Shooting Stars of our Kapsali Yoga Retreat

Dear Yogis.

I come back from the yoga retreat to autumn leaves, fallen conkers, cool equinox, darker mornings and autumn rain. The night before leaving I gazed for hours at the harvest moon and the glorious night sky and saw shooting stars. Here’s my wish upon a star; two yoga retreats next year! So, please let me know if you would be interested in an ‘early season’ retreat – perhaps early June - taught by me and Kiros, our Kytheran Ashtanga teacher. I’ll keep the September retreat so let me have your expression of interest if you fancy coming/returning.

Feedback Quotes

“The experience has deepened my understanding of yoga, but most importantly has left me feeling nourished!”

“You & Lisa are so inspirational & I feel so blessed to have teachers like you in my life!”

“Thank you for a wonderful break. I learned a lot, not just physically... You Can and you Do when there is love and support. 

“Everyone says I look fab, glowing. Someone said I look like I’ve had a facelift.”

Next Year

Alexandros, who owns Zeidoros (the amphitheatre, art centre and yoga deck), will increase the capacity of the deck and upgrade the space and shading. More room, more yogis, more achievements and more joy! A trip to Mylopotomos will be included next year - to eat in the pretty, open-air taverna, visit the beautiful waterfall and visit our retreat-friend, Sarah, who is a Herbalist and has a shop there. Massage was a huge hit this year and will be available again next.

Home Studio

My studio is positively Bikram in the summer but now back to normal temperatures. You can generate your own Ujjayi heat without passing out. Tonight (Friday 23rd) I have two extra classes (6.00 and 7.30) and there are still places if you’re free and fancy some Friday yogic company.

Postcard from Kapsali Yoga Retreat

Dear Yogis,

Kapsali greetings September 16th 2016. As I write this I’m watching the full moon setting over Kapsali bay, about to disappear behind the mountain. The only sound is of the sea and of the hum of a generator from one of the boats moored in the black night. The lighthouse flashes and I can see car headlights snaking their way up the hairpin bends and disappear into the lights of the next village dotting the hilltop. It’s our last full day on the yoga retreat.

On the first day we asked people to get into groups and discuss what yoga means to them: how it makes them feel and have there been any milestone events in their yoga years. Each group had a similar reaction: yoga gives peace of mind, is calming, helps to get through tricky situations, and offers a safe place. One said it made her grateful and accepting. Another said it was a main pillar in her life. The practice has helped people through the loss of loved ones. All said they feel distinctly and positively different after a class. I wonder if any of this resonates with you.

The milestone question revealed the opposite aspect of yoga – the physical practice and the light bulb moments when a difficult posture becomes easy or when the fear disappeared. Headstands and arm balances are key in this confidence-building aspect of yoga practice. Whereas there were tears for the first question, there were broad smiles for the second. This conversation was unstoppable.

There. The moon is gone and one boat sails out of the bay. The hunters in the next apartment are getting ready for their morning hunt. They kill birds. Not everything is yogic here!

Home Studio

Classes are back on Thursday 22nd September. I have added two classes on Friday 23rd as a one-off in case any of you want to catch up on missed classes. Did any of you try other yoga classes? Elena Sensei, Yoga West, Teresa Saliba’ Yoga First?

Our Little Life is Rounded with a Dream

Dear Yogis,

We’re off to Greece on Sunday! When we get back the nights will properly start ‘drawing in’, bikes will need lights again, and a band of tanned yogis will be in your midst, all ashtangered up, aligned and enlightened!

Home Studio

There are no classes in my Home Studio until Thursday 22nd September. I have added two classes on Friday 23rd as a one-off in case any of you want to catch up on missed classes. While I’m away, here are a couple of places you could try for your yoga practice. Elena Sensei has a studio just at the top of Windsor Road where the old Allied Irish Bank used to be. As always, Yoga West in Acton has a bewildering array of wonderful teachers and a 30 day introductory offer. One more, Teresa Saliba’s Yoga First is in Corfton Road I’ve been meaning to go there ever since we met last year.

Yoga Family

Sad news that one of our yoga family has passed away. Lindsey, who practiced yoga at Eden Fitness, went to bed, fell asleep and left us in August, with summer still shining on her life. She was nowhere near her own autumn of fading light or winter's chill... but she left us anyway.

She enjoyed yoga, she was excited to be studying for a Creative Writing degree, she was a voice/speech coach and she always had music in her voice and a ready smile. She worked once as a chef on a yoga retreat making vegetarian food. I was hoping that we would one day work together under an azure sky in a far-away land. The last time I saw her she was swishing through Walpole Park with her amber beads and looking lovely. Lindsey Pearson 1960 – 2016.

Remember to tell people you love that you love them, or people you’re proud of that you’re proud of them, or if you called just to hear someone’s voice, tell them. My Old Uncle Bill told me on the phone recently that he just wanted to hear my voice... it gave me such joy!

Last Call!

Dear Yogis,

Nine days to take-off for the second Good Times Yoga Greek retreat! I still have one place and this is my last push to inspire you to take it up. Please pass this email on to anyone you might think would be interested in coming. Don’t wait till next year – we have no idea what time has in store for us! I have added information to my website; you can find this year’s timetable there and also a list of Ashtanga postures you are either familiar with or will definitely become familiar with.

There’s plenty in the tiny and exquisite seaside village of Kapsali to hearten your yoga and make you feel wondrously different. Yoga in our normal setting takes the edge off life's stresses but yoga in Kapsali is practiced at a whole new level. The body unwinds, hustle and bustle is wiped from the hard drive, the shoulders drop down to their rightful place, the hard-drive disappears! On the day we arrive, we will be greeted by 25°C and a clear sky, winds light and variable.

This year we have our own Shiatsu Massage practitioner, Evagelia, to treat our tested muscles. Come and practice yoga under Greek skies.  Pick and eat figs from surrounding trees after class. Sit in cafes, gaze at the sea and let the sound of the waves wash over you. Ahhhh, I can’t recommend it enough.

Home Studio

More loveliness in my Home Studio this week. I’m lucky enough to have new people join classes or take private sessions after coming across my website.  I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming new yogis this week and I can never quite believe how lucky I am to be the one introducing them to the benefits of yoga. I’ve seen such massive progression from people who were beginners not so long ago. As I write this only next Thursday is fully booked. Other classes next week have plenty of space. People seem to book a week or two in advance now.

Teacher Training

My teacher, Valentina Candiani, is offering her autumn teacher training course beginning Friday 14th October. Details on her website. I notice that another trainer, Lucas Rockwood in Barcelona, said that in ten years of his TT course, 3-5% of his graduates go on to make yoga their career and their livelihood. That means that the vast majority are taking these courses for their own interest and benefit. My motivation for taking Valentina’s course back in 2011 wasn’t very well defined but it felt completely right the minute I started the course.

In Other News

The ballot for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 is open. Grab life by the handlebars! The entry for the September 25th Ealing Half Marathon closes when places sell out. It’s an award-winning race: number one half marathon in the UK (twice) and number one for atmosphere. Get your medal!