Garden yoga moment Mysore style , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Beautiful day in London today, so I took the opportunity to bust a yoga pose or two, while sitting in my garden. Check out the vest top!

As my yoga teacher lives in another country, I have to take yoga adjustments where I can. My husband is a handy man for this as he is an Osteopath with an MSc in Sports Medicine. Trusting your assistant is key!

Straight arms with hands near the feet? I thought hands were near the knees! I'm going to give this variation a go.

I am rereading Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K Patthabi Jois and have come 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 practice, "so people with obsessive natures are a

In the summer of 2009 my lovely friend, and fellow yoga teacher Georgina went to Rwanda to do three months of voluntary yoga teaching with HIV+ survivors of genocide and rape. Below is her story and why she is doing this fantastic fund raising event. Please contact her if you would like to attend or make a donation. 108 Sun Salutation Fundraiser Event 18 September 2011 - Shoreditch (London) "You may remember that in summer 2009 I went to Rwanda to do three months of voluntary yoga teaching with It was a life changing experience and spurred my decision to train as an Art Psychotherapist to gain new skills and resources, including art and yoga, with which to assist people with mental and physical therapeutic health needs. A group of yoga practitioners I teach in Shoreditch have decided they want to take up the challenge of doing 108 Sun Salutations so we are taking this opportunity to fundraise for We-Actx who offer clinical services and voluntary counseling and testing, and

This delicious salad is from Yogi Kitchen , a foodie's delight of a blog site. Head over to their website for lots of wonderful dishes. Four Bean Indian Salad Adapted from Mysore Style Cooking by V. Sandhya Serves 2 Ingredients 250 g (8oz) green beans 1 handful fresh dill, chopped 4-5 tbsp toor dhal 4-5 tbsp mung beans (whole) 4 tbsp sprouted mung beans 4 tbsp minced red bell pepper 4 - 5 cups of water Salt to taste Tempering 1 tsp oil 1 tsp black mustard seeds 2 red chillies, minced 1/2 tsp asafetida 2 tbsp coconut, (grated fresh is ideal if you have it, we used dried) Instructions Chop green beans into small pieces. Chop the dill finely. In a heavy bottomed pot place the toor dhal and mung beans and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft not mushy. Add the chopped fresh green beans and dill. Cook well until they become just soft. Add salt to taste, then drain the water and set both broth aside and place the vegetables in a large bowl. He

Dwi Pada Sirsasana variation , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Dwi Pada Sirsasana variation (full postion feet behind the head.)

I tried this pose for the first time earlier this summer. I managed to bring my knees down, assisted by my teacher, but getting them back up was a different story. I think this is a useful tip that Kino gives about practising from headstand first and moving the leg back to come into lotus makes sense. Now to practice and possibly fall on my head :-)

Weekend Yoga retreat with Cherie lathey Littleton Mill, Wiltshire: 7th - 9th October 2011 The weekend ... This is a yoga weekend to restore and recharge the batteries, before heading into winter hibernation. It is suitable for those coming to yoga for the first time or for those who want to deepen their practice. This will be a small yoga group and we will be able to focus on individual needs in a calm and tranquil environment. Littleton Mill is a 17th century water mill in Wiltshire, which has been lovingly restored by Melissa and Richard Kendall. The cost of the weekend is £250. This is on a shared room basis and includes all yoga and freshly prepared organic meals. There are a couple of “non-yoga” spaces available (at a reduced cost) for those who would like to bring a friend or partner to enjoy the peace and quiet on offer. There will be plenty of time to read, rest or walk in the beautiful countryside. Massage is available on request (not

Yeo London! Let’s Yoga! In partnership with the Royal Parks Foundation The Sunset Session 31st August 6pm, the Round Pond, Kensington gardens Sunset yoga in one of London parks tonight Wednesday 31st August at 6pm at the Round Pond at Kensington Gardens. You can register for the Sunset Session by clicking visiting www.yeolondon.com . There is a £5.00 fee for this class, so if you're looking for some outdoor yoga in the heart of London town, head on down, or look online for more of these sessions coming soon.

I have to take yoga assists where I can. On holiday in Ibiza earlier this summer my husband was recruited to help me with my "dropping back". He is not a yoga teacher, but as an osteopath with an MSc in Sports Science/Sports medicine, he has an excellent understanding of the body. It was a bit scary but I figured that he more than anyone was not going to drop me on my head ;-)

I always find Kino's video clips useful. But how fast does she talk?

