Minimum Yoga

Dear all, after many years, the Tuesday evening class at Yogaloom will be discontinued. However, stay tuned for two new Sunday morning classes I will be teaching at another studio (also in Muswell Hill) on Sunday morning, a beginner and intermediate one. More on that soon.

You can still catch me at Yogaloom on Saturdays for All levels Ashtanga at 1pm (and also on Thursdays and Fridays for private classes).
Also, don't forget the workshop on Sunday 30 June, from 2-4pm, on foundations of arm balancing postures.

Schedule | minimum-yogahttps://www.minimumyoga.com/book-online Book online for minimum yoga classes: meditation, slow ashtanga.https://www.minimumyoga.com/book-online

A reminder my Saturday Ashtanga (All levels) class is now at 1pm. This Sunday 26 May I will also be covering the Vinyasa class at 11:30am, both at Yogaloom Pilates. https://www.yogaloom.com/timetable/

Also, I added availability for Thai massage on bank hol Monday 27 May (afternoon) at Yogahome if you feel in need of some restoration, or a stretch, but without having to do any work for it, as I'll do it for you. To book this either contact the studio, or me, or scroll down to Thai yoga massage and you'll find me on this page: https://yogahome.com/offer/therapies/

The second in a series of technical workshops I am running this year is now up for booking. It focuses on foundations of arm-balancing poses, Sunday 30 June, 2-4pm, at Yogaloom Pilates.

There are many instances in the regular practice where we set the foundations for more complex arm-balancing positions. We will use this extended class to find out where that is, and how we can fully establish those foundations to build stronger connections not only with the arms. More details on the booking page. https://shorturl.at/38qja

Hope to see you there.

A reminder for anyone interested that you can still book a Thai massage with me at Yogahome in Stoke Newington every Friday afternoon.
https://www.minimumyoga.com/thai-yoga-massage

Hopefully see some of you at the Basement in Kentish Town for the yoga class today at 6pm. We will look at expansion and contraction in movement and explore the ways in which these modalities manifest in yoga postures and transitions.

Contact — THE BASEMENT LDN GYM + STUDIO Contact us.E | [email protected] | 0207 284 4346The Basement LDN Gym + Studio39-51 Highgate RoadLondon, NW5 1RTOpening HoursMonday – Friday: 6:00am – 10:30pmSaturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pmBook a TourComplete the enquiry form here and a member of our concierge team will be in touch ...

One of the things I do when I'm not on the mat is mentoring university graduates. I started applying this knowledge/experience to mentoring yoga teachers in 2023. If you are a new teacher, or have been teaching for about 5 years, or if you are considering embarking on a yoga teacher training but don't know where to start, get in touch. I have tools to share with you for valuable orientation, if you need it. Get in touch for more info. https://www.minimumyoga.com/book-online

A reminder that my Ashtanga Vinyasa class Yogaloom Pilates on Saturdays 12:20-1:20pm is open to ALL levels of practice. If you're unsure because you haven't practised Ashtanga with me before, or you don't know what it entails, email me directly at [email protected]. Otherwise join me tomorrow for some cleansing practice. https://shorturl.at/lpqIV

Yoga (and more) summed up by the brilliant cartoonist Alison Bechdel in "The Secret to Superhuman Strength", which is what many of us really wish for. Especially when tired, sleepy, or otherwise unfocused 😴

Sometimes I hear yoga teachers complain about teaching in gyms. Instead, I really like it and have been missing it (I stopped teaching in gyms as pandemic struck). I've been covering a class at the Basement in Kentish Town for some time now and have agreed to teach it every Wednesday, 6-7pm until end of March at least. Join me if you're in the area. It's a very nice space and group with lots of equipment too if you'd like to try something different.

THE BASEMENT LDN GYM + STUDIO North London’s ultimate fitness space for inspired, individualised + serious training. JOIN NOW “Highgate Road’s hidden gem of a gym”THE CAMDENIST   A diverse offering of health and wellbeing services. A membership with TBLDN's independent fitness and training club situated in Kentish Town'...

Looking forward to sharing some precious insights on the fascinating anatomy of the spine and applying those to ad hoc exercises and yoga postures. This is the best way to embody anatomical knowledge and translate it into conscious and transformative movement. Look forward to seeing some of you today at 2pm.

There is still time to book for tomorrow's extended class on spinal extension, front-body opening, "backbending" principles. https://www.yogaloom.com/service/onwards-and-upwards-workshop/

Email me if you have any questions: [email protected]

There is still time to book for tomorrow's extended class on spinal extension, front-body opening, "backbending" principles. https://www.yogaloom.com/service/onwards-and-upwards-workshop/

Email me if you have any questions: [email protected]

This is the research I mentioned to some of you, relevant to women. As it pertains to bodymind states I thought it worth sharing more widely. The article points out that "The study may contain some bias due to the survey only being taken by women who already cold water swim." Nonetheless, might be interesting to some of you as something to consider. Not for everyone.

