We ran a baby massage taster class today-here is some information and some beautiful babies (and mums) The benefits of baby massage • Massage is the most natural and instinctive form of caring for the baby. The new-born baby experiences the world through his senses, such as touch, smell, taste, sound and vision. These senses are developing gradually, but from the moment of birth the baby already understands the language of touch. • Massage helps to create a unique bond between the parents and the baby. • Gives confidence for first time parents. • Relaxes both the baby and the mother/father. • Mothers who suffer from post-natal depression feel more positive when they experience their baby’s response to the massage. • Massage helps parents to be aware of their baby’s body and the developmental changes they going through. • Regularly massaged babies develop their motor skills quickly. • The general benefits of massage, such as improved circulation, healthy skin, strong

I have been working for the LTA for 19 years and every June I get to do this-I love introducing many of the ball boys and girls to yoga for the first time...and they are always pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoy it ( mostly) Me with one of the teams Giving trikonasana a go... Favourite pose of the day Savasana Yoga mama bebe :-) The tennis...

So Im back on mat having been stuck in this boot for more than four weeks. I asked my daughter to assist me with my back bending this morning-She has never done this before so it really made me laugh when she said " am I as good as Sharath?" I was also impressed that she knew who Sharath was?.....Whilst she is a wonderful talented artist, I don't think he need worry about her taking his "guru" role any time soon. The girl child Sharath Jois Mysore

 What a fantastic weekend of celebrations we have had....street party's, friends and loads of cake....Even got to hang out with the Queen for a bit ( okay a cardboard cut out of her). Tug of war with competitive men and meeting neighbours that i did not know existed-Love or loathe the royals a community get together is brilliant!

I am having to look at 2nd series back bends more than usual at the moment-so always useful to have some tips from Kino.

According to my experience, it is clear that if each individual makes an effort then he or she can change. Of course, is not immediate and it takes a lot of time. In order to change and deal with emotions it is crucial to analyse which thoughts are useful, constructive and of benefit to us.  I mean mainly those thoughts which make us calmer, more relaxed and which give us peace of mind, versus those thoughts which create uneasiness, fear and frustration. Dali Lama Book of wisdom

Keeping the knees closed and allowing the hips to open over time is key I feel-Great tip from Kino.

So for the past 10 days I have been unable to practise yoga ( asana that is)-I have had to find a way to sit with myself and accept I will not be practising Ashtanga yoga in my usual way, for quite some time. I would like to say I injured myself sky diving, or in a shark attack, or something equally dramatic and exciting-but no, a very heavy table fell on my foot causing a crush fracture. So crutches and the very attractive boot below are part of my life for up to six weeks. Do not scroll down if like me you are squeamish. Minging toe -)  

Wonderful clip of Sharath doing a rare public demo at conference-KPJAYI. This would have been after teaching one ( if not two) led classes in the morning. Amazing. Thank you to  brendamedinayoga  for whipping out her phone to record this ( braver woman than me :-) )

  There are a couple of spaces still available at Nancy's only London Ashtanga yoga workshops. A rare opportunity to practise with one of ashtanga yoga's senior female teachers. Nancy has been my teacher for 7/8 years, and I'm very happy she is coming to share her wisdom at my little Putney studio.  I have ventured to many places to practise with Nancy -including a few trips to India, and feel grateful that she still continues to travel the world to share her love of Ashtanga yoga Tuesday 26 th June 8,30am -11.30am  Led class followed by Q&A and examining the breath in the practise. Wednesday 27 th June 8.30am-11.30  Mysore style practise followed by Q&A and loving kindness  mediation   Thursday 28th June  8.30am- Mysore style practise only Nancy has requested you attend all three sessions where ever possible. Venue The Putney clinic of physical therapy. 2 nd floor  266 upper Richmond road, Putney London SW15 6TQ.