Reflections, tips, and insights from 25 years of practice and teaching.
Six things to stop doing in your yoga classes - from nocebo cues to risky adjustments - so students feel safe, capable and keen to return to your classes.
Newly qualified and feeling overwhelmed? Here are seven powerful lessons to help you build confidence, set boundaries, and grow your yoga teaching into a sustainable, authentic business.
We all veer towards complaining sometimes—but what if kindness and self-awareness could shift our energy? Explore the subtle power of words, connection, and compassion in daily life.
Struggling to find the right yoga teacher? From local classes to flexible online and on-demand yoga, I'll help you learn how to choose a teacher whose style and voice truly resonates with you.
After a long blog pause (and a studio sunset), I'm back — still teaching, still stretchy, and still helping you feel stronger, calmer, and more sparkly. Here's a little hello and what's been happening behind the scenes.
"The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of other things. Of shoes and ships and sealing wax and cabbages and kings." Lewis Carrol
Emotional, physical, mental and spiritual strength or resilience go a long way to helping you live your best life from the amazing Sam Barker.
Everyone has stressful situations in their lives but some recover more quickly. Here are some ways that you can help ease stress in your body and watch an interview with Anna Hart Homes specifically about what happens in your body with stress.
So the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in the UK are lifted and for many this is a huge cause for celebration. But what if it doesn’t feel that good, and what if, actually, it’s making you feel a bit rubbish with worry or even anxiety?
You may know of me that I'm really passionate about women’s empowerment, pleasure, and well-being. You might imagine me a feminist. I am. But does the words ‘feminism’ conjure up for you the idea of a vulva-owning man-hater? That, I am not.
Everyone else is asleep. I should be asleep. But I’m not. I’m. Wide. Awake. And sooo tired! I found myself wide awake at 2:15am and unable to drop back off. The Sandman just did not want to visit me. These are the things I did instead of sleeping.
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Fitting it all in AND reducing time spent in front of a screen is a challenge for everyone, especially those working from home or small business owners. So very briefly, here are some tips for getting the most out of your yoga practice online.
For some time, telling new people I'm a yoga teacher didn’t quite feel enough. I now tell them I love to help people to feel relaxed, strong and empowered in their own bodies in my role as a yoga teacher and a wellness advocate.
Thinking about yoga teacher training? Before you dive in, here’s what you really need to know — from developing a lifelong practice to accepting feedback and choosing the right school with care and heart.
Why would anyone book private yoga tuition? What goes on there? Isn’t is like, awkward being just you and the yoga teacher?
I've been pondering this idea of a handbook for stressful situations for a while and from my extensive research of blog posts, YouTube videos and self help books, here I am providing my own version of a handbook that would have indeed proved … ‘handy' for me. I will name it Advice for the Newly Sing
Crying during a yoga class is perfectly natural and normal Has this ever happened to you? How did it make you feel? Maybe it sent you scampering for the door, never to return.
One of the most important philosophical aspects we can apply to ourselves is the niyama, Sauca, which means cleanliness. Here are some simple ways you can bring Sauca or cleanliness to your yoga practice on and off the mat.
During my yoga classes, or any for that matter (other yoga teachers are available 😜), you might hear some unusual sounding words. You might look around expecting to see other curious looks from your fellow yogis but no - they all seem to know what these magical, mystical-sounding words mean.
I take my role as a yoga teacher very seriously. I know how many great yoga teachers there are so I am humbled that so many people choose to come along to my classes, week after week. But lots have questions...
If you train with a qualified yoga instructor, they will be required to undertake Continuous Professional Development. On my journey so far, I haven’t yet met a single soul who finds this to be a chore – we love learning about yoga!
How do we make the time for Me Time? The things that make us happy, the things that make our soul sing?
All are welcome in my yoga classes here in Nottingham. Except your ego. She ain’t your amigo, my friend. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news and all that.
If you’re a beginner at a yoga class, how can you overcome your nerves at attending your first class. Have a read at some of the things I enjoy about teaching yoga in Nottingham. You might be surprised.
The third of the yamas, Asteya, invites us to live in a way of ‘non-stealing’. Now, I don’t consider myself to be a tea-leaf, but I do know that I take a lot from the planet, just by being here.
Ok, so there may be spoilers, but since the first day I listened to the soundtrack of this film, I have felt compelled to share lots of ways I found that can help people live their best life.
