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Bristol YogaSpace blog

Rolling with the changes in 2021

21/1/2021

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We've made it to 2021.

Last year was memorable for everyone, globally, and many will want to put it behind them.

The start of this new year is a chance to appreciate that each day is a fresh start. I've finally had a moment to reflect on what I'm hopeful to continue from last year, what I want to leave behind, and what to adopt going forwards.  

My 2020

2020 was a year like no other. It was completely unexpected and included things I never thought I would do in my life. 
  • Unimagined: discover what life during a pandemic is like (many fearful and tragic times but also the wonders of our neighbours and communities coming together and the opportunities to re-imagine daily life)
  • Inconceivable: homeschool two tweenage boys (and then survive the family crisis that ensued) 
  • Unexpected: recover from Covid-19 (smell and taste gradually returning)
  • Unimagined: teach yoga via Zoom 
  • Unexpected: launch a yoga home practice 6-month course (by post) 
  • Expected: turn 50 (weekend surfing without the kids was a brilliant celebration)
  • Unexpected: have my first mammogram
  • Welcome: take up running (Couch to 5K app - highly recommend)
  • Unexpected: start drinking red wine
  • Unexpected: talk to my dad every day on the phone
  • Unexpected: become slightly addicted to checking the news on phone (one to leave behind - in fact today is a phone free day)
  • Welcome: prioritise meditation over other yoga practices

An incredible year

Given all the limits and constraints of the year, I found it incredible in many ways. Some things of course I'm hoping we move on from. But I've learned so much, and continue to learn from all that has been thrown at us. 

My meditation practice allows me a welcome space to sit with the tragedy of the year, and the heightened visibility of inequality and privilege demonstrated through the virus's progression through different communities and countries and the BLM movements. A clear re-evaluation of life and what to do with the privilege that I have is an ongoing project. 

Perhaps we've all come to value our health and way of life more than ever before. We can more easily recognise the gifts of our health and our privilege and ensure we use these gifts well in our daily lives. 

Top tips

Start small, for achievable and sustainable progress. From how we make ourselves more resilient in our own health, through our lifestyle and dietary choices, to how we interact with others and treat our neighbours and engage with our local communities. ​

​
My top tips for every day:
  • avoid refined sugars
  • eat more vegetables and whole foods (frozen veg are less expensive)
  • get plenty of protein and vitamin D (dried beans are brilliant)
  • get outside everyday and look up in wonderment
  • breath and move consciously every day
  • develop a meditation practice  
  • optimise sleep
  • try a cold shower (!)
  • be kind to yourself and those around you
  • act helpfully in whatever ways possible
  • be generous with your resources and your attitude to others
There are lessons for each of us from 2020. If any positives are to come of last year, let's find them and take them to heart. 
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Home Yoga Course - offline (remember paper?)

27/11/2020

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If you've had enough of screens and want a break from them, then join my monthly step-by-step program of movement, breathing and meditation to help you and your life feel better. 

It's an offline course, and a program of resources, motivations and support for practicing yoga at home. 
Home yoga practice resources and course
Yoga doesn't have to be complicated, 'advanced' or be an hour long for it to be highly effective. Daily practice is in many ways more effective than once or twice a week for longer (apply this principle to cleaning your teeth). But motivation, or where to begin, can be a problem for many, so this course will help you embark on a 6 month home practice journey.

- ​Start with just 15 minutes of yoga each day and develop from there.

- Enjoy accessible practices, suitable for beginners or anyone wanting to embark on home yoga practice.

- All offline, arriving in a package each month - no screens or apps.

- Personal guidance based on your monthly feedback.

- Well crafted practices, mini-challenges, and thoughtful supporting resources to keep you engaged.

- Simple. Get started right away. No other kit required.


​- Monthly intake - limited spaces each month for personal guidance
Find out more about it here:
​www.simplehomeyoga.co.uk
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Yoga in-studio - what's changed?

19/7/2020

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Bristol YogaSpace live studio classes during the Covid 19 pandemic, what's changed?
We're following government guidelines closely and welcome people to the studio when we are in Tier 2 or not under lockdown.

One-to-ones are offered In Person during Tier 3 restrictions. 
We're proceeding with caution with all In Studio attendance when we are allowed to.  

