journey with yoga? Are you seeking inner peace... flexibility... strength... balance... a sharing community...? There are Many Ways Yoga can respond to your unique needs.