iona.yoga

🌳🍰🍉

thanks to all who came out last Sunday for yoga in the park! actually wild to think now that we had to move around to avoid the sun glare 🌞🌦

lush to move, breathe & rest under the trees with new and familiar faces. All followed by delicious 🍰 from yum

if you couldn't attend you can still support the cause by:
- signing the petition asking SWP to drop charges against those arrested
- contributing to the fund
- if you're part of an organisation, get your org to co-sign the statement
(🔗 in bio or on )

Planning to run a few more yoga and 🍰 in the park sessions throughout summer, each time spotlighting a different cause ☀️ (prob 🍉 based, feel free to send suggestions my way)

drop me a DM to stay in the 🌀

free free 🍉
♥️

🌸park yoga fundraiser - ioga yn y parc i godi a***n
🌼10.30am this Sunday 9th June!

join me to move, breathe and stretch under the trees this sunday

💘all bodies welcome/ no yoga experience necessary

free to attend, with encouraged donation to the fund to support the protestors - please give as much as your means allow directly via the link in my bio

🍰After the session you are welcome to stay around, chill and get some yummy snacks from nearby.

The more the merrier! bring your pals, well-behaved dogs, kids & lovers also welcome - just drop a comment below or a DM to let me know you're coming and I'll send a location 📍

see you there bbz♥️
ACAB 🇵🇸 xox

Alt text: image of flowers with text that reads ioga yn y parc/ yoga in the park, 9th june 2024, 10.30am

once we begin to feel deeply all the aspects of our lives, we begin to demand from ourselves and from our life-pursuits that they feel in accordance with that joy which we know ourselves to be capable of
- audre lorde

image from maes chwarae by for experimentica

much more to be said about this mo(ve)ment -still in process mode-
for now here's a snack

gwanwyn ebrill 2024

📸

dance like everyone's watching

june2023

miss moments like these with

SCORE
december 2023

still getting over a weekend spent with SCORE, experiencing the body as a site of play- contestation- connection - rest.

2024 letsgo 🔥

photos by

hey! time for a re-intro? 👋

I've noticed a few more people following this account lately so here's a lil update on who I am and what I offer.

✨️my name's Iona (eyeohnah in English, yoh-nah yn y Gymraeg) and my pronous are she/they.

❤️‍🔥I love to help people feel grounded, comfortable and connected to their bodies. Whether strong and active or slow and restorative, my classes emphasise mindful movement linked to the breath.

👉I always try and offer options and modifications for different bodies, but most of all I want you to do what works for YOU.

So basically if you want to spend the whole class lying on the floor, do it!

🌍I have a 20 month old toddler who is the centre of my world.

🌀Self-care and collective care are interconnected. That means sometimes your practice will look like time on the mat or meditation cushion, and sometimes it will look like activism or mutual aid. & sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is find rest.

💭My dream is to keep training and expand my offering of body and movement-based therapeutic practices.. watch this space.

❤️If you're tempted to drop into class but would like to know a little more, please drop me a message, my DMs are always open.

Iona x

two more weeks to practise with me 💫❤️‍🔥

hey lovelies, hope you're having a glorious summer so far. In two weeks I'm wrapping up my classes for the summer and taking a lovely long break to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with my baby, visiting loved ones across Europe.

This means you have two more weeks to catch a class with me!
Come join me for class on
Wednesdays 6.15pm
Thursdays 6.15pm
Fridays 9am

Last class will be friday 7th July. While I'm away I'll be reviewing my teaching timetable and will be back to teaching mid august, so stay tuned for updates on future yoga offerings.

For now I'd love to see you on the mat 💚 whether you're totally new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, come as you are.
Booking link in bio 💕

Cariad xx

it's easier to take care of others..
. harder to take care of yourself❤️‍🩹
I've had a bit of a health scare lately with a string of illnesses back to back.
People are always telling me I do a lot, but I've always laughed it off. I just have a lot of different passions and loves, right? And working two jobs on top of dance training / performing and caring for a toddler isn't even that much. Right?

