From experience, it is hard to get back into a routine of anything when you've taken a substantial break. For me, I need routine, but I don't always like it. But hey, I am a Gemini after all...

Perhaps you prefer doing your yoga classes on Zoom or maybe you are just not sure about going back to face-to-face classes. If it is a safety thing, remember that all studios and teachers should be regularly cleaning equipment anyway and often enough classes are well spaced out now.

Anyway, hopefully these tips may help or inspire you to give your yoga journey another go.

1) Remember, yoga isn't all about the postures. If you're nervous to get back into your lycras, why not try a yoga nidra class (a sleepless sleep and deeply relaxing yoga practice). Yoga nidra doesn't involve any postures or movement at all. Getting back into a routine of doing some sort of yoga may help you build up that confidence to get back to your vinyasa class.

2) You have changed, as has the world. Perhaps it is time to change it up and find a different type of yoga class. Research what is local to you if you want to attend in person and message the teacher or studio and ask for information on the classes advertised. No question is silly!

3) Reach out to your current or previous teacher. I know that I'd be over the moon to hear from a student and help them get back to their practice.

4) Try a beginners course with your friend or family member. After a while, a refresher or beginners course is the perfect way to remember why you loved the practice of yoga in the first place. Also taking a pal with you is great to keep you accountable.

5) Book a yoga retreat or an event. Something to look forward to is always key! This is also a great way to immerse yourself back into it if you've taken a longer break.

6) The world is your oyster! If you are happy to join a zoom group think of how many amazing teachers, classes and workshops are available to you now. I join in with a teacher in Bali and another in Denver from time to time and it is always so refreshing!

I hope you have found these tips helpful! Let me know below.

Namaste,

Emily x o x

You can join me on Zoom twice a week or sign up to my online library of videos: HERE

Lucy has attended over 115 classes since we met. She joined in online during lockdown and has recently returned to classes in person.

Lucy works in a busy and demanding marketing role during the week and on a weekend enjoys long walks and has recently taken up surfing (which she said Yoga came in very handy for!).

When she joined my classes back in February 2019, she explained she had been suffering with lower back pain and that her flexibility was something she wanted to work on and through determination and patience we have managed to find length in her forward folds, perfect her balance and most importantly give her the headspace she needs to keep on top of life.

On one of the last sunny evenings we went to the park for a 1-2-1 lesson and we got up into headstand (a reminder to us both, lets not try that going up a hill next time!). I felt very happy and grateful for our professional relationship but the friendship we have also found.

I am excited to see how your practice develops and thank you always for your continued support and kindness.

Namaste and congratulations Yogini of the month.

Lucy started Yoga with me in December 2019. She has attended over 200 classes since then both online and in person. Through lockdown she committed to at least 4 classes per week and now manages a couple of online and studio classes, a house renovation, a busy job as a Marketing Manager and a social life.

I have chosen Lucy as my Yogi of the month because of her commitment and attitude. Her commitment to Yoga and the fact I know what she learns in class, outside of the postures she takes off the mat too. Her attitude to the practice is always YES and with the other students she is always chatty and friendly making people feel relaxed if it’s their first class. 

Her practice has developed substantially and now she is fully aware of her body when moving in class, not only that her breath work is consistent, making her experience in a class much more enjoyable. 

A person I am happy to call a friend as well as a yoga student, I am very grateful to you for both. 

Here’s to a bright future of doing lots of yoga and going for glasses of wine. 

Enjoy doing your yoga room at home up! I’m very jealous! 

Namaste,

Emily xx

For me, it has been the reason to get out of bed on a morning. Don’t get me wrong, not every day when I get out of bed do I run to my mat, but it has been and will continue to be the constant in my life.

In March 2020 in 1 weekend, I took my Yoga offerings online and was welcomed by the community I have created in Hexham overwhelmingly well. In a few months I had people joining in from Ireland to Spain and even a friend from Boston. I am not going to lie, despite everything going on I really was so happy to see everyone daily, even if it was via Zoom, and have time to plan classes and themes.

