Michelle Finlay Yoga

28/01/2026

You came to yoga because you were looking something. A deeper connection to your true self.

But it's been a few years and your yoga practice feels like everything else in your life. A place of following instructions and trying to be like everyone else.

A place of following the herd and self-abadonment.

You know it doesn't have to be this way. You've dipped a toe into Yoga Philosophy and you realise you've missed the point.

So you're shifting gears.

Allowing the need to conform to rise up as you watch yourself move through these familiar thought patterns of doing what you're told.

But then, instead of pushing through physical pain when you know there is a better choice you could make, you take a breath, you feel the mat beneath you and you're in the moment.

Just as you are.

Here and now.

You make a different choice, and feel a sense of peace flow through you.

The internal doubt is still there but it's no longer ruling the show.

Does this sound more like what the practice of yoga is really about?

27/01/2026

This class has been back up and running for 3 weeks now and it's like we were never away. It's amazing how quickly your body remembers.

Perfect for you if you're a total beginner or you've had an injury and are recovering or you just generally like a gentle approach to movement. We also have plenty of time for some mindful relaxation. Everyone is welcome! 💚💚💚

21/01/2026

Despite what you may have been taught in the past, there is no one correct thing to focus on during a yoga practice.

Some will tell you it's the breath.
Some will tell you it's the drishti.
Some will say it's bandhas.

The reality is in life and in yoga that there are always options. From those options you get to make a choice. That choice will create an outcome and a new set of circumstances and options from which to select the next best thing you can do for yourself.

This is yoga in action.
Or as I like to call it, the yoga of living.

Say you're doing a mat based practice with Asana. The list of things you could choose is pretty much endless.

There's your breath.
Your body's sensations.
The floor.
Your thoughts.
Maybe there's music or other sounds.
Maybe there's a teacher in the room talking.

Yoga is asking you to choose what you can best pay attention to right now. Knowing that the outcome is not going to be perfect because you will get distracted.

But then you get to make a choice between staying distracted or coming back to your chosen focus.

Sometimes it's easy(ish).
Sometimes it's the hardest thing in the world.

The Yoga is in the noticing of what is.

16/01/2026

When you come to your mat, yoga literally ask you to be present. To drop into your experience of the moment and move from that place.

When you over-ride that internal experience and go ahead and do the pose as you've been taught because you've been told that's correct and safe or whatever, you're missing a vital part - the actual yoga!

The poses aren't the end goal. They're not the Yoga.

Yoga is the part that can't be seen from the outside.

When you move from a place of internal experience you realise that every day is different. That you're different. Your body, energy, breath and mindset.

Chasing the same experience you had in the past is trying to create a permanent fixture out of something that is always in flux.

Yoga teaches you to lean into the uncertainty of impermanence and respond to what is. 💚

11/01/2026

Despite the slippery conditions last week, these sessions got off to a great start with an amazing turn out! We're lucky to have such a spacious venue so can easily accommodate more of you should you wish to join us! See booking details on the flyer. 💚

🧘‍♀️✨ Women’s Seated Yoga – Free Weekly Sessions! ✨🧘‍♀️

Join us every Tuesday from 11:30–12:30 at St Budeaux Baptist Church for a gentle, seated yoga session designed especially for women. 💛

🌸Led by the lovely Michelle Finlay Yoga, these sessions are perfect for all abilities. Come stretch, relax, and connect in a supportive space!

📅 Starting Tuesday 6th January for 10 weeks
📍 St Budeaux Baptist Church
💸 Free to attend

Bring yourself, bring a friend, and take an hour just for YOU! 🌿💫

09/01/2026

Chair Yoga is back at the Elm Centre. We had our first session today and will be there every Friday. Everyone welcome! 💚💚💚