Our Lovely Yoga Community: Sharing Joy on and off the Mat

Hey everyone, 😊

I hope you have all enjoyed this week’s classes. Here are the past two themes:

Community

I absolutely love this community. I probably say it all the time, but it truly brings me joy. We now have 75 people in the Yoga by Eloise WhatsApp group and 160 members on the website, which feels so special. Community means so much, especially after the pandemic when we were all isolated, and I hope you feel a sense of belonging here, too.

My dad recently asked me what my favourite class to teach is, and honestly, I couldn’t choose. Every class has its own unique energy and beautiful mix of people. In the new year, I’d love to plan something where students from all classes can meet, practice together, and get to know each other outside of the classes.

Yoga is a beautiful practice on its own, but sharing the space with others seeking a little peace makes it even more meaningful. It's lovely to see people becoming friends in class!

This business has also given me two best friends - Katie and Allison (Wednesday students!). They’ve become the biggest cheerleaders of both this community and me. Katie has been here since day one and has even brought her whole family along to class, and Allison moved here from the States just a year ago and has been coming ever since.

We take turns hosting dinner parties and spend time together outside of class.  Last weekend, I went wedding dress shopping with them and watched Allison say yes to her dress 👰‍♀️✨ I never imagined teaching yoga would bring me lifelong friendships.

Intention: I soften into belonging.

Smilie

And now a little reminder to smile 😊 Smiling releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, the brain’s happy and calming chemicals. Even a gentle or “forced” smile can activate them. Fake it till you make it! It’s not about pretending to be happy, but inviting a sense of ease, presence, and lightness into the body.

When we practice, we can sometimes focus so intensely that we tense the muscles of the face, so I often say “soften your face” or “lift the corners of your mouth.” That tiny action can bring us back into the body and into the breath.

Intention: I cultivate lightness and ease with each breath.

A little catch-up

Two weekends ago, I went to North Norfolk to start early Christmas celebrations with my family. We took my 18-month-old nephew, August, on a steam train to see Father Christmas 🎅 He had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it was adorable.

As I shared in my last blog, my mission was to get him to say “Auntie,” and… he did! Mission accomplished. I am obsessed with his little voice 💕

I’ve also been attending art classes for almost a year now, and they bring me so much joy.🎨Every Tuesday morning, I go for three hours, and it feels like the ultimate mindfulness practice. Everyone there is so kind, creative, and uplifting, and I’ve made another best friend, Tash!

I’m definitely not Picasso, but I love creating bold and colourful pieces (oil pastels are my favourite!). I even painted something for my grandparents for Christmas, but I can’t share it yet in case they’re reading! Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Next week’s theme is Christmas🎄

Bring a blanket or even a Christmas jumper to make savasana extra cosy.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

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See you on the mat next week,

Eloise x

What made you smile this week? Let me know in the comments!