In June 2020, I was listening to a lot of tantric hatha teachings on podcasts and was so inquisitive to how this was different to what I had learnt previously. I decided to further my training with The Practice, Bali (unfortunately not in person) and all I can say, it was what I have been waiting for, for a long time. Learning asana, meditation and pranayama techniques to create a mood or energy when I need it has been invaluable. I really had to look inward and learn more about myself and it was perfect timing. 

Anyway, enough about me. I interviewed some of the Yogi’s that have practiced with me both in person and then online. I wanted to get a good idea how the last year has been for them and what Yoga has meant to them. Here is what they said:

Tim Elliott,  66

What has Yoga meant for you in the last year?

Something to look forward to on a Thursday, for a good relaxation, workout and stretch

How long have you been practicing Yoga?

18 months

What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?

A destination and a shared experience, bit of atmosphere

Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?

Not really, providing the technology works OK

Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?

Definitely- something to focus towards and look forward to

What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? This can be Yoga related or not.

Adaptability to the changes which have happened, ability to withstand being somewhat isolated, patience with others (probably two-way!)

After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?

Go climbing and walking, see the grandkids more easily, socialise with friends

The big question, once we are able to return to face to face classes, will you still want to join in at home or be together in person. I will be offering both so do not worry! 

Quite enjoy the online. so probably will do that if available.

Andy and Jane Mace (53)

What has Yoga meant for you in the last year?

It’s been pivotal in providing me-time, keeping us calm, flexible and connected.

How long have you been practicing Yoga?

Just over two years

What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?

We both work full time, in Newcastle. Since March 2020 we’ve worked from home, sharing the dining room. We are entirely computer-based.

We had hoped we would gain back commuting time for ourselves, but the reality is that we now work much longer and harder hours, starting early and finishing later and often at weekends.  We are definitely less mobile during the day despite our best intentions; no need to visit other people in different offices/locations as you do it all from your laptop.  No going out to pick up lunch.  Putting that together with ‘Making-do’ at the table and non-adjustable seats has led to pain, tension and stiffness.

What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?

We loved the cozy studio and the relaxed atmosphere of the class; everyone is friendly, local and there for the same reason and a rapport builds as you see the same people each week. 

Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?

No not at all.... we were delighted when you said you were going online.  We work on computers all day so putting ourselves out there on camera is nothing new 😊

Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?

Absolutely and without a doubt.  Your studio classes were really enjoyable and something we actively did together each week so it was great to be able to keep that part of our routine going despite the mayhem and constraints of lockdown.

It's also been a godsend for making us step away from our desks and take that time to bring focus back to us and find some sense of calm during such a stressful time. 

Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?

Absolutely and without a doubt. Your classes are great with a fab teacher 😏

Adele Wrightson - 30

How long have you been practicing Yoga?

Since I very first came to your classes, so 3 years? Maybe?

What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?

In March 2020 I had 2 jobs and was at college, then went on furlough from both workplaces, and college ended early. I’m now at university as a healthcare student and left one of my jobs around Christmas.

What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?

Apart from getting to see you lovely little face and being in your calming presence, I love the atmosphere of the studio so much. The smell of the incense, the darkened room, the music...it’s almost impossible for me to recreate at home, especially when I get interrupted by an excited little collie! I find I can actually switch off in the studio, which makes a huge difference to me. I also often forget about a leg or a hand when I’m in various postures, so having you there to support and make sure I’m in a position correctly is brilliant.

Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?

A little. I felt a bit self conscious about people watching me, but then I remembered everyone already sees me in face-to-face classes?! I also wasn’t entirely sure how they’d work, but you talked us through it all and helped every step of the way, and I really enjoy them.

What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? This can be Yoga related or not.

Ermm, being busy is overrated? I had 2 jobs, a volunteering position and was trying to do a degree, which meant the things I do to take time for myself, like yoga, reading and escaping on long walks with my dogs tended to fall off my radar. I’ve learned that I need balance in my life in order to not end up stressed and overwhelmed!

After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?

Hug my Mam! And see my friends that I talk to every day, but have only seen once or twice in the last year. And eat some delicious food that I haven’t had to cook myself!

Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?

I do all the time! I used to bring people with me when we were allowed, and will do so again as soon as I’m able 😊

Lucy G, 29.

How long have you been practicing Yoga?

 I started practicing yoga in January 2020. I had done a couple of classes here and there over the years before this and really enjoyed them, but I wouldn’t consider yoga as being an important part of my life until last year.

What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?

I’ m currently working from home and I'm fortunate to have remained employed throughout the pandemic. I used to work 5 days a week at the office, so it has been quite a change but I’m hoping to split my time between office and home-working once things return to normal.

Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?

Absolutely! Yoga has become a key part of my weekly routine during this strange and challenging time. I always feel better after a yoga class, both mentally and physically. Emily’s classes are very grounding and have been a big contributor to me strengthening my confidence and my relationship with myself. Yoga helps me to clear my head, calm me down and to keep things in perspective, the last of which is something I can often find difficult. 

What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? 

I feel like the past year has accelerated a lot of things and, for me, self-development is definitely one of them! I definitely feel more at peace and more grateful for all I have and the combination of yoga and journaling have been huge contributors to this. I think that when things are difficult in the outside world, it forces you to look within more. So much has changed for me, but I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in the past year is to try your best to let go of what you can’t control and just focus on what you can.

After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?

I honestly just can’t wait to give my parents a hug! I think it’s the simple things for me. I’ve also applied to a dog shelter to adopt a rescue dog, but they had to pause adoptions because of the lockdown, so I’m hoping that they will find the right dog for me sometime soon.

The big question, once we are able to return to face to face classes, will you still want to join in at home or be together in person. I will be offering both so do not worry! 

I think I’d like to do a mix. As I’ve mentioned, I really like in-person classes and being part of a community of yogis. However, if I’m running late at work or have commitments to juggle, it would be great to have the flexibility of also attending from home. 

Elizabeth Courage, 75

How long have you been practicing Yoga?  

About 2 years

What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020? 

Farm work continues despite weather or viruses. The tourism side has been mostly closed by Government since last March, but this has meant that I have been able to catch up on a lot of maintenance work.

What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?

Meeting new people and keeping fit in a non competitive way

Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why? 

Yes massively, it means having to remember an appointment so having structure in the day, good for the brain to remember normality of the past.

What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? 

I am not good at having nothing specific to do in a day

 After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do? Have more of my family around and meet up with friends. And opening up the tourism businesses.

Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?

Yes of course, though those of my age bracket are not so keen on trying new things I think because of the risk of feeling they can't do the moves and the younger ones find it hard to fit classes in with family and work pressures

Let’s go back to March 2020, I was running 5 studio classes per week in Hexham and had an average of 15 students per class, some classes up to 20. Vinyasa classes were full of electric energy and Hatha classes were full of positivity and had a real feeling of calm. 

For the first time since I started teaching Yoga, I finally felt everything was coming together. 

I was also about to start teaching my first beginner’s course in Hexham which was really exciting for me and a new avenue in my business.

Then…

1. COVID waded into our lives. 

2. March 23rd, lockdown happened.

3. Everyone's normal changed. 

4. Anxiety and doubt kicked in. 

How on earth am I going to teach online, my thought processes below:

• I live in a small flat, where exactly am I going to teach from?

• I have an old iPhone with a camera that doesn't work

• I need a camera

• Do I need a Britney headset as a mic?

• Is this safe?

• Do people talk back to me in a class and can we have a laugh still?

• Can positive energy travel via a camera?

• What platform do I use?

• I hope my booking system works for this

• Is £5.00 too much per class?

• If I have all of this time I should probably be teaching 20 classes a week

• Can they see and hear me ok?

• I hope my internet is good enough

• What happens if someone doesn’t get the link for the class?

The ramblings above only cover a small portion of what went through my mind on an hourly basis. I also had no one to consult on best practice which made me doubt every decision I was thinking of making.

Fast forward to June, I feel that is when I finally got into a new routine and most of the questions I had, I had answered myself through just DOING IT. Rather than sitting and worrying about the what-ifs, surely people would understand if things weren’t perfect at the beginning? And they did. 

