BEACH YOGA EASTBOURNE 

We are so lucky to live here, having the sea and magnificent natural beauty literally on our doorstep..

So why not take advantage of practising yoga outside in the fresh air? Enjoying the amazing views, a beautiful sky, the colourful leaves, soft grass or pebbles (sometimes even sand) underneath our mat, beach and the sea.

The ground might be uneven, an ant might crawl across your mat, or the sun may be shining in your eyes, but that is what makes outdoor practice so rewarding. You get to go outside your normal routine, feel the earth beneath your feet, and make playful adjustments to your practice.

The music comes courtesy of chirping birds, flowing wind, and the waves lapping up on the beach.

Yoga is all about the union of the body and the mind, and when you add the extra element of the outdoors, you can also make it about becoming one with nature.. Spending your morning at the beach yoga really sets you up for the day ahead. Gone are the stress, worries, distracting thoughts and pressure of your everyday life.

After the class you feel recharged, reenergised, relaxed and ready to tackle the day ahead. We often feel as if we spent time away on a mini holiday..

We embrace the elements and meet to practice yoga outside whatever the weather (well perhaps not in a torrential rain, although we did couple of times..)

The class has been running for last 5 years, it started with only a handful of people and our yoga dog Maxi but over the time we created a beautiful beach yoga community where everyone is welcome with open arms, our numbers reaching 30 in summer and around 10 brave hard core yogis in winter, complete with hats, gloves, scarves and skiing socks! We often stay on and chat after the class, grabbing a hot drink or relaxing on the beach, even swimming!

Beach yoga is a great class to meet people, feel fantastic and become a part of something amazing – community of likely minded beach yogis who love outdoors, having fun and who put their wellbeing first (at least once a week).

Tempted? Come and find us every Wednesday at 9.30am in the Italian Gardens in Eastbourne, we are here all year round.. We promise you a special morning you will not forget, a total stress buster. 

I asked some of the beach yogis why they love coming to the class:

For the soothing sound of the sea, the salty kiss of the breeze on our faces, the sensation of sand (and pebbles) beneath our feet, for the sunshine and the rain…we meet in friendship and shared appreciation of this beautiful and special part of the world ❤ We love Maxi dog, and we love you and your classes Eva Kristlova. xxx

JML

Come and experience beach yoga with us soon!

 

 

We were all set up to fly off to Athens and enjoy a relaxing yoga and shiatsu holiday in Agistri Island, Greece. All 16 of us…

Little did we know… that only few hours before our departure our flights would be cancelled due to air traffic control strike and getting to our island would be impossible for next four days.  7 hours of calling, thinking, sweating, stressing and reorganising later – and we (Nick and I) totally changed our original plans and decided to go to a remote diving eco camp on the Red Sea instead (Red Sea Diving Safari) . The Magnificent 7 met at the airport in the morning excited about all the adventures waiting for us in Egypt – truly going with the flow of life.

We quickly settled into the camp’s slow and relaxed, back to basics style of life.  Two gentle yoga classes a day, snorkelling, diving, enjoying the sun, sea, amazing marine life, swimming with over 200 dolphins, bonding and making connections for life.  Sleeping in our safari tents, set on the shore of the Red Sea, listening to the sound of gentle waves, star gazing, moon bathing, being really present and living, breathing and feeling alive every moment of our time together.

We crated some amazing memories, shared unforgettable experiences and were not ready to leave! Throughout the week there were masses of laughter, lots of fun, cheekiness and also tears, support, love and compassion.

Special moments:

Scuba diving with our fantastic instructors

Using camel milk for sun stroke

Celebrating our last evening together with a special chocolate cake and fish supper made just for us by the wonderful staff

Swimming with 200+ dolphins

Watching breath taking sunsets

Getting up at 4.30am to watch sunrise outside our tents

Being a part of the very welcoming Marsa Shagra family

Chilling in the Bawadi Bar, enjoying cheeky shisha, glass of wine and the special company

Star gazing in the desert

Recognising the constellation of Scorpio

Snorkelling with amazing marine life, dolphins, rays, turtles, octopus and thousands of fish..

Of course Yoga!

Fantastic massage

Laughing so much that the whole camp knew where we were at any given moment

All the food

All the amazing people we met along the way

All of us together

Dirty Yogis

 

We are already planning our next adventures… We will be returning to Marsa Shagra in March 2018 so if you want to come along please get in touch! xxx

Just a little reflection on how everyone I meet through yoga (of course everyone else too – not being exclusive here at all!) touches me and how special it is to be sharing our journeys through life even if it might be just for a short while.

Special attention today goes to all the wonderful children who come to the studio or classes elsewhere.  They might take part or might not, they might just play or enjoy a little swing time in the yoga swing, they might just simply absorb the vibes whether they know it or not.  All the children I meet through yoga are truly special and I love watching them grow, become more confident, and I am also learning so much from them.

I teach mummy and baby yoga class and our oldest ‘baby’ just turned 3! She has been coming to yoga for 2 and half years already and it is a real privilege to watch this little beauty blossom, from a little baby, just soaking in all the yoga vibes, to a cute toddler trying to copy her mummy’s moves, to a little adorable girl who knows her stuff! She even helps me with hands on, adjusting all the other mums in the room.

A gorgeous little yoga girl came with her daddy to a ‘grown up class’. After she did the whole class she asked me if I could give her any tips as she would like to set up a yoga class in her school! Seriously – my heart melted there and then. What a little sweetheart. So I created a lesson plan that she could teach her friends, and she will be phenomenal, future yoga teacher for sure <3

The teenagers I teach are so grateful for a little down time. There is so much pressure on our children nowadays! Every time I see the older kids they are exhausted.  All they need is a little me time, time to switch off.  Although we go through lots of giggling the final effect is always the same. They leave happy, smiling, positive, relaxed. I feel truly honoured to be making that little positive difference in their lives.

