Yoga news from the Season…

Maybe it’s me ageing, but it seems like it’s been a challenging decade! – instability and strife in our world, at home and abroad. I remind myself that we need the practices of Yoga even more than ever so that we can attempt to stay grounded and centred when all around us appears to be flying out of control. I also like to remember that despite the bad news, most people in our world are good, and want the best for their fellow beings, and the beautiful Earth, as well as themselves.

Yoga actually comes into its own when our lives are at their most challenging, though sometimes we feel devoting time to our own wellbeing is “selfish” when in fact we instinctively know that no-one can pour from an empty cup. Those wellbeing practices enable us to support and service others without becoming completely depleted.

Yoga also gives us stability of mind, which allows more thoughtful and considered decision-making rather than knee jerk reactions.

Are you devoting enough time to looking after yourself? Maybe something to reflect on for the coming year…

• Get plenty of REST – early nights and late mornings
• Take short naps during the day (around 3pm is good) to restore energy. Research suggests up to 30 mins is a good duration, after that we start feeling groggy when we wake up. You could set an alarm if you tend to oversleep.
• Take up a meditation practice – even just 10 minutes a day will make a difference!
• Keep your kidneys warm (the area around the back of your waist & lower back) – you can even buy special kidney “warmers” if this is a place you feel the chill in
• Drink plenty of water (or other clear non alcoholic liquids like herbal tea)– aim for a glass every hour or two through the day, and 8 glasses overall 
• “Rubbing the Kidneys” is a Qigong exercise perfect for Winter and said to increase longevity
• Take walks outside (wrapped up warm) but don’t overtire yourself
• Gentle Yoga – high energy practices are not recommended at this time, unless you are very cold and need warming up. Yin Yoga is great.
• Work on releasing fear – the emotion associated with out of balance Kidney energy
• Try and “go with the flow” more rather than feeling like you’re moving against the tide
• Take this time to reflect on where you are in life… no hasty decisions, but re-evaluation. How might you change things in 2026… can you plant the seeds now?

• Warm foods at this time of year!
• Black, blue and purple foods are said to support the Kidneys – black beans, kidney beans, red onions, red cabbage, blueberries, blackberries.
• Seaweeds and foods that are rich in minerals like seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, flax) are great.
• Celery is highly recommended for its mineral content**
• Use warming spices like ginger in soups, stews and curries, especially if you feel the cold.
• Think slow-cooked nourishing foods rather than quickly prepared or raw ones – roasting and grilling are especially good;
• Always look at what vegetables and fruits are in season in your area and make their use a priority.

** you can make great soups with celery. My favourite has cashew nuts added to give it a creamy texture…you can also use sunflower seeds for a slightly different flavour.

As I write we are 3 modules into our latest Immersive/Teacher Training course with 6 lovely students. This is our fourth time running the course and Melissa and I are really getting into our stride now…making tweaks and adjustments each time – and loving sharing these teachings and practices.

Our next course starts on 10 October 2026… so if you’ve been thinking of joining us for this “joyful, demanding learning experience” (Thank you Alison!) make contact now!

It’s an amazing course which dives deep into every aspect of Yoga, as well as the Chinese 5 Elements. You don’t have to want to teach, you may just want to have a year of personal evolution, devoted to you and your wellbeing. This is a deeper dive and bigger commitment than the Foundation course. Whatever your intentions for the course we’ll support and nurture you through the year and you will have an amazing time with us.

If you want a no obligation chat about whether this course is for you, just message me.

Seasonal Sundays will continue to run through 2026 – I now have a dedicated page with all the dates on.

These Sundays are a chance to spend more time marinating a little in Seasonal practices – they will always include Yin and Yang Yoga, breathwork and meditation or Yoga Nidra.

Pricing will change slightly in 2026 – so the investment for my regular weekly students will be £16. Everyone else will pay £19. Still a very fair price for 2 hours.

Call or Message me to book in!

The Online Studio, with a variety of Seasonal classes including Yang Yoga, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidras, is FREE to everyone who registers for 2 classes per week with me; and only £10 per month otherwise. Access to this resource enables you to take a class with a familiar teacher (me!) as and when you want, at a time that suits you. I am regularly adding classes to the library to keep it fresh.

Students tell me they find it especially useful when they have missed their usual class for whatever reason and also if they want to practice more than once a week. Research shows that shorter more frequent yoga sessions are more beneficial than for example a 3 hour workshop once a fortnight…