Uh, turns out no. This time my body has sent me a very clear signal that we need r e s t. So i'm gonna practice what i preach on the mat and pause, listen, and chill.tf.out. for a bit (As much as this sunny little bug will let me anyway)

And if you were looking for a sign to cancel that appointment, draw the curtains and check out for a bit, consider this it 💫

Here's a pic from more rested and relaxed times, calling in this energy ✨️

hey you,
it's been a while 💛
whether your season was festive, hectic, quiet or 'whatever', welcome to the other side, you made it.

here's your reminder that you don't have be all 'new year new me' this january. that it's ok to move slow. to ease in. in the words of 'imagine a lifetime spent loving what is already good enough'.

classes restart this week, and i'm planning sessions based on setting compassionate intentions. on moving through rather than pushing forwards.
If that sounds like your bag, you can join me in the following classes 👇

📍strength
Wednesdays 18:15-19:15
Fridays 9-10 - strength

📍winter warming yoga
Sunday 8/01 & 05/02
18:00-19:30

stretchysuzies classes are strong and flowy, the Cardiff Yoga Studio class is soft and candlelit. booking links in bio - choose your flavour and see you on the mat. can't wait✨️x

🔥Warming Winter Yoga 🔥
✨-calm-cosy-candlelit-✨

A monthly Sunday gathering, starting 20th November
6pm-7.30pm

To mark the changing seasons, and to help warm our cockles over the darker months, I've put together a series of nourishing Sunday evening sessions to take us through till spring. Think a grounding slow flow, yin, cushions, blankets, candlelight & calm 💆‍♂️🕯️

Each month we'll be working with a different theme, starting with 'Letting Go, Turning In' on Sunday November 20th at 6pm-7.30pm.

Spaces are limited and I expect these sessions to fill up quite quickly so advance booking is essential

Book in via the link in comments👇

Can't wait to see you on the mat 💖🎆

🎉NEW CLASS ALERT🎉
Fridays 10-11am Stretchy Suzie's]

super excited to announce I'm going to be joining the incredible team Stretchy Suzie's]! I've been going to stretchy's classes since it opened back in 2013 so this feels like coming home ❤️

Starting from THIS FRIDAY I'll be serving up a strong flow yoga class to get you moving, stretching and breathing ready for the weekend.

Expect plenty of classic vinyasa flows fused with creative movement practices, including progressions to arm balances and inversions if that's your jam (or if you just want to have a go...)

Class is open to all levels - options and modifications will be offered to help you find the right practice for you.

Booking link in comments.
Can't wait to see you on the mat x

💚💚💚 tomorrow!!

Class next Tuesday! Excited to be teaching as part of the British Wheel of Yoga summer school on the 23rd August at Cathays Methodist Church.
Join me 🤗👇

Summer School continues next Tuesday with Iona stepping into the spotlight.

In this session Iona takes you through the strength, mobility, and internal 'locks' (bandhas) needed to bring lightness and lift into your practice. Working with breath, body and balance, you'll work towards postures which incorporate the dual elements of earth and air, including progressions towards arm balances.

This class would best suit students with some yoga experience or those looking to refine their practice. Options and modifications will be offered to help you find the best practice for your body. Bring a mat, some water and a sense of play!

No need to book, open sessions where you can pay on the day.

This is going to be lush today 💚

Y O G A C L A S S | Summer School

Hope you are all enjoying the glorious sunshine this week and finding some time to spend outdoors. ☀️

Next week, I’ll be running a yoga class exploring the theme ‘Moving from the inside out’ as part of British Wheel of Yoga - Wales Region Summer School.

We often learn movement from the outside in. In this session, we will explore the felt sensation of movement and approach key asana from the inside out. Trusting the perception of movement from our inner intuition and using this as a guide to develop a practice that works for you.

Class is suitable for all. Get in touch if you have any questions.

