As the new year begins, it’s a natural time to reflect, reset, and think about what we want for our bodies, minds, and hearts. Over my first year teaching at Om Asana Yoga, I’ve felt deeply grateful — for everything I’ve learned, how I’ve grown as a teacher and in my own practice, and for the beautiful souls I’ve crossed paths with along the way.
Hatha yoga is often described as gentle or slow, and many students arrive expecting it to be easy — light, effortless, and physically undemanding. Yet, over the past year, students have discovered that while many postures are accessible, the practice itself can be challenging, strengthening, energising, and deeply rewarding.
Gentle Yet Demanding
In a Hatha class, we often hold postures for 20–30 seconds or more, building strength, stability, and focus. It can feel intense even in seemingly simple poses.
The challenge isn’t only physical. When we slow down, we’re asked to hold space for ourselves internally — noticing the breath, the sensations in the body, and the thoughts that arise. At first, stillness can feel confronting, but it’s also where the practice becomes transformative.
“Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.” — Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 1.2
I am grateful to students who embrace that stillness and explore themselves in these quiet, powerful moments.
“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness, compassion, delight, and equanimity toward all beings, the mind becomes clear and steady.” — Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 1.33
This Sutra beautifully reflects the spirit of my classes — seeing students support one another and create a heartful community fills me with gratitude.
Yoga for Every Body and Stage of Life
Hatha yoga is both accessible and challenging, and I always offer options and modifications so everyone can practise safely at their own pace.
For example, each posture may have:
- A lighter option
- A more challenging variation
- An advanced expression
This approach allows beginners, those returning after many years away, students recovering from surgery or injury, pregnant students, and experienced practitioners to share the same space, each working at a level that feels supportive and appropriate.
This year, I’ve had several pregnant students practising with us, and it’s been wonderful to see how yoga supports breathing, flexibility, energy, and overall wellbeing. While some postures are adapted for their growing babies, they still feel included, challenged, and energised — and the rest of the class benefits from the sense of community and shared journey. I am deeply grateful to all my students for the joy, inspiration, and perspective they bring to each class.
A Year of Teaching & Transformation
This first year of teaching has been incredibly rewarding. Many students have shared how the practice has positively impacted their mental wellbeing, physical health, strength, energy, and confidence.
It’s especially moving to see people reconnect with yoga after 20 years or more away, finding their flow, strength, flexibility, and renewed energy within just weeks.
Students recovering from surgery or injury often find the gentle, structured practice helps them rebuild strength and mobility safely, while those completely new to yoga can explore the postures in a supportive environment. I am grateful to witness these journeys of courage, perseverance, and transformation.
Even missing a week reminds students how much the practice supports their flexibility, energy, and overall wellbeing.
Starting the New Year on the Mat
If you’re wondering whether Hatha yoga might be too easy, you may be pleasantly surprised. The practice is grounding, strengthening, energising, and deeply nourishing, while remaining accessible and inclusive for everyone.
At Om Asana Yoga, the aim isn’t to push or force — it’s to support you in building strength, flexibility, awareness, energy, and connection, at your own pace and in your own body.
Whether you’re new to yoga, returning after a break, practising through pregnancy, recovering from surgery or injury, or looking for a slower but effective practice, the mat is a space to begin anew this year.
Seeing students reconnect with their bodies, regain strength, find energy, and feel at ease reminds me why I teach. I feel grateful for every moment of this first year — for the learning, growth, and the beautiful souls I’ve met.
Join Us in 2026
If you’d like to start the New Year grounded, energised, and connected, I warmly invite you to join a class at Om Asana Yoga. Whether it’s your first time on the mat or you’re returning after a break, there’s a place for you here.
Book your FREE Karma class today and start your journey toward strength, flexibility, calm, and renewed energy in 2026.
