Yoga in the park Sunday 5 September

'From small beginnings come great things.'

Proverb

If you're not in this picture, you missed out on a lovely yoga gathering in Highbury Fields, courtesy of North London Yoga Meetup Group.

Sure it did rain a smidge (it's near enough compulsory in London in September), but the temperature was perfect and our sun salutations brought the sun out, eventually.

And the picnic nibbles were much appreciated afterwards as it seems outdoor yoga works up quite an appetite.

A big thanks to Justine, Denyse, Lucy and Marianne for taking part, cos let's face it, without the people it'd just be me, alone in the park, talking to myself...

Denyse is already scouting for an indoor venue for the next Sunday session - 3 October - and until then I'm quite looking forward to seeing Eat Pray Love with a bunch of fellow yogis and yoginis. That's Monday 27 September.

Yoga to boost your mood

Fresh scientific proof (as if we need it!) that yoga helps fight depression and makes you happier. Here's the article from The Telegraph.

But note what the end of the article says about the lack of an aerobic element in yoga - even the vigorous varieties. So, add to your yoga practice some regular cardiovascular exercise to get your heart rate up - after all, that's a very important muscle to stretch!

For me, swimming and running work a treat as I find them both monotonous enough to help switch my mind off and bring me into a more meditative state.

Next time you are out power walking, cross-training, running or swimming, add a meditative element to the exercise by quietly in your head repeating the mantra So Ham, which can be translated as 'I am that, I am' - that referring to the Universe, or God, or whatever you choose to believe in.

Repeat 'So' on each inhalation and 'Ham' on each exhalation.

Let me know how you get on!

Adele's Teaching Timetable

MONDAY

07.15-08.15 Vinyasa Flow Yoga* 
Frame Shoreditch, Shoreditch

18.30-19.30 Hatha Yoga

CAPCO, Silicon Roundabout

20.30-21.30 Mat-based Pilates*
One Life Studio, Stoke Newington

WEDNESDAY

07.15-08.15 Vinyasa Flow Yoga*
Frame Shoreditch, Shoreditch

* No membership required


For enquiries about private lessons or classes in your place of work, please email adele.simor@gmail.com

Though for the day - The Moment

Each moment is an individual moment.
So, instead of measuring one moment against another,
just savour this moment.

Outdoor yoga in Highbury Fields - Sunday 5 September

REMINDER: The Yoga & Picnic in the Park event is this coming Sunday, 5 September, at 2.30pm!

For full details and to register, visit North London Yoga Meetup Group or go through Facebook.

I doubt there'll be a sudden surge in temperature so expect a 75 min fluid vinyasa class with lots of sun salutations to keep us warm. And please remember to wear plenty of layers that you can take off or put on as needed.

See you in the park!

Yogamatters clearance sale - pick up a half price yoga mat towel!

I love a good bargain!

How convenient then that one of my fav yoga shops, Yogamatters, is having one of their clearance sales.

What particularly caught my eye this time is the half price yoga mat towel, which acts as a hygienic layer between you and a public mat and is easily portable since you can fold it up. I must mention though that I've found it works best for those who sweat a bit from hands and feet as it gives better grip. It's also important not to wash the mat with fabric conditioner or it will become slippery. In fact, the more you wash it, the stickier it will become!

Now, if you're not the type who likes to shop online, I warmly recommend a visit to the Yogamatters warehouse shop, which is within walking distance of Turnpike Lane tube station.

Firstly you'll save on paying the postage, but more importantly, the staff are always really helpful and will answer any questions you may have without hanging over your shoulder. This is why I've been a loyal customer for years.

The sale ends at midnight 31 August.

North London Yoga Meetup Group - a yoga social

We all go to yoga class with our own idea of what kind of experience we wish to have. For some it's that precious quiet time of the day where you don't need to talk to anybody and where nobody is demanding answers from you. Others see it not only as a practice but also as a social opportunity where they can catch up with friends.

I teach in a lot of different settings and locations in London and I always find it interesting to observe how the vibe before and after class differs from place to place (and of course depending on time of the day). In some sessions there is complete silence, everybody in their own space, doing their own thing. In other classes there is a happy and energetic chatter that I always feel a bit bad about silencing when I'm about to begin the class.

My friend Denyse enjoys the social aspects and she's started the North London Yoga Meetup Group as a way of getting people together who are interested in yoga. Follow the link above and she'll explain the set-up herself. You can also get involved on Facebook or Twitter.

My involvement will be teaching a 75 min yoga class once a month in a North London location.

Denyse also plans to invite people to lecture on different yoga related subjects and she's even arranging a cinema outing to see Eat Pray Love, which is out 24 September.

The whole thing will kick off with Yoga & Picnic in Highbury Fields on Sunday 5 September. I am so excited about teaching outdoors - just imagine, the sky is literally the limit!

As long as it doesn't rain we'll be just fine. Although there is a Swedish expression that says: 'There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.' So layer up if it's nippy!

I'll post about this again nearer the time, just wanted you to know so you can pencil it in your diaries.

See you in the park!