📆 Tuesday 16th August

🕰 7pm - 8.30pm

📍 Cathays Methodist Church, Cardiff

ℹ️ For more info - https://www.bwy.org.uk/wales/event/2314/

**update - now sold out (again) see you Sunday!**
yoga in the gardens this Sunday - one more space added!✨

as it's set up be beautiful weather we've added another place to our sunday session. so if you fancied joining us then now's your chance! We'll be breathing and moving in the shade of the apple tree, excited to see you there 🌱💚
Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-331058213027

SUMMER SCHOOL ✨

Honestly so excited to be one of the teachers sharing a session as part of this year's summer school🌞🙏

The school kicks off NEXT TUESDAY with four weekly sessions held by an incredible line up of teachers - perfect if you're looking to dip your toe into the world of yoga or to deepen your yoga practice.

LOCATION 📍Cathays Methodist Church, Crwys Road, Cardiff

SCHEDULE 📆
Tues 9th Aug 7pm - 8.30pm - Jo Bogacz

Freedom and Re-discovery through the 5 elements: Mindfulness Yoga to create foundations, flow, vitality, lightness and space.

Tues 16th Aug 7pm - 8.30pm - Allie John

Moving From The Inside Out.

We often learn movement from the outside in. In this session, we will explore the felt sensation of movement and approach key asana from the inside out. Trusting the perception of movement from our inner intuition and using this as a guide to develop a practice that works for you.

Tues 23rd Aug 7pm - 8.30pm - Iona Hannagan Lewis .yoga

Lift Off! Rooting to Rise

In this session I take you through the strength, mobility, and internal 'locks' (bandhas) needed to bring lightness and lift into your practice. Working with breath, body and balance, we'll work towards postures which incorporate the dual elements of earth and air, including progressions towards arm balances.

Tues 30th Aug 7pm - 8.30pm - Caroline McGurgan

Enliven the Spine. A nourishing practice to increase the vitality of the spine through spirals, undulations and rotations.

Super excited to see you there 😍More info in the link in bio ☝️

just under two weeks till our next yoga in the gardens!
places are going already so if you fancy joining us on Sunday the 14th then grab your ticket in the link in bio ☝️
here's a little pic of baby helping me take an online yoga class in the park last night.... babies give very constructive feedback 😅 🌱☀️

✨5 days to go! ✨
it's set to be perfect weather on Sunday for our next yoga in the gardens - sunny, warm, and about ten degrees cooler than yesterday (highs of only 24C! luxury!)
we'll be practicing under the shade of the apple tree, bringing mobility to the spine to work with udana vayu, or the energy of growth & self-expression.
there are a few places left so grab yours here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-331058213027

excited to see you on the grass 🌳
(swipe to see a tiny human who is very good at self-expression..)

[Alt text: the first image reads 'Yoga in the Gardens at Global Gardens, 24/07/2023, 10.30-12'
The second image is a picture of Pali feeding their baby under the apple tree at Global Gardens
The third image reads 'ioga yn y Gerddi, global gardens, 24/07/2022]

• diolch! • next session 24/07 •
such a lovely session yesterday at ! the rain held off and we were able to practice outside 💚 we worked with samana vayu by feeling/ moving into our centres through breathing, twists, and balances, and followed up practice with chats over cups of fresh lemon balm and mint tea🌱

thank you/ diolch to all who came!

our next session is on the 24th July and will look at udana vayu. Udana vayu is the energy of speech, self-expression, and growth. using breath and movement we'll call in length, strength and ease to the body/mind - particularly looking at backbends and sequences for openness in the upper body, heart and chest area. as always, options and modifications will be offered to help you find the right practice for you ✨

I'd love to see you there, beginners always welcome -
book your place at the 🔗in bio 💗🌷

[Alt text : the first image shows Iona from the back teaching a yoga class under the apple tree. The class participants are all lying in relaxation posture.
The second image shows Iona's partner sitting under the apple tree, feeding their baby before class starts. There are roses and the global gardens classroom in the foreground.
The third image is an infographic which says 'Ioga yn y Gerddi, Global Gardens, 24/07/2022 10.30-12
The fourth image is a translation of the third, and says 'Yoga in the Gardens, 24/07/2022, 10.30-12']

•next session 19/06•

lovely to see a mix of familiar and new faces for our first garden yoga session of the summer yesterday ✨
the rain held off and we were able to practise outside for the first time since last year
Listening to the birds and rustling trees during practise makes it such a special experience 💚 and for me, it was lush to be back on the mat teaching my first session since having a baby! Still getting used to this new body and its different sensations...

