Yoga studio - Maggie James Yoga in London, United Kingdom

it's been a rougher emotional ride these last 2 weeks, i think for many of you, too. I was taking time to digest and pause - which is tricky when you have a toddler because you can't exactly go all emosh with them! So when you do get a break then it takes time to feel into things again rather than just being able to take time to process. . Btw nothing bad has happened, just first world problems, balancing energies in my relationship within the pressure cooker of being 2 we...eks to baby2 and mainly relying on just 1 other adult for the majority of the year (COVID isolation is bringing up a lot of stuff for almost everyone I know.) . . Reading and listening to some books you guys recommended, especially a podcast with Sue Johnson and her book Hold Me tight. Also speaking with a wonderful therapist friend Lou has helped. When I can’t sleep I’ll journal, so I have clarity on what exactly is concerning me. Then when my partner is in a relaxed state, eg on a walk, I’ll say we don’t have to talk about it now, but I have some things on my mind. If he asks what, I can summarise a few bullet points, and he can choose if he wants to get into any of them there and then, or later, but at least he has an idea of the things on my mind, so I can get on with the day as cheerfully as possible with a toddler, without overwhelming my partner but also not just silencing my underlying worries. . In the meantime, last few classes before Bebe2! SUN 9am @jivamuktiyoga @kindredyogalife . Photo by @tugcenelsonphoto See more

Tomorrow 9:15AM join me for a lovely class designed to make your feet feel better. Here' s a free taster :) https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEUAy_XDtdW/ book here: https://kuula.tv/maggie-james/schedule

I’m so happy to launch my own regular classes Check schedule and book here: https://kuula.tv/maggie-james/schedule - I may edit class times a bit depending on availability but for the week ahead. You won’t regret it. Committing to a regular practice at home is the best thing you can do for yourself.... *WED 7:15PM* Happy Feet Yoga (new topic each week) *SAT 12:00* - Pregnancy Yoga (organised by Blackheath Yoga) *Sun 9:15AM* - Jivamukti Yoga (class time may be later the week after) Book above or email me [email protected] for a spot

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha - i work through my obstacles with grace so I may welcome new beginnings. I was sad to hear that suddenly from this weekend onwards I won't be able to teach my kindred studio class, as they won't do livestream only options. Sad to not say bye to my lovely students who have supported us all throughout lockdown! But I let myself feel the sadness, and also make space for a new beginning of organising my own weekly class. I would love it if you could joi...n. Anyone who fills out my poll on what time I should teach my remaining 7 weekly classes (before baby 2 comes and i take a little break) will be entered into a draw for a free class. DM me your email for the link loves from anywhere in the world and you don't even have to take a class to enter the draw xx . . lovely pic by @yogaandphoto in @asquithlondon , second pic by @maddieandthemoon @ World Wide See more

*Last Chance* to join our super special @mama.empower program for pregnant yogis - starting on Nov 29 Sunday! We so far have a really lovely small group of 6 mamas staying strong and safe through our tailored and physio-guided yoga and pregnancy course. This will probably be the last course I teach while I myself am pregnant, a special opportunity for me to also go through this motherhood journey together with you pregnant mamas. And even if you don't join our course, would l...ove for you to join our community where we share lots of super helpful stuff for your pregnancy and postnatal journey - head to @mama.empower bio to join! IN the meantime also teaching my beloved classes on zoom: SAT 12: @blackheathyoga_ - 'Pregnancy Yoga - Advanced', SUN 9AM @kindredyogalife - Jivamkti 75' and also a special with @moreyoga_ on Mon 30th 7PM on 'Modifying your Home Practice for Pregnancy' . . Gorgeous photo by @yogaandphoto in @fableticseu at @thelodge.space @ Mama See more