Also, Yoga teachers of the world united. Blogs, Instagram and Facebook posts with what everyone was doing and that was unbelievably helpful. 

Now I teach a number of online and studio classes and that is just how things will be from now on, from a business perspective it is a fantastic new avenue of business and I never ever thought I’d be doing it. I also know from my students, that some of them prefer the online model instead now, so I am over the moon that it has managed to work for people. 

This is not a self-praise article; writing how proud I am of myself, even though I am but, what I wanted to get out there is that having to adapt and change how we do our jobs, not only in Yoga, has been very difficult but also shows how resilient and how adaptable we can be.

So from today, rather than being annoyed and disappointed with how things are these days, I am going to come back and read this and remember I managed to overcome a lot of the difficulties that have come with COVID. 

Hopefully, reading this may help you do the same. 

Love and light,

Emily x x x 

Mudra means “seal” or “mark”. Yoga mudras help energy move through our bodies and there are quite a few to choose from to help you in your practice. I see it almost as if the mudra seals the energy in your body and directs it to where you need it to go.

I have picked the three I used the most in my practice…

Chin Mudra:

Chin means “consciousness” and this mudra helps us connect to our higher selves. I find it really helpful when I am meditating to help ground my meditation practice and help me focus my mind. This mudra can also help overhaul a dull mood and lift you up. Sit and focus on your breath for 10 minutes and then touch the tip of the index finger under the tip of the thumb, keeping the remaining three fingers relaxed but slightly extended.

 Anjali Mudra:

Anjali means “benediction” or “salutation” to your higher self and to others. We put our hands to almost a prayer position. We practice Anjali mudra when we want to bring about a meditative state, i.e. getting ourselves ready for our practice or when we find a natural break in our practice.  

Prana Mudra:

Prana essentially means “life force” or “energy”, so using this mudra can really help awake any dormant energy. If you are feeling low physically or mentally, try using prana mudra in your practice. This mudra can really help focus your mind too if you’re feeling a little foggy!

Getting deeper into your Yoga journey will naturally unearth things such as mudras, bhandas and kriyas so let me know if you want to start scratching the surface of anything else and going deeper into your practice! 

Love and light,

Emily

X o x 

Back in March 2016 I found myself on a plane to Thiruvananthapuram in India to learn to become a Yoga Teacher.

Having paid £60 an hour, weekly, for the months leading up to it to get hypnotherapy to get rid of my fear of spiders… I was sat on the plane having my last glass of sauvignon blanc thinking ‘What on earth are you doing?’

Leading up to my trip I remember thinking ‘this is rather impulsive’  but then worrying had I thought all of this though? I became quite obsessive the weeks leading up to my trip constantly checking the accommodation, the area, the food to which when I got there, nothing was as it seemed; in a good way. 

I wasn’t actually sure where it came from wanting to be a Yoga teacher, I honestly just thought it would be a great skill to have and I was doing more to improve my own practice and deepen my spiritual connection to Yoga, and what better place to do that than the birthplace - India.

I arrived in Kovalam late at night, (I forgot to mention my wonderful Mam and Aunty travelled with me and stayed for 2 weeks and enjoyed a Yoga filled holiday!). We survived a very wild airport transfer to Kovalam Beach, where we stayed at the Sea Breeze (aka the Nee Breeze - you will get this if you are a Geordie).

The beautiful beach in Kovalam

My fears spiked, I didn’t know if I’d be able to sleep. With that, came no sleep whatsoever.

The next day I got up and went to meet Padma Nair, my teacher. I had to walk through the jungle to reach the Yogashala and it was exactly as I had imagined. Bright, light and smelling of rose incense. Padma is still to this day one of the most inspirational characters I have ever met. She cared deeply for us all and wanted us all to succeed. 

