Tapas: Showing Up for Yourself on the Mat

Hi everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed this week’s classes.

Tapas (heat/discipline) 🔥

This week’s theme was Tapas, the third niyama of yoga - not the yummy Spanish cuisine but the concept of building our inner fire and committing to our practice. With that in mind, let’s explore how Tapas can support your daily life.

Tapas is about discipline, but also grace with ourselves. It’s about learning what is a non-negotiable in your daily routine and where you can allow yourself some flexibility and softness. I’m working on being more disciplined with my daily yoga practice and reducing screen time, and prioritising these leaves me feeling much better.

At the same time, I’m learning to cut myself some slack when it comes to being hyper-productive or striving for perfection. Like everything in life, it’s about finding balance.

This is why the physical practice of yoga (asana) is such a beautiful representation of balance. As I often say in class, the hardest part of yoga is simply arriving and rolling out your mat. Even if you choose gentler variations or simply move in a way that feels good for your body, that’s enough. By giving yourself that hour to fill up your own cup, you will be better equipped to show up for others in your life.

Agni is the Sanskrit word for heat, and Sun Salutations A are a wonderful way to build that inner fire 🔥 This fire does not burn you out; it supports and energises you.

Tapas reminds us that growth does not come from perfection, but from showing up with patience and dedication.

Intention: I have the strength to move through challenges.

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Creating Your Own Personal Yoga Practice 🧘‍♀️

Recently, I’ve been starting my mornings in my little garden shala (studio), practising meditation and yoga.

I use the Headspace app, which I’ve had since 2016, and I still love it. It has lots of great meditations for different themes. Highly recommend it if you have never tried it.

I also love practising yoga with music 🎶 One artist I often listen to is Chantress Seba, who has the most calming voice. Lately, I’ve been enjoying her 28-minute album Light Healing Live Session 2. I will link it below if you would like a listen.

Listen here

If you would like to develop your own personal practice, try finding a quiet space where you will not be disturbed, roll out your mat and simply move intuitively into poses that feel good for your body.

Light a candle if you like 🕯️, put on some music and do not worry about it being perfect. Most days I practise in my pyjamas. Some days it is a stronger flow, and other days it is restorative poses or legs up the wall.

And of course, pets are welcome! My cat, Dixie from HR, loves to join in and wander underneath me when I am in downward dog.

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Class Update – Wednesday Midday 8th April

As mentioned in the WhatsApp group, I am unable to hire the hall on bank holidays, and a few Monday bank holidays are coming up. Because of this, there will be no class on Monday, 6th April. Instead, I have booked the Stag Room (upstairs) for a one-off class on Wednesday 8th April, 12 to 1 pm. Here's the link to book that one-off class:

Book here

My usual Wednesday and Thursday evening classes will still run as normal that week.

I’ll also extend everyone’s blocks by an additional week for those who usually attend the Monday classes, so you won’t miss out. I’ll add the extra week the week before.

There are also two Monday bank holidays in May, so I will likely arrange something similar. I am also taking a week of annual leave, so I will update you all soon with the May schedule.

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A Trip to Kew

Last Saturday, I visited the beautiful Kew Gardens with my best friend Emilie. I love being outside and gardening, so it was lovely exploring the greenhouses and seeing plants from around the world. I will definitely be going back in the summer when more flowers are in bloom 🌸

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Next Week’s Theme: Spring Equinox 🌿

Next week, we will be taking a little break from our Niyama series to celebrate the Spring Equinox (20th March). A perfect moment to welcome the new season and hopefully a bit more sunshine too ☀️

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See you on the mat next week,

Eloise x

Book here