Yoga to help back pain

This week there was news that research by York University found a 12-week yoga programme did more to help people manage their back pain than the conventional care offered by their GP. This resonates very much with my own experience of teaching yoga – and also having suffered back pain.

Solar panels are go (almost)

As I write this, roofers and an electrician from JoJu Solar are clambering about above my head connecting our new solar panels to the national grid. Here are pictures of these beautiful things….

How to make every day a retreat

It’s less than a week since I returned from my yoga retreat in France. It was a fantastic break with great weather and excellent company. We all said we’d try to keep the chilled-out, relaxed and peaceful vibe going once we were back in the swing of our normal lives. As the title of a great book puts it, “After the ecstasy, the laundry”. But how? Here’s what I’ve been doing to make every day a retreat since I’ve been home:

The art of slowing down – warrior poses

Warrior poses (Virabhadrasana) in yoga are often known for their strength and stamina, but all too often this achieved at the expense of softness and ease. In the first of what I hope will be series of Sunday morning workshops at Yoga Point in Brixton, I’ll be sharing a gentle approach to Warriors.

By slowing down, focusing on the breath, and listening to the flow of energy through your body, you can find grace and poise in these beautiful postures.

New roof and solar panels in SW2

Work starts week 1

Work started on our new roof and solar panels this week. We’re taking advantage of a scheme the last government brought in where you pay for solar panels to be fitted, you get cheaper electricity – AND you get a guaranteed inflation-proof income from the electricity companies for the next 25 years.

Five best yoga books

Here’s my top five yoga books if you fancy something other than a blockbluster for your summer reading this year:

1. Yoga and the quest for the true self – Stephen Cope

This is the book that got me thinking seriously about training as a yoga teacher some years ago. It’s a personal memoir of a psychotherapist’s own journey into yoga. You won’t learn any asana (poses) but might be inspired by the gradual yet profound healing yoga can bring to hurt

Redcurrant muffins – from bush to belly

Our redcurrant bush is beautifully bejewelled at the moment. We’ve been eating them with meringues, breakfast cereal and this morning I found a recipe for redcurrant muffins on this website. Perfect to take to my cousin’s party on the beach on Sunday.