Whilst reading Gurji Portrait of Sri K. Patthabi Jois I came across an item written by Ashtanga teacher John Scott in which he was asked: Do you think ashtanga yoga attracts a particular kind of person? "I think it definitely attracts people who have an obsessive nature or an addictive nature. I think the practice itself can be addictive, which is so clever. So anyone who has had a drug habit, for example, is perfect because you can swap one addiction for the yoga practice addiction. Now when you start working with the addiction of yoga, the not doing the yoga is a yoga in itself". John goes on to say that for 5 years he practised every day and didn't want to miss a day. He says he was addicted and scared to "not do it for fear of letting it go". He also goes onto say how he feels Patthabi Jois understood this and put in full and dark moon days/rest days to give us an opportunity not to practise, "so people with obsessive natures are also

SUPPORTING PREGNANT STUDENTS IN A REGULAR YOGA CLASS   CPD with Cherie Lathey of Yoga Mama at Yoga at The Space, Studland, Dorset  SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2015, 10AM-4PM Pregnancy is an amazing personal journey for a woman, both mentally and physically. Practising yoga during pregnancy can help women adapt to these changes in a positive way. Many yoga teachers often feel they do not have enough information or the confidence to integrate pregnant women into their general classes. This one day CPD workshop will be led by Cherie Lathey, Director and Senior Yoga Teacher of Yoga Mama, and is approved by Yoga Alliance UK. This will be both a discussion and practical workshop. Teachers will leave feeling confident they have the relevant information to safely support their pregnant students. The workshop will include: General precautions and guidelines How hormones can affect your student both physically and emotionally Common ailments of pregnancy and how to work with these t

In July 1915, one of the world's most respected and revered yoga gurus was born under a full moon in Kowshika, India. The teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois went on to influence infinite practices and practitioners around the world. On what is the 100th anniversary of his birth, we honour his legacy here with infinite gratitude and humility. Thank you Guruji. Gratitude for one's guru can be a very private experience. However, for those who are comfortable publicly share their experiences with Guruji, we're using hashtag #guruji100 on Instagram so that everyone may contribute whatever content they choose.

A video of ashtanga yoga students practising around the world, will be released on the full moon day of 31 July 2015. It will show the global influence that Pattabhi Jois has had on so many people; many of whom (including myself) have never even met him. This video will show students simply showing up on their mats and practising yoga. This is a wonderful, moving tribute to Guruji who dedicated his life to Ashtanga yoga. A fitting celebration/dedication to a wonderful man in what would have been his 100th birthday year.

The anti-ageing benefits of yoga Regardless of what may happen, we are all going to age. However, it is how we age both mentally and physically that will affect our quality of life. According to yoga philosophy it is the flexibility of the spine that determines the age. You only have to look at yoga gurus - both past and present - to see that a regular yoga practice has a huge effect on the ageing process. The body is supple and mobile and the brain remains active well into old age. Many yoga teachers look more youthful than their birth age and remain “young at heart”, living active lives well into their 90's. The current trend for a quick fix under the surgeons scalpel is just that; a “quick fix” to make one look youthful on the outside, while the rest of the body is degenerating in the usual way. Yoga and a yogic lifestyle allows the body to slow the ageing process down. How? Stress is a major factor in ageing. By learning to control and use your breath (pranayama) to help

If you are too clever, you could miss the point completely... Patrul Rinpoche Taken from The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

I absolutely love this footage. Thank you to  grimmly2007  for finding and sharing this gem.

PRENATAL PILATES SATURDAY MORNINGS,  11:15AM - 12:15PM Prenatal Pilates can help retrain your muscles to accommodate to the changes your body is undergoing throughout your pregnancy. Many women find Pilates helps some of the common ailments associated with pregnancy such as back and pelvic pain. It is a safe and effective way to strengthen the core muscles including the pelvic floor. It is recommend you attend in the second or third trimester. Join our Physiotherapist and Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates Instructor, Rachel Druce, for this course and see the benefits for yourself! COST AND BOOKINGS Yoga Mama Prenatal Pilates class passes cost £84 (6 classes to be used within 8 weeks). To enrol on this course, call  0208 789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk . CLASS PASSES Yoga Mama operates a class pass system on Prenatal Yoga and Pilates courses. Class passes cost £84 for 6 classes, which must be used within 8 weeks. Upon enrolling on a course, st

  RESTORATIVE YOGA WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 8-9PM Unwind at the end of your day with a class that starts with gentle, yet strengthening yoga stretches and breath work, before moving toward restorative yoga, using props (bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps, eye bags) to support the body, create comfort and minimize muscular tension, which in turn helps to relax the nervous system, rest the adrenal glands, fostering a deep sense of well-being. This class is suitable for all levels of experience and flexibility. It is also suitable for people returning to yoga practice after a spell away, or any one working with injuries or health conditions. Above all, it's an hour where individuals can switch off from the pace of London life and tune into themselves. BOOKINGS This 8-week restorative yoga course costs £112. To book your place, call 020 8789 3881 or send an email to info@putneyclinic.co.uk .

Yoga is possible for anybody who really wants it. Yoga is universal. But don’t approach yoga with a business mind looking for worldly gain. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois