From yesterday, another (!) government ruling stated that we were not 'allowed' to meet in groups of more than six. And yet...this doesn't apply to businesses: pubs, restaurants, shops - all will have 'gatherings' of more than six. The difference being whether its purpose is business or pleasure. This, at a time, when women are not allowed to have their partners present at important developmental scans or birth, we can still rock up to the pub and be present with an array of people outside our normal 'bubble'.

What does any of this have to do with yoga?

Looking to create a slower pace?

The weekly women's yoga class in Central Watford may be just the thing you are seeking.

The classes are gently paced but provide the right level of challenge for all women, irrespective of which stage of life you find yourself in right now.

A strong focus on encouraging a bringing together the many aspects of ourselves which have got fractured due to the busy aspects of our lives. In addition, there is a focus on pelvic floor strengthening that goes beyond simply doing kegels.

Returning home to ourselves through our practice

"How can one learn to live through the ebb tides of one's existence?"
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Many of you are aware, I recently visited the Isle of Iona for a much-needed break. It was in fact a writing retreat, but included silence from breakfast through to late morning each day. For me, it also allowed a re-investment in other aspects of my personal practice.

With only 26 days until the early bird offer expires are you planning what you would like to do or achieve next year?

Now into its third year, my yoga retreat at the amazing Watermill in Posara, Italy offers a week of complete nourishment on every level.

Today I'm focusing on the meditation offering: We begin each morning at 08.00 with meditation - a gentle, guided practice to help ease you into the day and it also introduces the theme of the day's practices.

A taboo topic has always been periods. Another topic that isn't as well known, is that many cannot afford to purchase sanitary protection.

Think about that for a moment.

Thanks to the initiative of Bloody Good Period we can all help by making donations of sanitary items.

w/c 30 October, I am collecting on behalf of a friend who will be taking sanitary donations along to the charity.

One of the wonderful gifts following a retreat, is to receive the feedback from those who attended.

Following last month's retreat in Italy, words have been filtering through from the guests I had the pleasure of spending a whole week with, in which I shared the delights of yoga, meditation and creative pursuits - all with one aim in mind: to nourish the women on every level.

The image at the top of this piece contains recent feedback which has moved me very deeply.

[Image: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/lao/]

Join us for a morning of creative journal writing to celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 08 March.

I shall be hosting a 2-hour workshop at Watford Women’s Centre 83, Market Street, Watford, from 11.00 until 13.00.

[Featured image: Google]

Regularly in class I'm heard to cue with the words, "lengthen your invisible zip".

I use all sorts of cues with everyday objects to enable women to understand the function of their bodies in an easier way.