I can sometimes find myself being waaaaaay too serious but I have really found a way to add some fun and some colour into my yoga practice. And yes, Lego does feature sometimes. Other building blocks are available…
Do you like to sing for your supper? Have a passion for poetry? Like to channel your energy towards a particular local charity? Do you love the idea of connecting with your community? Or maybe you’re looking for another way to practise yoga.
I’m often asked if there are any books that I would recommend to help deepen a students experience of yoga. Yes sir-eee, there are!! I love books and have a creaking shelf of paperbacks queuing for their turn to accompany my cup of tea.
What makes your heart sing and what makes it sing louder? Look at this beautiful domed roof of the Nottingham Council House; everything in perfect alignment for a sense of wonder and perfection. All of the elements are in exactly the right place for everything to be just so.
Well, where do I start on living my tapas? Perhaps by saying that I was more than happy to wave goodbye to 2017 for it gave me a couple of the toughest life lessons so far BUT was also a catalyst for massive change and growth for me, for which I have huuuuge gratitude.
We fill our periods of silence with meaningless chatter because sometimes the Ego is uncomfortable with processing thoughts. Can you bring some quiet into your day to benefit your physical and mental health?
Seriously, I am chuckling to myself at my ahem witty title. Although now I have an annoying earworm and memories of dancing around like a loony to a cheesy song... Anyhow, back to the business of yogic philosophy and this lovely yama called aparigraha (ap-aree-grah-ha) which means non-hoarding
People are just grown up children and if we don’t learn how to deal with stressful situations, what happens? Read about how you can contribute to changing the way a generation sees the world and we can affect enough change to make a difference to the whole world.
“Wherever you are, be all there” Jim Elliot Let me show you how a simple cup of tea can help you reset and reboot your busy mind and hectic day.
I have been to some very serious yoga classes. And I’ve loved them. The mat really is a place where you can delve into yourself to ‘sort out’ your thoughts and feelings and the mind chatter.
Big shout going out to Mother Earth, today, on the United Nations Mother Earth Awareness Day Where to start...? There are so many things to discuss!
The fourth of the five Yamas is about our inclination to look outside of ourselves for happiness. Realising with our true self, honouring our environment and being brave enough to be honest with ourselves.
Sthira Sukhamasanam, as per the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, ‘a pose of comfort and ease’. Don't get me wrong, I believe comfort is a lovely thing, but Comfort Zone? They say life begins just outside of this place, it keeps us on the edge of our seat and appreciating things in a different kind of way.
Allow me to introduce the Eight Limbs of Yoga and you might be surprised to learn that there's more than just rocking up to a yoga class in the latest yoga togs and doing some stretches to some calming music with twinkly lights. Wait? There's MORE?!
Stop thief!!! Wait. Are you the thief?? Are you stealing from your own amazingness??
Female and Male. Yin and Yang. Light and Dark. Good and Bad. None of these things can exist without the other. Do we need the bad stuff in order to be good?
Where do we draw the line between being nice or being real? Of course, we know that honesty is the best policy but should we always go in brutally with both Size 6's?
I like big mantras and I cannot lie... Why all the noise and funny sounds? It's an ancient practice that you really need to give some welly to for maximum benefit and, dare I say, enjoyment.
A blogging prize? For me? Aw shucks!
Kindness is king. The ancient sages told us so, but we kind of know that, right?
Pilates, gymnastics, running, cycling, swimming, football, rock climbing; there are so many wonderful ways to move our bodies, so why is yoga different?
We all know that water is vital to all of our lives, but I just didn't realise how important it is and how it goes hand-in-hand with a good yoga practice.
Do you think me a girl all splashing all the hearts and flowers over social media on Valentine's Day? The one that requires fancy gifting? Or the one that rants and complains?
I'm super excited to open the booking for my new course "Bend so you don't break". It reminds me that we can be rooted and strong yet flexible and forgiving. And makes me dream of sunnier climes and happy holidays. Read on for more deets, folks…
Valentine's Day is a great time to tell someone you care about them and their wellbeing. If you know someone special who would appreciate improved fitness, better sleep quality or just the time to relax and invest in themselves, gift them a yoga experience with me.
There is so much to learn in this world and about life but maybe one thing that we can sometimes neglect is what can we learn about ourselves or our expectations of ourselves or others. The only way to do that is to ask questions.