After a week of intense yoga practice and a week that saw my body have a collision with a piece of Germany's finest car engineering, my son not getting his university place of choice, and then getting two places, I was exhausted both physically and mentally. The change in the university plans meant I did not have to make the long drive to Newcastle, so I cancelled my trip and booked a place at Bishopstrow House for my husband and myself instead. I have blogged about this Spa hotel before. It is a beautiful, old manor house set in gorgeous countryside and has a feel of being in another era. While swimming alone in the outdoor pool, I imagined this is what it would have been like for the Astors, of Clivedon house, without the scandal of Christine Keller and the Profumo affair. I booked a garden room but when I arrived it had been given to someone else. I almost wept when I was given a room without a view. However, this was swiftly rectified and the unwinding process beg

Closing Prayer Svastiprajabhyah Paripalayantam Nyayena Margena Mahim Mahisah Gobrahmanebhyah Subhamastu Nitym Lokasamasta Sukhinobhavantu May all be well with mankind May the leaders of the Earth protect in every way by keeping to the right path May there be goodness for those who know the Earth to be sacred. May all the worlds be happy.

Whoa, what a week I have had... Last Friday my teenage son backed a heavy bit of German motor car into me, resulting in some heavy duty bruising on my legs. Shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries were also part of the deal too. On Saturday I had treatment on these and called Hamish at Ashtanga yoga London to see if he recommended that I still attend the week long workshop with Sharath. He suggested coming as the yoga would "help with the healing". I expressed my concerns at having to modify my practice and that - having never practiced yoga with Sharath before - he might go too hard on me. I couldn't have been more wrong! Sharath took me under his wing (along with many other students) and gently assisted me into my backbends. A light gentle touch which conveyed "I'm here, it's okay", softly encouraging me on the way. By day two or three I was up on my own and he quietly said "very good". By Thursday I was feeling much stronger and finding m

Be a lamp unto yourself. Work out your liberation with diligence. Buddha

Our sorrow and wounds are only healed when we touch them with compassion. Buddha

Ustrasana (Camel variation) , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Ustrasana (Camel variation)

Here is the quite unusual vision of an all male yoga group. This was taken on my holiday and they are all either related to me, or very close family friends (husband and son included). Most publication items that are widely available about yoga, will usually have a a nubile, lycra clad female on the cover. Those that do have a male on the cover (few and far between) will either have s very strong looking man with rippling biceps, doing an arm balance that looks pretty unachievable to the novice. Or a ballet dancer type, looking off into the distance, with one leg wrapped somewhere round his neck. The benefits of yoga are well documented, and many sports men and women are using yoga alongside their regular activities, to help keep their bodies stay flexible and strong. Breathing techniques, which for me are the key aspect of yoga can help you deal with the stress and strain that life may bring ...So anyone from students to company directors ( as in these photos) can take to the yo

I tried a demo class of Will Power and Grace yesterday, and can hardly move my legs today :-) Many of the moves I have seen before, in the good old days as an aerobics instructor ( although we always wore shoes then) . Not entirely certain its for me, but its fun and dynamic, and very reminiscent of the 80s feeing the burn...where are my leg warmers?

Whoa, not sure I will ever be able to do this? but good to observe how it is done.

This was shared by a twitter friend Mel-Funny poke at a number of things I can relate to.

Attachment follows the experience of pleasure. Aversion follows the experience of pain. Clinging to life is the sentiment which causes its own potency to flow equally even in the wise. Their operations are to be got rid of by meditation. Bengali Baba - Yogasutra of Patanjali

Ibiza 2011 114 , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . On my recent trip to Ibiza, we visited a friend on a nearby island. This is where he gets to swim every day. I wont say exactly where it is as I think he likes having it to himself. ;-)

From London with Love is the latest book published by the talented and funny writer, Jemma Forte. A book that will make you laugh out loud. The novel story is about a movie star's daughter fleeing Hollywood and her father's reputation to set up an anonymous life in London. Jemma has had some fantastic reviews for her second book, which include: "If you loved The Devil Wears Prada, you'll adore this... Fabulously funny " HEAT "Wonderfully funny and heart felt" Company The book in now available to purchase on Amazon . I came away from last night's book launch at Waterstones in Chelsea clutching my signed copy of the book. I am now eagerly awaiting book three. Cherie Lathey & Jemma Forte at Waterstones in Chelsea

Facts are not frightening. But if you try to avoid them, turn your back and run, then that is frightening. Krishnamurti

On a recent trip to Wiltshire to practice yoga, I stayed at this beautiful hotel; Bishopstrow House. Having had months of "full-on" work commitments, this was a real treat indeed. My room was beautiful and looked out over a private garden that made me think of Watership Down, with rabbits (that looked rather big, but then again I am a true Londoner) hopping around the lawn. I had an evening swim in the heated outdoor pool, which is a rarity in itself; finding an outdoor pool in the UK that is actually warm enough to swim in. I headed over to the spa and had a steam and sauna followed by what can only be described as the most unusual shower I have ever had. Being a new spa the double shower gave you a push button choice to the kind of shower you would like to choose. I choose the Caribbean storm. I stood in the shower and closed my eyes as a fine warm mist sprayed onto my face; gorgeous! There were sound effects playing too, so when a thunder clap started, I should have take

I have been very fortunate to be able to practice yoga with Nancy many times. She is a wonderful teacher, both on and off the mat. On her recent travels, I was able to catch up with Nancy in a few different locations, which really enabled me to progress in my physical yoga practice. I don't think I need to write which poses I have (or don't have), which is why I am just posting a few photos to show that if you are practising yoga, you are on a journey of discovery within, regardless of what poses you are able to do.