​We’ll continue to offer our classes online for the foreseeable future and the in-person classes will also offer attendance via Zoom. 
​
The studio will feel a little different when you return to help keep you and our teachers safe. Here are the additional safety measures we have put in place based on the government guidelines that have been issued and we welcome feedback as we navigate this ever-changing time. 
​

Plenty of space


  • Reduced numbers in our classes for extra distance and space to breath with an easy 2 metres between mats. Max 7 in the live classes. 
  • Initially we’ll just have a few select classes offering in-person attendance, and as the classes increase, we’ll put more time between them to allow for full cleaning and ventilating of the space.​
​

Equipment sharing


  • Please bring along your own mat (and blocks if you have them) and water bottle.
  • There will be designated places for your mat to be placed. 
  • Please arrive changed where possible.
  • Blocks and mats may be available and we will clean and quarantine them after use for 72 hours so it depends on availability. 
​

Booking and attending

​
  • ​Pre-booking and pre-paying online only please or by contacting your teacher -  sorry no drop-ins for now so that we can carefully manage the numbers. 
  • You will be greeted at the entrance and invited in when we are ready so that there aren’t more than 2 in the foyer at a time.
  • Please be on time - no late arrivals I’m afraid. We will lock the door at the start of the class. You will still be able to join online. ​
  • MoveGB members can only attend online for the foreseeable due to the changes they made to their business model. Please see the previous blog post for more on that. 
​

Reducing transmission potential


  • We’ve implemented stringent cleaning of all touched surfaces in between every class
  • We have hand sanitiser available for everyone and hand washing facilities with paper towels.
  • Please don’t come if you have any symptoms. You can still practice gently online if you feel well enough.
  • If you would like to wear a mask, you are welcome to do this but guidelines aren't mandatory for this at the moment. 
  • We are lucky to have a lovely breeze throughout the studio and foyer when we open the front and back doors and the windows. We have great heating, including under floor heating, but when the weather is cooler and we fully air the studio between groups this will temporarily cool the studio, so bring extra layers.

​We will update these guidelines as we feel the need and please feel free to give suggestions so that you feel relaxed and comfortable at the studio when you take your practice. 

Look forward to seeing you soon and hope you stay well. 

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Yoga classes & MoveGB members - changes

22/6/2020

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​We have partnered with MoveGB membership scheme since pretty much the beginning of them offering yoga classes in Bristol. We have enjoyed working with them, their staff are so helpful and friendly and of course the members are all wonderful and many have become friends. ​
At the start of lockdown, they announced an immediate and unexpected change to the way they reimburse partners (all studios and yoga teachers, not just  us) and drastically reduced what they pay us when one of their members attends a yoga class. The reduction was massive, sometimes as much as 70%. This inevitably meant that our income and our teachers income reduced too. They needed to do this so survive as a business, so it makes sense for them. And it has meant that their members could continue their yoga classes during this time, which has been important.
 
For online yoga we have continued to accept MoveGB members and we have loved seeing you in class. But sadly this change means we have no choice but to limit MoveGB members to online classes only going forwards for the time being. At the physical studio, which we are hoping to reopen soon, spaces are going to be very limited given social distancing measures, so we have to plan accordingly. So initially we will be only accepting MoveGB members to online classes. 
 
We will continue to honour current members with online classes, but we just wanted to let you know this change ahead of time so you can consider your options as we re-open our studio space and hope to welcome you back again.

As always, we welcome your comments and questions so please don't hesitate to get in touch. 



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Thriving during uncertainty with daily yoga

20/5/2020

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I've never been more grateful for my daily yoga practice than during this pandemic. Spending time applying the simple techniques and skills of yoga to participate in daily self care and reconnecting to the wellspring deep within myself where everything beneath the surface remains fine. ​
Home yoga practice doesn't take long, breath, move, sit
Yoga - the art of moving, breathing, sitting and reconnecting to that sense of grounded perspective and awe. Using the practice to become revitalised yet quietened in body, breath and mind, Quiet enough even, to notice and dwell in that internal spaciousness that was the same yesterday as it was the day before that, and the year before that... 

It's quicker than you think

All it takes is some simple movements, attention turned towards the breath, and bringing a steadiness and calmness through intentional focus. Then space to sit and be still for a moment. Like any skill, there is a learning curve to establishing the necessary skills and understanding of what you are doing. A practice that suits you and works for you might take a bit of exploration and discovery (this is where a teacher is very helpful). But it's certainly worth the effort.

Daily yoga practice doesn't need to be hot, vigorous or sweaty. It doesn't need to be acrobatic, complicated or impressive. It doesn't require flexibility or strength. It doesn't need to be on a yoga mat and lycra is definitely not required, PJs are perfect.

I find it truly remarkable how little it takes to feel like I'm thriving again (after another tiring day of home schooling, therapeutic parenting, an onslaught of bad news from the media, and restrictions on day to day living).  Of course if you enjoy making it tough, sweaty, vigorous, or otherwise, then that is great and the benefits will speak for themselves. But there is also a much simpler and more accessible alternative that can be discovered. if that will suit you better. 

Home yoga practice videos coming soon

I'll be posting some home practice yoga videos online soon to support some simple home practices that you might find helpful. A yoga class is of course great - it helps you learn the skills and techniques that are time tested to work and gives you a longer practice and more time than you'd likely dedicate to yourself on a daily basis. Yoga classes also get you learning from a teacher who has been where you are and can guide you more skillfully (as long as the teacher has the opportunity to get to know you and your practice and aims). But I'd encourage anyone who is interested to take up a short daily yoga practice too. 10 minutes can truly work wonders. Or join in my yoga classes and there is a home practice handout each term based on what you've learned to help get you started with your own home yoga practice. 