🌳our next session is on the 19th June and will be based on samana vayu, or the energy of processing and assimilation

As always, beginners are super welcome along with those with more yoga experience.
Book in : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/331058213027
see you there ✨

☀️tomorrow/ yfory!☀️
hooray it's sunny which means fingers 🤞 we'll be practising under the apple tree tomorrow!
excited to see you there for an apana-based yoga practice🌳

apana vayu is the energy of release, surrender, and letting go. We'll be working with subtle movement, breath and meditation to connect to this deeply grounding + nourishing energy 💆‍♂️

spaces are fully booked for tomorrow's session, but if you missed out there are spaces in future sessions - link to book in: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/331058213027 ✨

Image caption: a photo of people relaxing on their yoga mats under the shade of the apple tree at Global Gardens. In the photo the sun is bright and the plants are lush and green. The photo was taken at one last year's Yoga in the Gardens sessions.

🎉Yoga is back in the gardens this summer! ✨🌱

super excited to be back this summer, holding a series of monthly yoga classes themed around the Pancha Prana Vayu, or the five subtle energy flows.

the first session is on sunday the 29•5•22, and will be based around apana vayu, or downward-moving energy. expect lots of juicy hip openers and exercises to melt away deep-held tension 💆‍♂️🧘‍♂️ as always after the session participants are invited to stay and enjoy the gardens over a cup of fresh herbal tea 🍵

Beginners to yoga are v v welcomed! I aim to make the space inclusive to all bodies, genders and abilities. If you have any questions my DMs are always open 💖

as always, places are limited to keep the atmosphere cosy and intimate ✨ so grab yours quick
Booking link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/331058213027 💛💚💙💜🖤♥️

(Swipe thru for some lovely memories from previous garden yoga sessions)

Lovely to be in the space as a participant this morning - Baby Idris and I had a lush time learning about herbs for postpartum healing with herbalist Kate Aster. We took home a healing herbal mix with calendula and thyme, and made up a mixture of comfrey, calendula and St John's Wort for bathing in.
There's another session next Saturday (16/04), so really recommend booking a space if you're also on a birthing journey! Booking link on the Global Gardens IG page.

Announcements about summer garden yoga coming soon so watch this space... For now I'm off to have a soothing bath 🛀🌿🌾

✨croeso Idris bach✨

wow, so turns out the strange sensation that I'd been brushing off as backache last week was actually early labour 😲

I went into labour on Monday 7•3•22. (the morning after teaching yoga !) and our beautiful baby Idris Lux was born on 8•3•22 - International Women's Day, no less 😍

The labour was both beautiful and complicated, and Idris and I are taking time and space to heal ✨

🌈Feeling ENORMOUS gratitude for the NHS and midwife/ obstetric teams at UHW Cardiff, who offered gentle empowerment through the softer early stages, and the most incredible, lifesaving support when things got tricky at the end. Honestly, no words can express my awe for the amazing people working in our healthcare services here in Wales 🙏💕

I'm feeling inspired by the early spring and having a little think around spring/ summer yoga offerings. Will post updates as and when ✨

For now, Idris, Idris' dad and I are loving this time to get used to life together as a new family.
can't really believe that this little one has chosen us to be their parents 💕

Hwyl am y tro, Iona X

(here's a lil pic of me and Idris enjoying some lunch on one of our first trips out at the lovely )

