Since the beginning of September we have been diving deeply into the inner world of the body... This is a hugely mapped place, not just in western medicine, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and many other fascinating therapies... but,

We're going in to Yoga.

The highlights:

This is a compressed version of my notes from this term, a kind of summary of the bits that stand out if you like:

1-The overall winner for the Asana which aids the health of the organs in the body most: Setu Bandasana, the Bridge pose.

2- Stress is Unhygenic! It clogs us up like stuff down the drain, and yoga helps to unblock the "drain".

3- Do what "makes your heart sing". The positivity of expressing yourself in your own specific way leads to a positive feedback loop of "feel good" hormones in your body, helping the immune system to thrive, and your whole body benefit... and is highly infectious.

4- To counter negative environmental and social events and happenings:
- Practice small acts of kindness.
- Remember what you are grateful for. (A friend calls this Vitamin G!)

5- "A joyful heart is more beneficial than a deep backbend". Quote from Norman Blair's book, The little book of Yin wisdom.

6- Things are always changing, so... by moving and stretching we change the chemical balances in our bodies, therefore effectively creating positive deliberate change.

7-We are ultimately, animal; We will constrict when fearful or threatened, and relax and heal when calm.

8- Laughter is an all encompassing medicine.

9- You always have a choice. Other people's opinions belong to them. What belongs to you? Self knowledge is the key.

10- Keep it simple. Try not to be put off by difficult asanas/life choices, start simply and gather confidence gently with as much kindness as you can.

It has been a great term on the mat with many of you, and I am thrilled to have held the sessions we've explored, I honestly feel like I have the best job in the world, and I'm so so happy you're up for sharing it.

-We have looked at the elements, the yin and yang, times of the day and night, the seasons and meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the functionality windows in time, of the organs.

-Auyveda and the doshas, or body types, and how to address balance through food & mood.

-Chakras, with their emotions and states of being and relationship to each other and the organs.

-Somatics, & of course Asana and Pranayama yogas to bring balance and peace to these organs.

-Self massage, & the gazillion acupressure points around the body.

-We've had the occasional reference to Astrology, especially around the crazy moon times.

-Herbal remedies, foods/intake and a little homeopathy, for a peep into other worlds of healing & maintaining the body's homeostasis.

My homework has been fascinating, oscillating between East and West, with a couple of my doctor friends giving me surprisingly poetic responses to my questions (thank you very much!) and of course asking my family, who have all had wonderful and sometimes very silly ideas to add. (also thank you)

This use of many thousands of years of study, a plethora of different kinds of practitioners, and of course applying these in short form in the space of a yoga lesson has been the ultimate challenge for me.

I think though, the oddest and least expected thing that has occurred, which you might say is merely because the "eye of Mordor" was shining brightly on that organ at that time, but each week I have personally gone through an event, like an argument or circumstance where I have had to use the skills I have been talking about, which I could easily relate to the organ in question for that week. A little spooky perhaps?
I am sceptical, but also a bit gullible, so have an unfixed opinion, however, I recommend this kind of study as a way of cleansing the body! A lot has happened since September!

Although this newsletter comes to you with a hint of what has gone on in our lessons, I hope some of it has been interesting, and stimulated discussion and thoughts, the issues of the tissues! The possibility of home mat practice(?). and the consideration of a bit of rest over the festive season which is so much upon us.
Here is a little summary of some of the poses we have delved into, using Hatha methods, studying the body mind connection...

Yoga and Walking Retreat in January 2026

This makes an amazing gift, in the past people who have been gifted this experience are truly blown away, not just by the retreat, but also the incredible gift of time, space and a great retreat from the January-ness of being.

Ease into the new year with a nourishing January retreat set in the serene woodland of Middle Coombe Farm, nestled near Tiverton, this tranquil haven offers a beautifully restored thatched farmhouse—exclusively ours for the long weekend—and a spacious practice barn warmed with underfloor heating for our indulgent yoga sessions.

We will guide you through carefully prepared yoga sessions designed especially for your retreat, as well as exploring peaceful ancient woodland. We'll absorb the freshness of the crisp winter skies, to return back to a welcoming, peaceful retreat, snuggle up by the fire or soak in the hot tub. Only for our senses to then be delighted by delicious vegetarian meals prepared with care (with alternative diets happily catered for).

Whether you're seeking rest, a bit of time to get outside and absorb the winter peace, a good long stretch for your body, fresh inspiration, or simple quiet time, this retreat is designed to help you reset and reconnect.

Join us for a restorative escape where warmth, wellbeing, and nature come together.

The flier above is also a link to this retreat, where Pippa and I have a bit more information on the venue, the costs and that we're extending the early bird for our readers to January 1st.