As I have just started practising to the end of the intermediate series, I have been on the look out for some video clips. I came across Sri Pattabhi Jois teaching this section. Fascinating to watch and lovely to hear his calm, gentle voice teaching the practice. I hasten to add my version of the intermediate series vaguely resembles these. Yogis... practice, practice, practice!!!

Dr Françoise Barbira Freedman presents: From pregnancy to giving birth with yoga : A birthlight workshop Sunday 24 July 2011 5– 7pm Triyoga Primrose Hill Everyone is welcome £50 per couple or £25 for one person. In Ayurveda, as well as in other world traditions, pregnancy is a special time for mothers to grow strong and well together with their babies. This workshop is for mothers to be and partners (or supporting close friend or relative) and it is based on the principles of Birthlight, a charitable trust founded by Dr. Freedman. Birthlight aims to promote the greater enjoyment of pregnancy, birth and babies using Yoga and breathing methods to enhance your and your baby’s well-being. Birth 'light' refers to giving birth lightly, without undue strain on the body and making full use of the breath, it also refers to the ‘light’ that can shine around birth. The workshop teachings are based on using the flow of breath in relaxed stretches and adapting classic yoga postures for wome

Padmasana , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Padmasana, Lotus position.

originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Here is a little preview of my yoga space which will open in early July. I will be adding lots of new classes to my timetable and a few new teachers will be joining me to support the ever-growing yoga community. I will be working alongside osteopaths and physiotherapists at The Putney Clinic of physical therapy . On site there will be 25 doctors and MRI imaging; so a real East meets West yoga studio, just like I always wanted.

If you see the soul in every living being, you see truly. If you see immortality in the heart of every mortal being, you see truly. The Bhagavad Gita

Yoga 004 , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Vrishchikasana. I am still practicing this pose close to the wall when I am on my own.

I am so excited Triyoga is coming to my neck of the woods in Chelsea, south-west London. Central and north London seemed to have had the monopoly on yoga studios for a number of years and the south-west was distinctly lacking on the yoga front, but not anymore! Triyoga opens its new studios on the trendy Kings road, on Saturday 2nd of July. The new centre will have three beautiful light studios, three treatment rooms, an organic café, a juice bar, a cool area to hang out with friends and a shop. The classes on offer will be for the complete newcomer to yoga to the more advanced Ashtanga Mysore practice. A wide range of treatments and therapies will also be available (see link belowf or more details). Triyoga often have some of the world's best yoga teachers pay them a visit. They run some of the best yoga workshops in London, which is why I'm so excited. http://www.triyoga.co.uk/treatments-at-triyoga-chelsea/ Free opening day yoga classes To celebrate the opening of triyoga

With the Wimbledon Tennis Championships starting on Monday and the British weather being its-usual-unpredictable-self, I thought I would make a short list for anyone visiting. I was teaching yoga at last week's Wimbledon tennis qualifying events and here was how the week went in photos. Warm sunny days require sun glasses, hats, and sun cream. Ball boys and girls have a rest in the Sunshine (they had in fact been stretching before I took this photo.) Things start to go a bit down hill on the weather front. Oooh, think I can spot some rain from up here. Covers on tennis courts chaps.. Festival mac comes in handy after all! So a suggested list of items needed (vanity will have to go out the window). Zinc sun cream: never a great look unless you rub it in well. A silly hat so your family can spot you on the telly. A foldaway umbrella, preferably in a cheery colour, as you will be feeling miserable if you need it; plus your friends can find you in the crowds Flip flops for warm weathe

PURPLE VALLEY, GOA, INDIA Needed - Experienced Vegetarian cook: Oversee menu planning, budgeting and cooking for up to 50 guests, co-manage kitchen with current chefs , including supervising small team of hard-working locals. Positions include accommodation, meals, local subsistence salary and a unique opportunity to study with the world's top Ashtanga teachers as well as meeting amazing people from around the world and experiencing Goan culture in its true sense. Please send your details, CV or resume to info@yogagoa.com

It is in the very heart of our activity that we search for our god. Rabindranath Tagore

I recently attended a fantastic Ashtanga yoga workshop with Nancy Gilgoff in Tarifa Spain. Casa yoga is running classes and workshops in a beautiful spot in southern Spain. Adam and Theresa who run Casa yoga had all bases covered, accommodation, food, and of course one of Ashtanga yoga's most experienced teachers Nancy Gilgoff. ( Nancy has been practicing for 40 years). It always amazes me how a group of strangers ( mostly), can gather together and share the yoga journey-doesn't matter what pose your on? what your day job is? or if you speak the same language....I found this particular group dynamic, very uplifting, so thank you fellow yogis. The Casa yoga set up makes it very easy to attend on your own. My non yogi husband came too and enjoyed running, swimming and the sunshine. The option of kite surfing, in one of the world best sites is available for the brave :-)