Looking for a yoga class that suits your energy? Whether you want to move and challenge yourself or slow down and relax, we’ve got two great options—Dynamic Flow and Flow + Chill. Both will leave you feeling good in your body and mind.
Recently, I attended an online training with the British Wheel of Yoga called Dharma Delights, led by Bram Williams. The day was all about storytelling—exploring the myths and meanings behind some of the yoga poses we practise. I love weaving a little dharma talk into my classes, and this training reminded me why. Stories add depth to the practice, making it about more than just movement.
I also love bringing poetry into my classes. Just like mythology, poetry has a way of connecting us to something deeper. Whether it’s a single line that lingers or an image that sparks reflection, words—like yoga—can guide us towards stillness, strength, or surrender.
The Stories Behind the Poses
So many of the poses we do in yoga have stories behind them, and when we know those stories, the poses start to take on new meaning. Here are a few we explored:
🐟 Matsyandrasana (Seated Twist) – Named after Matsyendra, a fish who overheard sacred teachings and was transformed into a wise sage. Twists, like this story, invite us to turn inward and reflect.
🌳 Vrksasana (Tree Pose) – The tree is rooted and strong but still sways with the wind. This pose is all about finding balance—both physically and in life.
🚣♀️ Navasana (Boat Pose) – Just like a boat navigating waves, this pose teaches us steadiness in the face of change.
🦁 Simhasana (Lion’s Breath) – The lion’s roar releases tension and frustration. It’s a reminder to let go of stress and step into courage.
🐶 Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) – Inspired by the loyal and playful nature of a dog. It’s a pose that invites us to stretch, breathe, and stay present.
🔺 Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) – A shape that represents balance—body, mind, and spirit. It encourages us to find strength and openness at the same time.
🙏 Forward Bends – Bowing forward is a symbol of surrender, of softening, of letting go. These poses remind us to pause and allow.
Themes for Yoga Classes
We also explored different themes that can add depth to a class. Some of my favourites were:
🍂 Seasons – How our practice shifts with the changing energy of Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.
🐢 Slowing Down – Taking time to pause, breathe, and rest.
🎭 Play – Bringing curiosity and lightness into the practice.
🌊 Seaside & Waves – Moving like water, flowing through change.
🌀 Spine – Exploring the way our spine moves and supports us.
💚 Heart-Based Practices – Tapping into emotions and connection, inspired by Anahata meditation from Tias Little’s Yoga of the Subtle Body.
☀️ Solstices – Honouring the cycles of light and dark.
⚖️ Sthira & Sukha – The balance of effort and ease, strength and softness.
Why Do We Practise Yoga?
One of the questions we explored was: Why do you practise yoga?
For me, yoga is about connection—physically, mentally, emotionally. Some people come to class for strength and flexibility, some for peace of mind, and others just for the joy of movement. There’s no right or wrong reason—just the practice itself.
One of my favourite Yoga Sutras is Sutra 1.14:
“Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break, and with sincere devotion.”
It’s a reminder that yoga isn’t about perfecting a pose but about showing up—again and again—with patience, curiosity, and heart.
Bringing Meaning to the Mat
Yoga is more than just a series of shapes. It’s movement, breath, awareness. It’s stories, poetry, and themes that help us connect to something bigger.
I’ll leave you with these lines from Rainer Maria Rilke:
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
So much of yoga is about this—being present for whatever comes, knowing that nothing lasts forever.
Do you have a favourite yoga story, theme, or poem? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Photo Credit: Annie Sprat – thank you!
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Focus on: Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
In our current yoga series, we’re delving into Garudasana, or Eagle Pose. This graceful pose invites us to explore balance, focus, and release. Over the series, we are peeling back the layers of this pose, discovering its physical benefits, mental challenges, and its beautiful symbolism as a practice of grounding while soaring.
Yoga can often feel like a mix of separate parts— asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation. But what if they could seamlessly blend into a single mindful experience? That’s exactly what Perry Lewis’s one-day hybrid course with the British Wheel of Yoga, Getting Your Mind in the Right Place, explored. I attended virtually.
Over the past five weeks in our yoga classes here in Rugby, we’ve been diving into the concept of the koshas. Each week, we’ve explored one of these layers, starting from the physical body and gradually working our way through the more subtle layers of energy, mind, wisdom, and bliss.
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Yoga, Buns and Bliss Day!
***This event is now fully booked. Feel free to contact me to join the waiting list.***
Who doesn’t love a hot cross bun? Join Paul from Rugby Real Bread and I for a rejuvenating and delicious day that will refresh your soul and delight your taste buds.
We’re excited to invite you to a unique experience of yoga and baking on Saturday, 8th March 2025 at Houlton School in Rugby. This special event is designed to nourish you both inside and out in the most delightful way.
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October Monthly Newsletter Out Now
My October newsletter is now available!
Inside, you’ll discover:
- A thought-provoking quote to inspire your day.
- A Sanskrit pose tip to refine your technique.
- A gratitude prompt to cultivate mindfulness.
- A yogic reflection to deepen your practice.
- The latest yoga class and event news to stay connected to our community.
Read October Newsletter.
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My logo for Gemma Murphy Yoga
I’m excited to share my new logo. A big thank you to those who helped me come up with this design!
I wanted a logo that reflects the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and inner peace that we all experience through yoga. The central figure in a meditative pose represents our individual paths toward personal growth, reminding us of the strength we cultivate through our practice.
Yesterday, I attended a “Yoga for Athletes” training course with Anthea Sweet as part of my professional development, and it provided some fantastic insights into how yoga can benefit athletes.
Working with athletes is an interesting blend of art and science. The art lies in understanding their mindset, motivations, and how they approach their sport, while the science involves recognising their movement patterns, the specific demands of their sport, and the environments they compete in.
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Yoga with Mulberry Homes in Houlton, Rugby
With the rain pouring outside, there was no better way to spend a Sunday morning than with relaxing yoga sessions in the beautiful Mulberry Homes Showhome in Houlton, Rugby. The stunning Showhome provided a tranquil setting for unwinding, finding flexibility and inner peace.
After our together, we gathered together to enjoy delicious, freshly-made smoothies and pastry treats. I really enjoyed getting to know some more of the local residents in Houlton. A big thank you to Mulberry Homes for hosting such a memorable event!