Oxford Hatha Yoga

28/07/2025

The Unpacking my Mat Bag, revealing who I am as a Yoga teacher is a gentle reminder of the ups and downs that this path has taken me. Hitting a big down as I began the learning journey with Foundation Course, and then struggled with the spiritual texts in Teacher training with the BWY. I was very reluctant to approach the spiritual of yoga, dismissive. Absolutely as a teenager my first ever classes I was probably a little militant to the 'head stuff'. But slowly the yoga with breathing, or pranayama, and meditation has become a second home, my Go-To. Quiet stillness really helps iron out the Ups and Downs of Life. It's still often a challenge but that is being human, learning to accept the tough moments and breath yourself into a calmer place. It is so empowering as you give yourself freedom.

To help folk sit with stillness I often take in flowers from my garden, a candle to focus upon, as its flickering light soothes troubled thoughts or agitation. Using the soft ring of the Tibetan bells to bring folk back into the moment from lying in Savasana in full relaxation. So bells and matches are a must, although the pretty lotus candle would not survive in my bag!

Hidden in an inside pocket a yoga belt. The belt can be a great teaching aid, letting those of us less flexible or not as long armed (including myself here!) we can use the belt to work into deeper twists or ease the back into elongating in forward folds.

🔔🔔

27/07/2025

I have been known to teach in jeans but usually my trusty yoga bag has a spare pair of yoga pants. Restricted in jeans can be a very empathic experience helping us at the front of class appreciate how difficult stiffness or mobility issues can affect our students, often hiding at the back of the hall. Of course yoga can really help with flexibility but good to be mindful of our natural body's type. We all need strength too help us stay well and balanced.

Revealing my bag contents give you a glimpse into my yoga teachers mind. I always try to keep colourful as it can be down heartening to see a yoga room full of black and grey, lets lift the energies with bright colours. Love linking the energies with the chakras or centres!

26/07/2025

Unpacking my yoga mat bag is revealing alot about how I teach, and sharing to help you with your practise. The blanket is great for the lying relaxation, or savasana, to keep cosy; or make a little sausage to pop under your knees to help the lower back relax.

Sitting for breath work and stillness can be the hardest part of a yoga class but getting comfortable can be such a gamechanger. Sitting up so your hips are higher than your knees instantly helps you sit taller and relax the shoulders. Simply fold up a blanket, use a block or a bolster. A bolster is great as the filling moulds to your butt shape and slight tilted angle is comfy. Pop the folded blanket under your thigh if tight hip or ni**le knees a little support.

There's no rule you have to sit in lotus with ankles up on thighs. You don't even have to sit cross legged. Try kneeling with padding lifting hips so not pressure onto ankles. Fine to sit with legs forward but slightly apart for stability, borrow the wall to support or back. Grab a chair if more comfortable for you.

Want to calm? Start with a longer slower out breath which is very calming. Just notice your regular breathing and gently let the Inhale just be and slowly increase your exhale to go slower. If you like to count:
Breath in for 4 and breath out for 5

As that becomes easy add pauses, so gently hold your breath in once full, and again once empty. The empty hold can be less easy but never force or strain, just a slight pause. Try to keep relaxed, avoid if feel light headed or headachy.
All of the pranayama or breath controls, help us encourage better breath capacity and so more vitality! Keep Calm and breath & pause.

25/07/2025

Hello, Introducing myself via my yoga bag contents.... Having emptied out the heavy bag I take teaching yoga across Oxford. Why Two mats? The crossed mats allow me to easily swap direction as I lead you through sequences and poses.

A thicker mat is a boon when doing so much yoga and the cross over of the two mats give excellent padding for kneeling. My mats are looking a little grubby so summer is perfect time to wash and easily dry your mats. Best to unroll into bath or onto grass and gently scrub with a soft hand-wash detergent. Rinse off and leave to drip and dry. If very wet a is to roll up with a towel to squeeze the water into and speed up drying. Though if heatwave returns as promised, then just let naturally evaporate!

Avoid aggressive cleaning products as deteriorate the mat quicker. If you’re treating yourself to a new mat do think about gifting your old one to dog homes, as they use them as insulting kennal mats.

24/07/2025

Throwing the boot of my car open I always check I have my bag as its vital to teaching Yoga across Oxford. Why not introduce myself by unpacking my pretty heavy yoga mat bag?

I drive to my classes but that allows you the students to walk or cycle to your local hall. My slightly battered red VW carries myself and my generous yoga bag with all my bits and pieces and then a second bag with spare mats and blocks. I will reveal the bag contents over the next few days.

Why Headington and Cumnor classes? My nomadic tendency to moving home created my disparate locations. My first classes 20 years ago where in gyms and then started my own class 19 years ago in Old Headington. I am truly humbled that many of those original Yoga folk are still with me! Jenny did complain why was she still not bendy after those 20years on and off with me but conceded the classes have helped heal a skiing injury and frozen shoulder and given her the head space for an evening of yoga from her demanding job and commute.

👣

22/07/2025

When we are in overwhelm we forget to do the thing our ol' grey matter most needs. STOP, take some steadying breaths and take a moment out. It can feel a burden to unroll your mat and commit a full session but maybe you just take a moment, wherever you are and take three mighty sighs; or a quieter version if around other folk. Your colleagues could pick up on your breathing and follow you without realising into a calm place?

Today is so a great reminder to look after that baffling brain of yours. With sticky days it probably needs hydrating so grab a fresh glass of water and enjoy a mindful refresh of body and brain. I pop in a slice of frozen lemon or lime with sprig of mint to keep it zingy and cool

That commitment to a full session? So why not make a date in the diary to have a yoga session? Join me in person tonight or tomorrow for end of summer sessions, Catch an online Monday class, interactive 90minutes through to 18 August or do your own session at home, now or later. Yoga is a great way to connect the mind with the body and breath. Connect the movement, the breath and that inner stillness to find quiet and simple head space.

❤️
and thank you to Abidal for sharing this great photo montage with Dreamstime photographs

18/07/2025

Enjoy your 'me time' with Saturday Yoga. Space to join tomorrow morning for yoga in Old Headington Village Hall. Enjoy the Warrior poses with all the emotional focus and energies of the warriors for peace. Stand grounded in Warrior Two, connected to the earth. Fire your arrow to release what you not longer need or want and then aim for other side to send your intentions forward.

Suitable for all with a little or loads of yoga experience. Hatha yoga gives us strength and time to find what's right for you in this moment. lunch included and refreshments.

17/07/2025

Summer yoga on Saturday 26 July gives you a great mix of yoga classes, relaxation, meditation and a crystal gong session to close. All welcome if you’ve loads of yoga experience or a new bee? 🐝

🌿 Looking for something uplifting to do on Saturday 26th July? 🌿

Why not treat yourself to a day of inspiration, connection, and wellbeing at the BWY in the South Yoga Festival? 🧘‍♀️✨

Join us for a vibrant day of yoga, wellness, and community, with an amazing line-up of local teachers offering a rich mix of sessions — from partner yoga and back care yoga to pranayama, a nourishing nutrition workshop, and crystal sound activation.

💫 Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, this is the perfect chance to:

✔ Reconnect with yourself
✔ Explore new practices
✔ Meet friendly, like-minded souls
✔ Immerse yourself in the magic of our yoga community

Secure your place today and step into a day of calm, community, and discovery.

17/07/2025

Bumble bees loving my green compost plants. Feels mean to chop them down and dig into earth when clearly a winning flower! I’ll leave a few for the bees. 🐝
A peaceful moment until the chop saw started!