The yoga show will be at London Olympia from the 26-28th of October. There are a massive amount of workshops and courses to attend, and many different styles of yoga to sample.  This would be my choice of classes/workshops to attend ( in no particular order)   Michael Gannon workshops ( he has a number to choose from) Claire Missingham  "spice up your life" Durga Devi & Cat Alp-Douglas Jivamuckti Yoga. All of the above are dynamic forms of yoga and not always suitable for everyone- check the downloadable schedule on the yoga show website. The children's room Jo Mannuel yoga for children aged 4-8 Other Aimee Newton : An osteopathic approach to yoga . If attending a free class make sure you get there early as these can be busy-Take plenty of money as there are loads of "yogi" things on sale.  Most of all enjoy the variation of yoga that the show has to offer. http://www.omyogashow.com/london/home.php

I have just celebrated my 50th birthday-Here is a wonderful video put together by my beautiful and talented daughter Cally.... the inside story of yoga mama.

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream. Paulo Coelho

After three days at a "wake" in Ireland I flew to Venice feeling tired and emotional. My husband had some work in the hills outside of the city, so I spent the first day and night alone, wandering the beautiful streets  of Venice ( its a very easy place to be alone in). We stayed in a fabulous hotel-Hotel bel sita a few minutes walk from piazza San Marco-a small friendly family run place-We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and went for what was supposed to have been a romantic meal-only to be served by the Italian version of Basil Fawlty.An impromptu evening at a Vivaldi concert felt like stepping back in time. The architecture, the food, the art, the gelato, the boats, the gallery's, the glass factory, all absolutely amazing.....bit crowed at times, but I can understand why everyone would want to see this ancient wonder.

This is a very useful clip for those who are working on the bind in this pose.

I was in Venice this weekend with my husband celebrating 19 years of marriage....busting an impromptu yoga pose under " the bridge of Sighs" & also nearly doing a knicker flash-still not a grown up :-)

It was seven years ago when Great Britain won the the chance to host the 2012 Olympic games- I remember being delighted- this delight faded the following day when the London bombings took place, and us Londoners were thrown into a dark period in time... London has been an amazing place to be during the 2012 Olympics, and whilst the sun didn't shine too much over the summer, the people definitely did. I had applied for tickets along side everyone else but didn't get anything....My daughter had a chance meeting on a London bus, with a complete stranger who was visiting from Ireland.  She and her husband had managed to get tickets to the Olympic tennis at The all England club in Wimbledon-They arrived in London with other family members and were so excited to be part of the 2012 games, when tragedy struck and her husband suffered a heart attack whilst on the platform of a London underground station. Fortunately the station staff were amazing, and the family were well looked

I have just finished reading this book whilst on holiday. I found it a wonderful insight into the Dali Lama and Buddhism. It's written by a psychiatrist who has interviewed the Dalai Lama many times. The book is a combination of narrative by the author and extended quotes of the Dalai Lama's answers. The simplicity of many of his answers was so refreshing, and keeping life simple is key. His kindness and compassion to all philosophy is simple but effective. Forgiveness is also included ... I read this on my kindle and highlighted many things. I do not think you have to be religious or a Buddhist to enjoy this book, I would highly recommend this read, especially to those of us that sometimes need reminding to "keep it simple"

One the best things about being on holiday is being able to practice yoga at my leisure. The house is quiet, there are lots of beautiful locations to place my mat-my body warms up quicker so I feel less stiff, and my husband is around to assist me when necessary -so I get to practise much deeper back bends...he has taken to using a small hand towel just like my own teacher Nancy.... The other great thing is I get to practise 7th series yoga "big time". This series is said to be the most challenging of all the yoga practices and Sri Pattabhi Jois called family life 7th series.......I had a wonderful time with my family and friends...the youth of the household would arrive back from a night of clubbing ( scaling the fence), as I rolled my mat out. A number of trips to the airport including one where my son flew back to the UK to take an exam, and then flew back again to Ibiza. Late nights, cocktails, lazy days by the pool all wonderful...I wont go into the stolen phone, th

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika "both the mind and the breath are united like milk and water and both them are equal in their activities. The mind begins its activities where there is the breath, and the prana begins its activities where there is the mind"

What a fantastic two weeks we have had here in London-and what inspirational athletes we have seen. Wish we could do it all again.

Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose) -  © Yoga Mama Yoga pose of the day: Vasisthasana , otherwise known as the Side Plank Pose. This photo was taken during Nancy Gilgoff's London Ashtanga yoga workshops at my studio in Putney.

Here is an interesting item by my guest blogger Melanie Bowen. For many cancer patients, using alternative treatments can help with the side effects of cancer medications and the symptoms of their illness. Whether you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, breast cancer or colon cancer, there are a number of complimentary therapies that may help you. Massage Therapy According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy is an excellent alternative therapy to use to help with symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression and pain that often come with cancer. Cancer patients also report that massage therapy is a good method of addressing feelings of stress. Light touch therapy is the most recommended form of massage treatment for cancer patients. If a patient is currently undergoing radiation therapy, it is important to inform the massage therapist so they can avoid the targeted area of treatment for your comfort. Cancer patients often find that getting regular massages helps them r

Pilates Master Class Saturday August 18th at 9am Come and join Pilates expert Liz Smith for a 90 minute workshop. This workshop will enable you to explore and deepen your understanding of Pilates. The workshop is suitable for all except those who have not attended a Pilates class before. The Putney clinic of physical therapy. 266 Upper Richmond road. Putney Cost £20 Booking essential. info@putneyclinic.co.uk 0208 789 3881

A couple of photos from the Mens Olympic road race-These were taken on the way back to the finish line on the upper Richmond road in Putney. Seconds after this photograph was taken Alexandr Vinokourov of Kazakhstan made the break on Putney high street that enabled him to ultimately win the race. Alexandr Vinokourov of  Kazakhstan , ( in light blue) Mark Cavendish & team GB Despite team GB not winning a great day was had by all.

Bakasana or crow pose can be quite daunting for many people-I will sometimes offer the option of putting a blanket or cushion on the floor in front of you, to give the illusion of the floor being closer ( and remove some of the fear of falling)...as with any prop you will have to let go of it at some point & in my experience once a student has felt the where the balance is, and what needs to be engaged ( shoulders, bandhas etc) they are happy to remove the prop. 

I had a great view of the Mens road race on the first day of The London Olympic games. I had my camera on a sports setting as these riders are moving fast :-) Looks to me like team GB are leading the Olympic peloton and Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins can be seen here in the front row-as they head out of Putney towards the Surrey hills.