Please don't be fooled by the Instagram/media yoga-hype --- it simply doesn't have to be that complicated or hard, it doesn't have to take ages, and no, you don't need to balance on your hands / head at any point.

​Check back soon or join the mailing list for updates on videos coming soon (once the home-schooling gaps permit).  

​
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Live streaming yoga classes online

21/3/2020

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The new normal for yoga classes over the next few months is live streaming video.

There are advantages to this:
- you can wear your PJs if you like

There are disadvantages to this:
- we don't get to chat as much, although there is still chat before and after the practice time

We are figuring this out as we go and are excited to continue meeting and sharing yoga with you and providing much needed yoga practice and support during rapidly changeable times. 

How it works

It is actually easier than I thought it would be

1) You book into a class either via our online booking system or MoveGB, ideally at least 30 mins before the class begins.

2) Set up a home practice space - somewhere warm and quiet if possible where you'll be undisturbed. Set up your computer, tablet or smartphone where you can see the screen and hear me. 

3) You're sent a link straight away once you've booked via our online booking system. The link is active 15 mins before the class start. Check your spam folder if you don't receive the link. MoveGB members will receive the link when they 'check-in'.

4) Click on the link you've been sent and join in the class. :-)

5) Enjoy your practice. 

Here is more detailed information. And we are happy to help if you need support getting you up and running. 
​

Technical stuff

You’ll need a laptop, computer, tablet or smart phone to join this online class.

If you plan to use a tablet or phone, we recommend downloading the App in advance via your App store. 

You’ll receive a Zoom link for this class once you’ve completed your booking which can be used up to 15 minutes before the class start time.

Visit the link 10 minutes ahead of time for your first class. There is a very quick and straightforward download to join in and then you can set up and relax before the class begins.

Check your spam folder if you don't receive the link. 
​
When you join, you can choose to have video switched on or off. We'd prefer it switched on so we can see you and support your practice and offer suggestions, but you are equally welcome to have it turned off if you prefer. If your video is switched on, just like at YogaSpace, everyone will be able to see you - except you'll be a very small thumbnail video.  

Once you arrive in the virtual studio, make sure that is your main view and not all of  the thumbnail videos of the attendees. If it isn't by default, scroll or select the virtual studio and click on the three dots to 'pin' the teacher and make them full screen. 

Once your in if you want to chat to the teacher, there is an option to 'raise your hand' next to your profile which we will see, and we can unmute you so that you can chat to us or we can chat via typing too. 

If you need additional help, we’d be happy to talk you through your first set up earlier in the day or prior to the class. 

Yoga practice at home - top tips

  • Set up your computer, phone or tablet so you can view it easily with sound turned up.
  • Prepare a quiet space with either a yoga mat or on carpet or a rug.
  • We like foam yoga blocks for some sitting poses or a few big books with a towel / blanket on top to be comfortable when you’re sitting on them. 
  • You can have your camera turned on or off if you'd rather not be visible to anyone.
  • We suggest turning off your phone before starting to get the most from  your practice. As with all yoga practice, please listen to your body and don’t do anything that is uncomfortable or hurts, nothing should hurt.
  • You are welcome to be in touch with us before or after the class with questions or to discuss your practice, we are here to help. This might be particularly useful if you have particular health issues or injuries.
  • If there are any technical glitches or it doesn’t work for any reason, don’t worry, we’ll help sort it out or offer a class credit for a future class.
  • Most importantly - enjoy your practice. The benefits should speak for themselves. Please get in touch if this isn’t the case. 

We are learning as we go given the sudden change in situation so any feedback or suggestions for improvements is very gratefully received. 
​
​We look forward to seeing you online soon. 
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Updates and coronavirus safety

17/3/2020

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Bristol YogaSpace spaced out yoga mats for social distance
In these rapidly changing and uncertain times we are still continuing to offer classes and provide a sanctuary of calm and a space for quiet yoga practice in community.

​Here is what we are doing to help maintain safely

2 metres apart - 9 max per class

We are limiting class sizes to 9 participants so that there is at least 2 metres distance between heads in the class. Arrive early and avoid lingering in reception too long to maintain your distance. The side room is also available to head towards and leave your belongings to provide more space. 

Bring your own mat or towel

Bring along your own mat or towel to lay over ours. Ours are cleaned before each use with sanitizer but lets maintain caution. 

Adjusting the practices slightly

- We are not adjusting using our hands or walking around in between people to maintain the social distancing recommendations.
- We are avoiding any poses that are face down on the mats and not recommending anything that involves touching the face. 

