Oxford Hatha Yoga

10/02/2026

Wow 21 years ago, myself with fellow redhead Bram on our yoga teacher training diploma course with British Wheel of Yoga. Both of us are busy teaching now too. Finally sorting out files for recycling and bin, but had to pause and smile at my essays, study notes, and the illustrative sketches of bones and muscles for the Anatomy and Physiology section. My tutor Maarten Vermasse had to cope with my original handwritten essays before finally got a pc!

The Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha book was our yoga course text book. Poured over for 3 1/2 years study. I still peruse APMB for inspiration although ignore the more extreme 'cleansing' techniques. Much happier to work with Pranayama and meditation to work toward a pure calm breath and mind!

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08/02/2026

Can I ask you a favour? Can you comment and let new folk how you find my yoga teaching?

Starting a new class in a new area seems a bit daunting which is daft after 21 years of teaching! Starts Tuesday 24 February 90 minute Hatha Yoga
6.30pm to 8pm Letcombe Regis Village Hall
I can lend you a mat to try out and drop in available.
Looking forward to meeting lovely new yoga folk!

06/02/2026

Looking to move into a quality assurance role in Yoga? 20hour per week position, check out full details from British Wheel of yoga

Do you have a passion for quality training and education in yoga?

We are looking for a part-time Quality & Curriculum Officer. If you’ve got relevant experience we’d love to hear from you.

As a key member of the training team, the post holder will support all quality assurance activities within BWY Training (BWYT), including all internal and external quality assurance activities and reviews, ensuring compliance with the Awarding Organisation, British Wheel of Yoga Qualifications (BWYQ), and all Regulatory requirements.

The post holder will also work on the development of the curriculum that BWYT offers learners, looking to implementing and supporting new courses/training opportunities, and support the development of Training within the organisation, including opportunities for members, teachers and tutors.

If that sounds like it could be you, read the full job description and download the application form today. DL: 23 Feb.

https://bwy.org.uk/about-bwy/vacancies/

05/02/2026

Having time to be lead and taught by a wonderful teacher is always such a treat. I love how phases and explanations can resonate for years to come. Tuesday’s online BWY session on Effortless Mindfulness by Ester Ekhart was one of those. She calmly brought us to the present moment, the idea of unhooking our busy critical mind, allowing the simple ‘now’ awareness to be our goal.

She was inspiring all of us teachers to really ground and be there for our students. Holding the calm space for everyone to breath and be.

Feeling grateful for all my teachers through the years.

04/02/2026

Have you checked Recently? One of the people who really inspired to share Cancer Awareness was my yoga student. I was panicking as a new teacher, when a beginner shared her cancer diagnosis. My student quietly stepped up to us, and asked if she could mention something and hoped she wasn't intruding. She gently revealed I had been teaching her through her own cancer journey.

Baffled my grey matter whirled as I realised, she had chosen to not explain why I was adapting things for her. A vague bad back was her foil and I'd often noticed she was in discomfort oe under par. She explained she did not want me to over fuss or worry but had felt so well cared for with modified poses and options to ease off when having a bad day. The newly diagnosed beginner was greatly reassured that her journey was not quite so scary and had someone to talk to if she wished. And of course boosted my self belief and I had been getting it right.

I often draw on her appreciation that I simply gave options. I could give be inclusive and sensitively support. In class there can be tears and frustration and being able to let folk just be yet know I am there for them. Post surgery skin and grafts can stay uncomfortable, tight or simply solid for a long time, so soften and reduce your movements to help ease that ni**le.

She also encouraged me to prompt people check with their GP if symptoms weren't getting better; often check in with everyone quietly in class, or offer folk to drop me an email or call when sending updates. I make the most of annual reminder on days like today’s and we support local charity . Please share to spread awareness.

If you don't check regularly then do squeeze your b***s or your testicles today and make it a habit.
Feel for lumps
Notice something is different?
What's not quite right?


Thanks to L Pollard for sharing the inventive lemon chart!

03/02/2026

Hello I am Hazel, thought be a good time to introduce myself
After 21 years of teaching Hatha Yoga in Oxford and Cumnor I have now moved to Wantage. Really enjoying being in a town I can easily walk around and walk into countryside on the outskirts. I really pleased to be starting a new class in Letecombe regis village hall and hope to meet new lovely yoga folk here.

How do I teach? From a calm and centred place with options to build and strengthen your yoga or learn as a complete beginner what this yoga lark is al about. Lots of modifications if you need in this moment. I have changing weekly focus, poses and sequences so neither you or I get bored! There is also such a range of poses that we can gain so much from. Longer 90minute classes give an hour for asana or poses, then time for full lead savasana or our relaxation so bring your blanket or towel to cover yourself and be cosy. Lifting gently back to sitting to enjoy breath work and a stillness or mindfulness. I always have some stretches to close so alert to get home safely whether walking, cycling, driving though unfortunately no bus to carry you home at 8pm in Letcombe Regis.

I start at 6.30pm on Tuesday 24 February so do drop me a message if you would like to know more. Welcome for everyone whether seasoned yoga lover or a newbie ready to try out?

The photos: Typical me, my eyes close the minute I smile, loving the sunshine and fresh air! Tree pose: Balance is such a key factor to help us keep well and strong and my sketch is the Exchange of air, great to sigh out having lifted up and drawn a big inhale, fall forward as you make a noisy sigh.
Hope to meet you soon Hazel

29/01/2026

Great to back on the and using new tool technique. A woodworkers rasp today to even up bottoms when i wobbled pulling wire through base to lift off board, so upside down to turn them!

Grey brushstrokes will be blue once fired. Felt good to admit turned pot wasn’t good enough so torn apart and into reclaim bucket with all the trimmings.

28/01/2026

What do your shelves say about you? I am so pleased my curvy shelves fitted in the recess and the fish wall paper peeks through. A nod to carp fish as we had to fill in an old pond to build our house. Most things got plonked on here as unpacked. Two pots are mine, both hand built. The Wi-Fi box keeps us all connected but I still love browsing through physical books for inspiration whether as , cook or gardener, and for my art. My slight muddling of words makes the a vital when finally get to write that overdue article!

Who knew there is a day, to share our shelf identities! Do share a photo of your shelf!
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23/01/2026

Is it time you picked up a pen and sent a handwritten note to someone? A perfect timing to connect and check in. I always love having an envelope arrive, appreciating the care and time someone has taken for me. So much more personal with their script or scrawl, whether simply say Hi with a funny card or that long overdue catch up.

This is the quote I have shared this week in yoga by Tich Nach Hahn the Buddhist Monk. I hand wrote as a get well note to one of my students poorly with pneumonia, a gentle reminder to breath and be present even when under par.

Breathing In ~ I relax my body
Breathing Out ~ I smile
Breathing In ~ I notice this moment
Breathing Out ~ I know this is a beautiful moment

20/01/2026

Being locked out of home isn’t such a hardship!!! Worth checking out midweek lunches at The Greyhound Inn for fabulous food and the nicest humans looking after you!