Bad news on my sisters ankle..... with only 3 weeks until her big day, it would appear that it is broken! It is full steam ahead with all the plans regardless and we have all been thinking of ways to dress up the knee-high plaster to match the dress. The honeymoon and hen night have been postponed until she is back on her feet. Sarah is on good form though and is amazingly upbeat and positive. I am sure it will make great material for the speeches on the day if nothing else!

I had a very busy social calendar this weekend, consisting of; a 30th party, a family barbie and a meal with the Friday night yoga class. Sunday was spent walking up Conic hill by Balmaha to get some fresh air in the lungs and to get out of the city. We have been looking at moving to somewhere within commuting distance to Edinburgh and Glasgow. I long for the day when we finally head for the hills and can wake up to the sound of birds singing rather than the sound of tram works!

The oldies hen 'do'

My sister Sarah is getting married in July and we had a 'do' for the oldies; taking them out for lunch at the Waverley in Glasgow. It was to be a low-key event, a warm-up for the real hen night on the 11th July. We met at 3pm and I slunk off at 6pm to meet Andy to see a movie. I have since heard that the oldies were in the bar drinking until closing time! It would seem that the old hens have put me to shame.

At least I had a clear head for Sunday. Andy and I retreated to Aberfoyle once again for a lochside walk. It was so good to get out to the country, to breathe clean air and to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Trossachs.

Sarahs hen do continued on Sunday when she had tickets for the 'Take that' concert. I have just heard that she has fallen and twisted her ankle quite badly and is off to accident and emergency with my mum. Fingers crossed she will be okay and its not serious. Only three weeks to go until the big day!

France

My summer break was spent in the South of France. Seven days of sun, sightseeing, wonderful company and a glorious yoga practice every morning on the patio. Heaven!

I have returned feeling completely recharged. This is fortunate, as I have been thrown back in to a surprisingly busy summer term at The Yoga Room. I say 'surprising' because summer is usually a wee bit quieter. Not so this year, some classes are now full. Once again, I would like to apologize to those that didn't get into their chosen classes. Please ensure that you book early for the block in September. The beginners class still has space, so if you wish to start the summer on a positive note, sign up now on my booking page.

I am also looking forward to the summer party at the Yoga Room. I have been let down by my Bollywood dancer and am looking for alternative entertainment.... .any ideas? Please drop me a line if you, or indeed anyone you know would like to do a 'turn'.
Email: row_warren@hotmail.com
Thanks!

In Honor of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: 1915 - 2009

Sadly, I heard that my teacher Pattabhi Jois passed away on the 22nd May. He was the ripe old age of 93 and had a fruitful life. His legacy of Ashtanga yoga will be passed on for years to come.
I feel so fortunate to have worked with him. It was his inspiration that led me to teach and to pass on my knowledge of this amazing practice.

I feel blessed to have worked with him when his teaching practice was in its stage of growth and his classes were relatively quiet. He will be sorely missed. The Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute are holding a special prayer for him on the 31st May. My thoughts will be with his family at this difficult time.

Spain

I am just back from teaching a retreat in Andalucia, Spain.

After a week of yoga, sunshine and beautiful food, I am feeling very relaxed and refreshed. It was my 5th year at the same location and it was a wonderful group that converged for the week. We very lucky with the weather and I was actually glad when a storm broke the skies mid week, it was so hot.

The week was also blessed with wonderful food. Christine; the owner of the guest house, surpassed herself with her culinary delights. Every morsel is prepared with so much love and care; her hosting skills really are second to none. I will miss her amazing tapas and her wonderful energy!


I have put my new schedule on the website for the summer block. The Yoga Room will be celebrating its 2nd year of business. Please see my letter on the homepage for further details of my new schedule and party.

After a course of acupuncture, I thought that I had turned a corner with my wrist injury. However, I awoke yesterday with acute pain and felt as if it was back to square one.
Then by last night, the pain had gone. A very changeable injury indeed.

I have been attempting a yoga practice for the past week and have been thwarted every time. I have been unable to do chataranga, so doing Ashtanga has near been close to impossible. It has meant either stopping completely, or modifying everything greatly.
This morning was an exception, I dutifully unrolled my mat and did a pain-free, graceful full primary series practice.

It made me remember why I practice yoga. Getting away from the chaos of the world and moving in to a quiet, calm, and tranquil space is so nurturing and healing. I have so missed it. I sincerely hope that this bizarre injury has gone for good and I will be fit to teach next week in Andalucia.

If you haven't attended class this week, please note that I am away for a week in sunny Spain; teaching a retreat in the mountains.

Have a good week... self practice is the order of the week!

May day weekend

It looks like I have turned a corner with my injury. I felt my thumb 'pop' into place last week. It's not 100% healed, but it is defiantely on the road to recovery. Yipee! This means that at long last I can do a yoga practice.

To ensure complete recovery, I fully rested up over the weekend. There is no better place for r and r than my mothers static caravan near Lochgilphead on the West coast. The van is situated on dramatic coastline overlooking the Isle of Jura. After a few sedate walks and some delicious food, I feel completely relaxed and rested.

There will DEFINATELY be a self practice a.m session at the Yoga Room this Thursday from 8.30am. I am very excited to get back to the mat and hope that some of you will join me!