Should yoga feel hard?

 A weekly yoga class feels great and makes a huge difference. Getting into the rhythm of a weekly class is a wonderful thing and your body, mind and nervous system will enjoy the regularity that this offers.
 
You'll be pleased to know that daily yoga is in many ways much easier than the weekly class - once the rhythm and habit are established. A group class is typically longer, probably more demanding physically (you have days to recover from any intensity or challenge), and the approach is more group-centred so there may be things not as well suited to you so will need adapting.
 
Home yoga feels quite different. It offers an intimacy with yourself, in the sanctuary of your own home. It is important time where you put aside other demands and distractions, turn attention fully inwards and move and breath well with care and curiosity.
 
The invitation in home practice is to discover your yoga, which will be as unique as you are, based on your needs and interests. The only pre-requisite is a willingness to try.
 
Daily yoga, like daily anything, is accumulative. The benefits grow, sometimes in surprising ways, based on consistently showing up, even if only for 15 minutes.
 
Consider learning to play the guitar. Which would be better, a solid hour once a week practicing your chords and working on a few pieces. Or 15 minutes every day, building on what you did yesterday. Getting your muscle memory and coordination more refined, working on one piece until you have it in your musical vocabulary.
 
We are doing this in yoga. We are learning to play an instrument, except the instrument we are playing is body, breath and mind. We are learning to play the most precious, complex, beautiful instrument we will ever have. We learn how to play it well, with the subtleties of breath and nuance, discovering a lot along the way. 
 
It isn't overly complex or hard - it just requires a good starting point that is realistic and will fit in with all the other demands of your day. And a commitment to prioritising it and scheduling it in.
 
I love that many of you have still continued your home practice many months after the January challenge! Well done for those who have managed to keep it going. And for those who haven't, let's give it another go. 
 
 I'll be launching a new daily yoga challenge soon to help jumpstart your home practice or re-ignite it if your finding things becoming mechanical. 
 
See below if you want to jumpstart your practice sooner, otherwise watch this space for the next challenge designed to get you on your mat regularly.
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Current Announcements
 
| Afternoon of Yoga with Ranju Roy |
 There are only a couple of spaces left for the workshop, but don't worry, the book talk will have more spaces available so if you miss out on the workshop, book a space for the book talk at 4:15pm - it'll be a wonderful afternoon! 
 
Sunday 7th July 2024
1:30pm workshop
4:15pm book talk

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| 1:1 Yoga Home Practice Coaching |
Yoga is ideally taught in a way that is realistically tailored to individual needs.
 
Expert guidance is invaluable at avoiding the pitfalls of home yoga. Selecting the most effective posture set, starting at the right point, staying accountable and motivated, and ensuring the right balance and progression.
 
Traditionally yoga was taught 1:1 and my 4-year teacher training was rooted in this. I've been supporting home practice for nearly 20 years. 
 
If your interested in establishing your own tailored home yoga practice, let's schedule a free 20 minute chat to discuss your needs. Either in person, on the phone, or on Zoom. It would be great to help you start your own home yoga practice. 
 
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| Upcoming Summer Retreat Day in Bristol with Clara |
*Early-Bird Offer*
Take a pause from the busy-ness of life with a day of mindful yoga, breathwork, stillness, and relaxation.
 
Discover fresh approaches to postures using breathwork, mantra and intention. 
Relax, pause and revitalise your whole self right here in our beautiful Bishopston studio.
 
Suitable for everyone. A great toe in the water if your considering a retreat weekend with me.
 
Refreshments and treats provided, bring along lunch.  
 
Sunday 15th September 2024
10:30am - 4:00pm