Paper towels and wipes

We're using disposable paper towels to encourage hand washing and avoid communal towels. 

Cleaning the studio and wiping everything

After every class all door handles, taps etc. are all wipes down with sanitizer which as far as we know kills the virus. 

Looking into online class offerings

Watch this space. But we might be able to offer some classes live online so if you are self isolating, then you can still maintain some practice. . 

What you can do to help

Check the website before coming in case the class has been cancelled. If the teacher feels unwell or anyone in their house does, they won't run the class.
Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in, wash hands etc. 
​Wash your  hands before and after class
Avoid touching your face
Please don't come if you have a cough or temperature or are living with someone who is

Keep up your yoga practice

Maintaining equanimity during times of difficulty is so important and helpful not only to you but to those around you. Staying grounded, maintaining a connection to the wider perspective, knowing that this will pass, and tending to the seeds of worry that can grow out of proportion if we don't also tend to the seeds of calm and steadiness. 

If I can be of any help please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

​
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Yoga mat sharing - update

11/3/2020

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YogaSpace bishopston yoga mats
We live in changing times and this week I'm teaching mantra in my classes:

"I am strong" as we inhale
​

"I am calm" as we exhale.

A useful and powerful reminder that these strong, steady and calm states of mind are ours at all times no matter what is going on around us, and can be summoned to the forefront through simple methods.
 ​

Please bring along your own mat or towel

Given the need to be proactive and sensible in our response to the current corona virus outbreak, I'm recommending that if possible, please bring along your own yoga mat or a towel to lay down over the yoga studio mat where your head will be placed.

Avoiding close contact sharing could be either over cautious, or helpful in inhibiting the spread of the virus so let's err on the side of caution.

 
It will also help you relax in your yoga practice and place your awareness more effectively.
 
Plus:
~ If you feel unwell, have a temperature or cough, please avoid coming to class. (We will ensure that any missed classes can be made up at a later date, we would rather you were cautious.)
~ Wash your hands before and after class.
~ Wipe down your mat when you get home.
 
We do clean the mats and the studio regularly and thoroughly and will be stepping up our efforts here. 
 
In the meantime, keep moving, keep breathing, keep calm and carry on. 
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Thanks for coming to our Open Day 2019!

14/10/2019

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Bristol Yoga Trail on BBC Radio Bristol
Diana from Yogawest and Clara from YogaSpace chatting yoga on the BBC Radio Bristol breakfast show.
Did you hear us on BBC Radio Bristol on Saturday morning before the Yoga Trail started? Diana from Yogawest and Clara from YogaSpace helped get the word out that 6 yoga studios across Bristol were all hosting free yoga classes all day to help share our love of yoga and also to raise money for Off The Record. 

It was a lovely day and thanks so much to everyone who came or who told their friends about it! Lovely classes with such friendly people, always great to be a part of. It was great to see lots of old friends and also lots wonderful to welcome lots of beginners giving yoga a try, or experimenting with Viniyoga. 
YogaSpace raised £228.41 (updated 22nd October) grand total of the Trail to be announced soon - all to support young people's mental health. And we had a really inspiring day talking with you about how yoga can help and how the Viniyoga approach to yoga practice ensures there is always a way to find a yoga practice that suits you, even when you don't even remotely resemble a bendy,  lycra clad person doing a pretzel pose! 

Thanks for coming and and joining in, and we look forward to welcoming you back to YogaSpace in Bishopston soon! xx
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Bristol Yoga Trail 2019 - free yoga classes for all

28/8/2019

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We're delighted to be part of the Bristol Yoga Trail again this year and open our doors to everyone who wants to try yoga. It is an open day event across the independent yoga studios in Bristol where we share our classes completely free. Simply turn up (arrive early as it is first come first served), enjoy a yoga class and chat to teachers. 

Here is the YogaSpace timetable for the day:
08:30 – 09:30     Viniyoga, all levels
10:00 – 11:00     Pregnancy yoga
11:45 – 13:00     Newcomers to viniyoga
13:30 – 14:30     Yoga for beginners
15:00 – 16:00     Viniyoga all levels

We've been doing this for years and it is a lovely day - a wonderful celebration and sharing of our love of yoga, a chance to try something new or reconnect with something you haven't done for a while and make friends along the way.

Tell everyone who might want to join in. Old friends, yoga regulars, and newcomers are very welcome and we'd love to see you there. Familiar faces or complete beginners will feel right at home. Plus we are also raising money for OTR - supporting young people's mental health. 

Look out for the flyer coming soon to a yoga studio or cafe near you and we'll post our yoga class timetable soon. 
Bristol Yoga Trail 2019 free yoga classes
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    Clara Lemon yoga teacher

    Clara Lemon

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Princes Place
Bishopston
Just off Gloucester Road
Bristol BS7 8NP
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