🌱thank you & diolch to all who came for our yoga in the gardens session this morning!
It was lovely to practice with you all in the cosy classroom space, and to catch up over a cup of fresh herbal tea afterwards.
I'll be taking a pause over the next few months to have my little one, but hope to be back and teaching when we're ready 👶
Cariad mawr and happy spring everyone 💚✨

SPRING YOGA IN THE GARDENS ~ IOGA GWANWYN YN Y GERDDI
• 6.03.23 • 10.30-12

bore da👋 so I've been little quiet lately, largely focussed on finishing up my yoga course (HELLO 500hour diploma!), working the day job, and growing a small human - who is very nearly ready to make an entrance
😍 🤰

So what better way to welcome this coming spring - and mark - than with one more Yoga in the Gardens before the little one comes earthside 👣

Those of you who have been before will know what to expect - a relaxed yoga flow, the opportunity to breathe and restore in the beautiful Global Gardens community garden, and a cup of herbal tea freshly picked from the gardens afterwards.

Newbies and beginners are so welcome 🤗 the session will be held outdoors in warmer weather, or indoors if it's wet and wild 🌞🌦️

We're keeping spaces super limited as always, so don't miss out - grab your space : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-288445035867

Payment is donation-based, with half of proceeds going towards sustaining Global Gardens' Community growing projects ✨

✨SOLSTICE YOGA 🌲
✨19•12•2021 - 10.30 till 12 🌲
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-219290713427
Super excited to announce that and I are teaming up to offer a midwinter solstice edition of yoga in the gardens!
🌲Expect an hour of warming yoga flow in the cosy indoor classroom space, followed by the chance to stay after the session and chat over a cuppa of something warming and nourishing (thinking hot apple and spices...)
🌲As always, keeping spaces super limited to give us all space to stretch out indoors, so grab your space asap! Link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-219290713427
🌲Christmas jumpers optional but warmly encouraged... Swipe for mine 😉
Super excited to move/ breathe/ catch up with you all again! 💖✨

☀️diolch ☀️
on this dark drizzly evening it seems incredible that we had beautiful sunshine on Sunday morning, but we did!
Thanks to those who attended our yoga session on Sunday morning, it was lovely to share the space with you 💕
We each came away with a bunch of flowers and chard from the garden too 🌿🌼
We're hoping to run one more session before Christmas, thinking a warming flow followed by a cup of something spiced and nourishing... Watch this space ✨ 🍂🍵

Also, big thanks to the yogis who agreed to be photographed here 😊 photo description: a group of yogis stand under a tree holding their bunches of flowers and chard from the gardens

💖

✨sold out !✨
Huge thanks to all who booked onto Autumn Yoga in the Gardens at on the 7/11, I'm excited to say we're fully booked!
🌧️Looking at the weather it's quite likely we'll be practising inside the beautiful classroom (made by - swipe to see).
With this in mind we've kept the group small so we all have space to spread out inside.
☀️If the sun gods bless us and it looks like we can practice outside we might be adding a few more spaces this coming week, so watch this space 😉
💌I'll be sending info to all those who have booked on Monday, so keep an eye on your emails.
For now, I'm off on a retreat to St David's so will be unplugging over the weekend. See you on the other side ✨

🍂AUTUMN YOGA IN THE GARDENS 🍂
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-197817476397

After the success of our summer classes, I'm delighted to teaming up with to bring you an autumn edition of Yoga in the Gardens!

💆‍♂️Need to breathe, restore, relax? Come and unwind in the tranquil outdoor setting of Global Gardens Community Gardens.

Arrive from 10:15 to set up. Guided yoga class from 10:30 - 11:30, followed by the opportunity to stay for a warming cup of herbal tea, freshly picked from Global Gardens' herb garden.

The yoga will be a gentle hatha flow class, beginners are warmly welcomed 🤗

Half of all proceeds go towards Global Gardens Community Gardening projects.

❗We're keeping spaces very limited so early booking is essential
Link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-in-the-gardens-ioga-yn-y-gerddi-tickets-197817476397💖