The days would begin at 5.45am with a quick shower, a bathroom visit and off through the jungle to Padma’s yogashala where we’d begin a Yoga practice from 6.30am - 9am:

Savasana

Meditation

Pranayama

Asana 

Savasana 

At 9.30am we’d have breakfast and it would either be coconut milk porridge or savoury dosa. We’d have an hour before beginning training at 10.30am - 12.30pm when we’d break for lunch and often go for a swim in the sea (however that stopped for me after the 2nd week, more about that later!). 

Lunch and dinner most days

We’d begin the afternoon again at 2pm and often the afternoon would be practical learning whilst in the morning it would be Yoga philosophy, anatomy, or prayer. 

At 6pm, we would have some free time and then dinner at 7pm where I‘d say I ate some of the best curry I’ve ever eaten, all vegan too. In Yoga one of your Yamas is Ahimsa (non cruelty/violence) so we ate Vegan everyday apart from on a Saturday.

On a Saturday we’d have a day off, which meant I’d go for an amazing ayurvedic massage, costing me all of about £5.00 for an hour or find a fancy hotel near by and go and relax for the day or just go and explore Kovalam and the beautiful temples and scenery around. But mostly, I would eat. Everything. 

I had gone from doing 3-5 Yoga classes a week to 5 hours a day and on a Vegan diet… I was hungry and it was a good thing there was lots of fabulous options. Kingfish or Searfish was my favourite, cooked in a banana leaf in a coconut curry sauce with rice. I was enamoured. I have tried to make it since I have come home but its not quite the same.

My favourite day on the course was Acro Yoga (yoga using a partner to get into postures). By this time I’d made some friends for life and trying to balance on each other and often failing, made me laugh so much. This came at the 3 week point where I was starting to worry about the exam and also I was missing home a little so it was perfect timing. 

I’m sure you can see here how funny I found ACRO YOGA

Earlier I mentioned that I stopped going in the sea at lunch time, that is because I am not a very strong swimmer and the sea got the better of me. We were in the sea and I was with two women that were both really strong swimmers, one from Australia and one from California, both had been lifeguards in the past. Feeling safe, we swam out past the waves to the calmer point and relaxed and chatted for a while.

STUPIDLY I decided I wanted to head back to shore a little earlier, and I swam back to the point where I could put my feet down and was walking away from everyone, when I turned around to check where they were as  I could hear some shouting, a huge wave was above me and it took me down and threw me around. I was getting rolled across the bottom of the ocean bed and I remember thinking “this is it” which was quite terrifying. Somehow I managed to stand up and I was near the shore line so I crawled up and out of the sea with my bikini misplaced to say the least. I was covered in cuts and scratches from various things on the sea bed but I got myself and my dignity sorted and headed back to my room to calm myself down. Thank god I had Yoga in the afternoon! 

The day I graduated was a whirlwind of emotions but mostly of pride. It had been a while since I’d felt that good. Working in a job where you are only measured on your success by how much money you earn hadn’t been doing it for me for a while, this however, felt amazing. The feeling I have in my heart when I am writing about this is sort of an ache because I long for that feeling again but after comes a sense of comfort, knowing that I actually achieved that.

Our ceremony was beautiful, we all got dressed up and headed to the Yogashala. I hadn’t looked in the mirror for a month so I popped some make-up on and plucked my insanely overgrown eyebrows and put a dress on I bought in Kovalam with all of the jewelry I’d bought too. We all spoke about what it meant for us, and to be honest before the trip I would have died if I had to speak in front of people about how I felt, however this felt empowering. We received our certificates and then I went and had a big cry.

Graduation with Shiva and Padma

The next day was one I will never forget, my friend Kylie and I got a Tuk Tuk to a 5 star luxury resort to spend the day there, keep in mind I had struggled to spend £200 in the month I had been there so we thought we’d treat ourselves. We had a private cabana looking over the ocean and a couple of cocktails which went down a treat. We then ate a delicious lunch and headed down to a private beach where we popped some champagne to celebrate more…

Keep in mind we haven’t had anything to drink in a month, probably a bit giddy in general so to be frank, we were quite tiddly. Also, I was leaving that night at 12am so this wasn’t ideal. It got dark, people were having dinner around the pool in the gorgeous hotel and we decided we’d like one last dip in the pool. Truthfully we ran and jumped in fully clothed. It really didn’t go down very well, we left pretty quickly, soaking wet and headed back to Kovalam where I spent a few hours packing and crying, not wanting to leave. 