Cold water swimming improves menopause symptoms Menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements to their physical and mental symptoms, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

Re-sharing Minimum Yoga’s first promotional picture, taken as part of a series for one of the yoga schools I trained with, and still printed on my business cards. January 2024 marks 10 years since I officially started teaching yoga. I remember one of my most senior teachers saying one isn’t really ready to start teaching others until they have at least 10 years of practice. At that time I had been practising for about 5 years. So perhaps I wasn’t ready. Yet I felt ready, maybe because I had already gathered teaching experience in another discipline. Over the last 10 years, among other things, I have learnt: that traditions and methods have to be questioned; that yoga is more AND less than movement; that movement is intrinsic to what we are as living organisms; that the practitioners in the room have all the answers and I can only help by pointing them to some observable clues, as well as “holding space” for their own discoveries; that the study of anatomy can never be underestimated, even if observation, patience and human connection ultimately shape the best teaching decisions. This sculpture by artist Paolozzi sits outside the British Library in London. It represents William Blake’s vision of Isaac Newton unable to see anything beyond the narrow confines of his science. For me it’s a depiction of the human thirst for knowledge which must be filtered through imagination and creativity. Something yoga, as both an art and a science, can help us cultivate. I think I’m ready to teach some more.

encountering Blake's Newton, through Paolozzi's sculpture outside the British Library, 2014

Just a reminder that this page is used exclusively to promote the Minimum Yoga business page, with updates on classes and workshops as well as research studies, or events, or articles of interest related to the Minimum Yoga offer. Thanks.

Hi all, expressions of interest in a retreat week with Minimum Yoga, either on the Greek island of Evia or another place close to nature are now open. The week would involve yoga, movement workshops and a lot of free time. Planning to send more info on that soon, so sign up to the mailing list if you're not there already! Or email me: [email protected]
https://www.minimumyoga.com/retreats

Thanks to those of you who supported Minimum Yoga during another challenging year for many people around the world, both individually and collectively. Very best wishes to you all and I hope to see you soon in 2024.

https://www.minimumyoga.com/contact

Have a read on why yoga is not a sport but sports can be yoga: https://www.minimumyoga.com/post/how-yoga-is-not-a-sport-and-sports-can-be-yoga

Exploring the Relationship Between Yoga and Sport Relationships and considerations “The first world asana championship was held in Uruguay and India in 1986.” Indian governmental site “Yoga is when you become really absorbed in enjoying something. […] So many people come to yoga having had many experiences of yoga just through nature.” Ri...

I have spoken about this to some of you in conversation over the years, so I finally put a few ideas together in writing. I know... I have been slow with it. Do let me know your comments, if any, your views are always helpful:
https://www.minimumyoga.com/post/how-yoga-is-not-a-sport-and-sports-can-be-yoga

Exploring the Relationship Between Yoga and Sport Relationships and considerations “The first world asana championship was held in Uruguay and India in 1986.” Indian governmental site “Yoga is when you become really absorbed in enjoying something. […] So many people come to yoga having had many experiences of yoga just through nature.” Ri...

For anyone attending my Friday evening Ashtanga Vinyasa class at the Factory, make sure you book well in advance of Fridays to avoid disappointment. I will teach this class throughout December with the exclusion of Friday 22nd.
https://www.factorylondon.com/classes-timetable

Yes. And yes to this quote. My own best teachers, in yoga and in other disciplines, are those who have managed to do just that. Creating those conditions is not an easy job at all…
——
Btw, if you have never heard of Feldenkrais I encourage you to sign up to a class with no hesitation.

Discover the joy of learning with a teacher or class near you! Explore our website at https://www.feldenkrais.co.uk to find the perfect fit for your journey.

®

Hi all, I'm again partnering with Ekotex Yoga this year to offer Minimum Yoga followers a 10% discount on their lovely and super sustainable products for yoga practice. To access the offer use this link:

Ekotex Yoga - Yoga Mats | Yoga Equipment | Yoga Props | Yoga Supplies Sustainable and eco-conscious yoga mats, equipment, mat bags, bolsters, cushions and accessories. We are the supplier of choice for studios, teachers and yoga practitioners throughout the UK and Europe. High-quality, eco-conscious & organic wherever possible.

Did you know you can book private classes with me? You can book directly with Yogaloom in Muswell Hill if you live locally, or you can get in touch with me for home visits or other studio options, including: at Factory Fitness on Hornsey road, at a studio in Crouch End, and at Yogahome, in Stoke Newington. Private 1-2-1 classes are the most effective as everything is tailored to the needs of the client, you. We work together to target precisely your specific requirements and nothing else.

This pic was taken at the end of today's 1-2-1 session on a bright autumnal day.
https://www.minimumyoga.com/contact

London people, in the new year I'm planning to let go of some public group classes and focus more on 1-2-1s, workshops, and related projects. I haven't decided yet which classes will go so make sure you attend the ones you want me to keep so I can make the best decision. If you have any specific questions, feel free to message me here, or email me at [email protected]. Thanks!

Yogaloomers, and anyone living/gravitating in the North London area, join me for Saturday Ashtanga at Yogaloom Pilates in just over a couple of hours (12:15pm): an excellent way to awaken & revitalise your bodymind before your Saturday brunch. I will be off next Saturday (only) so hopefully see you later. https://www.yogaloom.com/schedule/

Finally back teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa at The Factory Fitness and Dance Centre this evening at 6:30pm, at last. This class is open to all, including complete beginners. It teaches you some core elements of this powerful system that you can come back and practise with me here or take away and incorporate in your own personal practice. I look forward to seeing you there. https://www.factorylondon.com/classes-timetable

I look forward to seeing the new exhibition on music at the Science Museum, London. Unfortunately I can't be there this evening but I recommend this event on one of my favourite topics, for those of you interested:

Music and the Brain | Science Museum We know that music has the power to move us in profound ways, but what is happening to the brain when we listen to music, and can we harness an understanding of this interaction for therapeutic uses?

BLESSING FOR PEACE

As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

From the book, Benedictus
https://johnodonohue.com/store

Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Dublin, Ireland
Photo: © Ann Cahill

Hi all, I caught a virus unfortunately so won't be teaching for a couple of days (hopefully no longer...)