Ego: Oh no, I can't post that photograph, I look hideous Me: Shut up, Ego.
Yoga, of course, is all about twisting, pulling, bending and stretching and you absolutely must feel like your body has had a workout afterwards. Urrmmm, NO. Let's be comfortable on the mat, folks, the ancient Sages told us so.
Why do we have props, straps, blocks, blankets, pillows, bolsters, wheels and all manner of paraphernalia in a yoga practice? Is a mat not enough?
How would you like to play a game with me, improve your fitness, connect in with your breath and the present moment AND have the chance of winning some very snazzy yoga pants to celebrate my second birthday...?
Wait. What? Too kind? I'm sorry to say in this age of global political uncertainty, refugee crises, crime rates and social divide, that yes, I think we can actually be too kind.
Hmmmm, Othering. I don't like it. It's not big, it's not clever, let's not do it.
So apparently, "Dobble" has me pondering life and making connections with the Bhagavad Gita…
I wonder how many read and, dare I say, enjoy my blog posts and newsletters? I love to talk yogic philosophy and how we can live more wholesome lives, with well-nourished bodies, at peace with other beings and our environment. But I should probably 'fess up that I'm probably not your typical yogini.
Om is a 'rounder' sound than its phonetic pronunciation suggests. Read on to have a play with this beautiful chant and to make you feel like a pro at your next yoga class.
I am so excited about my new yoga courses beginning in September and I'm loving being stuck into my lesson planning and sequencing. I'm so keen for the courses to help you gain a richer depth to your yoga practice and a greater awareness of just how amazing our human body is.
How is it summer so soon and how am I already in the planning stages for September? Yes, I actually plan and map things out. Well, that's the aim; sometimes, life just happens and it's best to roll with it and see where the ride takes you.
My style of teaching reflects my core values of empathy, knowledge, positivity, gratitude and love. I want to be able to share with complete authenticity.
I love leading my yoga sessions and I'm honoured that so many come along to play with me. The invitations I offer do not need to be followed if they don’t feel good for you today; the practice is yours and yours alone and only you know how your body feels right now.
Mushrooms, love them or hate them I have to say they gave me a smile recently and encouraged me to think about how you can change your perspective depending on life circumstances.
Pregnant ladies are welcome to join in my regular yoga sessions, but should first check with their midwife or health professional about the suitability for them. Some normal yoga poses may not be appropriate for you during a time of rapid body change
Yoga in schools can be hugely beneficial for helping children deal with difficult emotions or dealing with situations like bullying, family separations, blended families and conditions like autism and ADD.
So today, I was in a yoga class, I moved into the position and the teacher paused and moved my arm and put pressure on my hip. What's that all about? Was I doing it wrong?
In the nutritional stakes, Broccoli packs quite a heavy punch, but Cauliflower gives us so much, too. And look how pretty he is! No longer will you just be a soggy piece of veg on the side of our roast dinner, Cauliflower, we salute you.
I'm super excited to be sharing the yoga love with expectant Mummas of Hucknall soon, after my most recent learning journey
During times of stress it's too easy to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and maybe even anxiety but being in a state of stress can actually be damaging for our bodies.
Yoga for World Mental Health Day 2016 was a perfect time to practice some mindful motion and to dedicate some time to some very loving carers in Ashfield, Nottingham
I feel absolutely privileged to have been into Hucknall National C of E Primary School to give the Year 6's a mini yoga session prior to this year's all-new SATS tests
Any pronunciation tips are greatly received; I’d rather not risk devaluing the lovely niyama with my interpretation of the Sanskrit word, which sounds as though...
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, YOGIS! St Valentine's Day is really nice opportunity to stop and notice the great things in your life.
Here's a niyama that I didn't really get to begin with. Translated from Sanskrit it means 'to burn'. Sri Swami Satchidananda translates Patanjali's yoga sutra (...
I’ve been thinking about Santosha this week, the second of the niyamas, which means contentment and I was drawn back to a blog entry that I wrote during my last holiday, which happened to be in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt in October ’16.
The Yamas are the list of the five "don't do's" in order to live a balanced life in harmony with other beings, for example, don't be unkind, don't steal, don't hoard. The niyamas are the "do's". The first of the five niyamas is Sauca, which means purity or cleanliness of body, thoughts and actions.
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