
15 years of teaching yoga
Photo Archive
I can’t quite believe it, but I’m in my 15th year of teaching yoga and some amazing people have been with me for a big chunk of that time! I’ve taught small classes locally in Hertfordshire and large groups at the Independent Yoga Festivals in Dorset and Norfolk. During this time I’ve also held weekend retreats for my students and made long lasting friendships along the way. What a journey
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“The first classes I went to were in the Vasanta hall. You and every one in the class were so welcoming, I remember being pretty nervous about it and finding the relaxation at the end really strange! I’ve never laid down in a room full of people before, it took me a long time to actually relax and not find that weird.
KG, Arlesey

“I joined your classes at the Quaker House in January 2011. I remember that I fell over in the first class as I have MS. My balance has improved a lot and I feel much fitter. My GP is amazed at my suppleness.
I still enjoy the classes and being with the lovely people who attend.
You are always willing to adapt poses to suit abilities.”
DJ – Letchworth

Being taught Seasonally and having Qi Gong moves included again seems so natural and right as they are so beneficial to our whole being; externally and internally. And, for me, Spiritually.
Your willingness (Your Call, you once told me) to share your love and thorough knowledge of Yoga comes across in your style of teaching; gently guiding us through each move, explaining how and why it is done/beneficial, giving simple adaptations for our individuality. And you make it fun.
So, very grateful thanks Rachel for all the care and thought you put into preparing your classes and courses, your Newsletters, YouTube videos and Instagram posts, all very helpful. Big thanks too to Steve for all the behind the scene workings.”
KW, Hampshire

“Cannot work out when I started properly with you! I think I attended a couple of workshops and then your lovely retreats , as a guest with Laura. My feelings ,at the time , were how gentle and calm you were, both as a teacher and a human! But I certainly didn’t feel the yoga was “ hard “ enough! How the mighty falleth ! I sustained a knee injury in my hard yoga class, in a ridiculous pose , that was enough to bring me to my senses! Time to try Rachel…
And what a joy . Your class in the Friends meeting house was so lovely. Took me a while to adapt and soften my poses, not always pushing my body further , the 5 seasons you follow are so interesting,make perfect sense. The pandemic changed everyone and everything but the technology required, which you rose to , has allowed me to still feel part of your class, despite moving away. I am very grateful for this. I hope to continue with you for at least the next 15 years !” – SJ. Suffolk

With friends at the Independent Yoga Network Festival
Gaunt’s House, Dorset. 2014

Rachel and Julie Hanson, Founder and director of Seasonal Yoga
with Foundation course students 2020

“I remember the first class very well – August 2017 – as I was the only male with twenty women in the class – so I had a few initial minor reservations, however these reservations very quickly evaporated
due to your sensitivity of the situation and of course, all of the very nice people in the class made me
feel very welcome.”
HH, Letchworth
“Every class is different. Rachel introduces something new virtually every week and I love working with
the seasons. I have met lots of great people at our Thursday morning class and a lot of this is down to
Rachel bringing us together.”
GH, Letchworth

“ I’ve always been amazed at the amount of variety you give us. I’ve been coming for over 10 years and never get bored. You’ve been more than just a yoga teacher. You’re the first person I ever heard suggest that we be kind to ourselves which was a new concept to me back then. Your classes have definitely changed my life for the better, and have given me a life long love of yoga so thank you so much for that.
I still very much enjoy our weekly classes, and the good humour you and the others provide.”KG - Arlesey

“I have been with you for several years now , coming from a ballet background, having been a
performer, teacher, an examiner I have always dealt with ‘no gain without pain’
You have taught me so much and I will always be grateful for your knowledge, encouragement and care you show not only to me but to all the people in class. I have learnt how to relax and breathe and not only think with my head but my heart as well. My well-being has improved so much – Thank you so much Rachel
Love and light I think you would say”
HG, Hitchin

“I’ve practiced yoga on and off for probably 20 years but my last 2 years of practicing with Rachel have been transformative. The way Rachel teaches is so inclusive and relaxed. She creates a completely safe environment. The constantly changing Seasonal aspect of the classes means there’s always something new, aligning with nature. In the time I’ve been practicing Seasonal Yoga with Rachel I have completed my 200 hours YTT and started running my own classes.
Rachel’s support has given me the confidence and the enthusiasm to want to spread Seasonal Yoga to as many people as possible. Coming to Rachel’s classes and practicing Yoga has helped me to ‘let go’ in life and go with the flow more. Yoga reminds me to listen to my body, to be thankful and to focus on the things that are most important to me in life. I’ve learned so much and I’m always amazed by the depth of Rachel’s knowledge and wisdom. “
SB – Hitchin