I know a lot of people go on these trips to ‘find themselves’ and obviously my goal was to become a Yoga Teacher. I think I am still searching but I definitely got closer to who I really am and worked out what I wanted to do in my life. Lows and highs are ample if you spend a month anywhere so different to your normal life. All I am saying is, go out and do lots of things that scare you and test you. It’s a great way to gain confidence in yourself and also to realise a lot of the things we worry about are completely pointless.

And on that note, I am going to go and google further Yoga Teacher Training Courses!

Love and light,

Emily

x o x

Tips for Kovalam if you are visiting for Yoga or just a holiday:

• It is about ½ an hour from the airport, it is typically called Lighthouse Beach

• Visit Padma Nair for some Yoga: http://www.padmakarma.com/

• Buy precious stones when you are there and get some jewelry made.

• There are no cash machines in Lighthouse beach so you have to get a tuktuk up the road where sometimes the cash machines have no money in them so just think ahead!

• If you want to have excellent searfish in a banana leaf, look no further than The Crab Club.

• Get as many spices, essential oils etc as you can to bring home! 

1)    Write down a list of your goals and although this can be overwhelming getting them down on paper will help you clearly understand whether you are being realistic and honest with yourself. I recently bought a CGD diary and planner for 2020 and it is amazing because you plan your monthly goals but then you can split them up into weeks! Things are much more achievable when you’re not looking at a massive list! This isn’t an advert but I just really like the product! 

2)    Start small. Meditating for an hour every day and drinking 5 green juices a day is unrealistic. Why don’t you start by saying I’ll have a green juice on a Monday, Wednesday and a Sunday and then when you’re actually achieving this, the feel-good factor will follow!

3)    Meditation, we’re all talking about it but how many of us are actually doing it? I started by downloading one of the many apps available, however now I am able to sit without any cues. Find a place in your home where you can sit comfortable and quietly. Commit to doing 5 minutes a day for a week to start with. I suggest doing it first thing in a morning or last thing before you go to bed.

4)    Create a 5 -10 minute Yoga routine for the morning or evening. If you come to one of my classes in Hexham,  just ask me for some help! I am always happy to advise on a good routine to help you sleep, or wake up! Otherwise, Youtube will always deliver! 

5)    It annoys me how everyone says in order to be successful you have to be up at 5am…not true. I am not a morning person, however getting up half an hour earlier than I would normally, gives me time to jot down my plan for the day, make a celery juice and to get on my mat for whatever remaining time I have left. Half an hour is definitely achievable.

6)    Plan something that doesn’t involve going to the pub on a weekend but also, pop to the pub if you feel like it! Personally, I am all about balance therefore I will spend my weekend trying out a workshop, buying a new book and finding a new coffee place to go, watching a documentary, baking or go for a long walk! And then popping to the pub! 

7)    Rest as much as you need, and a little bit more. I am a firm believer that if your energy pot is low you're likely to get sick or just not cope as well with normal situations. 

8)Create a mantra. I find this really helpful when I am worried. Short and simple is the best, but repeat it to yourself during tough times and you can use it as a focus for your meditation. "Handshake your fear" and "This too shall pass" are helpful for me! 

9) Did I mention I recently turned 30? My skin is still pretty good but it needs some extra TLC. I do love products but I am also trying to be mindful of not overbuying. Therefore, I created a very 'doable' skincare routine. One for the morning and one before bed. Morning - wash skin, moisturise skin, prime skin. Evening, cleanse skin and then pop a night cream on. Also, once a week I do a mask, a foot spa and pop some tan on! Coco and Eve is great tan and Vegan too (again this isn't an ad but I am impressed with their product!).

10) Delete any Instagram or Facebook accounts that make you feel unhappy or insecure. Ask yourself, does this account have a positive effect on my mindset and how I feel about myself? If not - click delete! You just don't need that! 

Love and light,

Emily

x o x