I teach a family yoga class where children and parents try to practice together, it’s a bit of fun but also a special bonding experience.  Even if the children think at the time it’s all a game it will for sure make an impact on their lives. And what a great tool to have for the days to come.

The point of this blog is – that all we do has an effect on our children. What we put in we get back.  When we introduce our children to yoga it will pay off.  Be an inspiration to them and they will really inspire you in return. Spend time together doing what you love (anything not just yoga) and you will create special moments to be treasured for ever.  Give and receive. Give love receive love. OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE

More Yoga kids in the world means brighter future for us all..

Yoga helps children see the beauty and light within themselves, boosting their self-confidence, allowing them to feel more comfortable in their own skin, and helping them get in touch with who they are inside. A child who learns yoga, mindfulness and relaxation will be developing essential skills for a lifetime of health and wellness in mind, body and spirit.

YOGA CREATES CHILDREN WHO ARE BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THIS WORLD

 

Hi there, this is a little interview I did for the Yoga Life Studio:

Can you tell us what we can expect in your class?

Everyone is welcome. Everyone is unique. Everyone is on the mat for some reason. Come to my class and be you, enjoy your own practice, listen to your body, follow your breath.  We will go on a journey together, to release stress and pressure of every day life, to let go of any negative feelings and emotions, to connect with our breath, body, mind, spirit. We will get strong, flexible, focused and beautifully relaxed. We will do all that and we will love it.

You can expect the following in these classes:

Beach yoga – elements: sun, wind, sea, earth, ether. Dog yogis; beautiful shiny people. Raw beauty, fresh energy

Aerial Yoga – fun, strength, inversions, swinging, laughter, comedy moments

Family Yoga – kids playing, kids swinging, beauty, connections, love, togetherness, chaos

Mummy yoga – time out, relaxation for mums, babies, unconditional love, understanding, support

Yurt Yoga – fire, earth, yurt yogis, mats in circle, crystal bowl, horses, birds, serenity

Restorative Yoga – bolsters, blankets, cushions, eye pillows, comfort, snooze

Meditation – calm, breathing, just be, chant, peace, time out

Yoga for all – ALL OF THE ABOVE

 

When did you first realise that you wanted to be a yoga teacher? What was the wow moment if any?

I guess when I was a new mum and in a desperate need of something that was just for me, without any demands of others. A little sanctuary to recharge and just be ME again. Through experiencing all these feelings and emotional rollercoaster of being a new parent I figured out it can’t be just me feeling like this.  That’s why I wanted to create a supportive environment for new parents to come and practice yoga with their babies present but without any pressure  – for the baby to be quiet, take part or be certain way. I wanted the new mums to just come, feel supported, connect with others and just be themselves again.  Just lie down and breathe, slow down and put yourselves first for a moment. So that’s why I wanted to become a yoga teacher… To help others feel good again.

Where is your favourite place to practice?

Definitely Eastbourne beach, listening to the waves and birds and sharing a mat with my dog. In the yoga yurt feeling such a close connection with the earth there – it is a very special place. And of course Yoga Life Studio, where it all started J

 Have you got any advice for new students?

Just do it! Come with an open mind, let go of any expectations and let the practice take you on a journey… to yourself.  Make the practice your own, don’t worry about others and most of all don’t feel under any pressure to perform, compete, get into challenging postures or please the teacher. Do what feels good for You. If you are tired – rest. Feel your body moving, feel your breath flowing, slow down.  No judgement. Be really kind to yourself, enjoy it and embrace it! It is your own unique experience.

Also try few different classes and teachers and make your own mind up – each class is different.  Make connections and go wherever you feel good!

I hear lots of people say ‘I am too …….. for yoga (fill the dots). If you can breathe you can do yoga! Yoga is not only about moving our physical body. It is about stilling our mind, controlling our breath, switching off, being kind – to ourselves and others.

You love yoga because…

It helps you to find YOU. It feels damn good. It helps you overcome fears, makes you stronger, more confident, it reminds you to breathe and live in the present moment. It makes you wonder… it makes you feel alive.

What is your favourite yoga posture/practice and why?

This can vary from day to day but without thinking about it the cat & cow stretch jumps to mind, where the spine gets a wonderful stretch, energy starts flowing through the body and when we switch our busy minds off and just follow the breath this can become a wonderful moving meditation. It also releases back pain and works on your abs!

When outdoors or during my self practice I love few rounds of Sun Salutations, awakening my whole body and connecting with my breath, no thinking, just going with the flow and feeling alive.

Restorative practice with the use of bolsters is pure heaven, the slow pace, peaceful atmosphere and soft support works wonders.

Relaxation! Even though it was challenging for me at start (restless mind) now I can’t get enough when I am lucky enough to go to a class. In the meantime I am successfully hypnotising myself and others in my own classes J LOL.

 Can you share 3 interesting facts about yourself?

I spent a night at the police station when I was 4 – got nicked for wandering the streets in my pyjamas and would not tell the officer my name – not talking to strangers! Yes… dad found me, eventually!

My son says I should play football for England Woman’s Team (in his eyes I am a good footballer!)

I once let my sister and a friend to shave half of my head.  Seemed like a good idea that evening, but lots of tears in the morning… (those were the days!)

 What is your personal motto or favourite quote?

Live and let live.

Treat others how you want to be treated.

Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.

Basically – follow your dreams!

And also.. You are only one step away from changing your life..!

Too many coming to mind now!

Welcome to my website.  Please browse and find out more about me, the classes I teach, yoga holidays and special events! Feel free to ask any questions and hopefully we will meet each other on the yoga mat soon 🙂