Can I do headstand, pranayama, shoulderstand, backbends... etc. while pregnant? What should I absolutely remember, how should i modify and what is kinda just up to me? Why do sun salutes feel different after a while and how to keep doing them until 'the end' if that's what you fancy doing? I'll be looking to answer these and many more questions this evening, as well as in my blog! MON 7PM (tonight) with @moreyoga and at maggiejamesyoga.com/post/pregnancymodifications... Comment or DM any questions ahead of time to make sure I cover them . . Are you pregnant (or teach pregnant students), keen to keep practicing yoga in ‘normal’ classes or in self practice, and want to learn more about how to modify it safely? . . This Masterclass will give you an overview on how to: Modify vinyasa elements such as sun salutes, twists, down dogs and other inversions & breathwork for various stages of pregnancy How to accommodate a variety of pregnancy niggles like nausea, dizziness, lower back pain or pelvic joint pain . . This will be an informative session with practical examples for pregnant yogis and anyone else interested, plus a super helpful Q&A at the end. . . Gorgeous pic by @tugcenelsonphoto at @kindredyogalife in @aloyoga @ Mama

In other news - we're moving to Wales! thanks to currently being able to work from home, we have decided to move down to the coast for a few months to the Gower peninsula! Goodness me, i'm already panicking about packing, and moving to a new hospital to have Baby2, but altogether I am also very excited. It's a temporary move for now, we've rented an Airbnb on a surf beach for the winter hope to see some of you there also in case you'd be interested to rent o...ne of our two bedrooms in our beautiful London home, while we're away, message me and i'll send you photos and details . . These beautiful photos taken by @yogaandphoto last Sat - love them thank you! And for all those that didn’t ask and really don’t want to know bump is 7 months (29 weeks) . . #pregnancyyoga #pregnantyogi #mamayoga #mamaempower #postnatalyoga #walesyoga #yogawales #gower #yogaformamas #yogamama #prenatalyoga #welshyoga @ Gower, Wales See more

Love each other my biggest wish for you two. I know you'll fight, argue, throw tantrums over how unfair things are - but I can't wait to see you two love each other, be there for each other, and be the one that really understands how impossible your parents are I have to say sibling relationships can be quite difficult sometimes - just recently a friend shared about how her and her brother fell out and didn't come to each others' weddings and haven't even seen each others ...kids yet. I know it sounds extreme, and there are so many happy-loving siblings out there, but hearing my "completely normal" friend's confession was a breath of fresh air and made me feel a bit more like 'well, all sorts of sibling relationships exist and are allowed at the end of the day'. Obviously I really hope i don't completely xxxx this up with these two innocent and loving children that we're blessed with. All books and blog tips on how to prepare for a sibling are welcome!!! Dylan is just 17m and still too young to understand what a sibling is (I think in his mind I have always had a big belly, I doubt he remembers my figure from 5 months ago hahah) but of course he loves to point at my belly button and giggle, like most babies. :) Here's to not xxxing up our babies . . In the meantime if you're also pregnant, I'd love to share my pregnancy classes with you, DM for more info. And in true Lockdown2 style, i'll continue sharing my love for yoga in my classes as always with @kindredyogalife & @blackheathyoga_ & @mama.empower and would love to see you there. . wearing @organicbasics #gifted #organicbasics #sustainablefashion at my lovely studio @thelodge.space . . #prenatalyoga #pregnancyyoga #postnatalyoga #yogamama #7monthspregnant #pregnantyogi #mamayoga #mamaempower #postnatalyoga #yogaforbreastfeeding #yogaformama #yogamama #siblingrivalry #parentingtips #prenatalyoga #pregnantlifestyle #pregnantbelly #expectful @expectful

Lovely upper backbends to relieve and open the shoulders and chest - as taught in my class today at @kindredyogalife , especially suitable for anyone postnatal and or breastfeeding or pregnant as it protects the lower back and belly from over stretching and focuses on opening only the upper back and shoulders - #pregnancyyoga #pregnantyogi #mamayoga #mamaempower #postnatalyoga #restorativeyoga #heartopening #yogaforbreastfeeding #yogaformamas #yogamama #backbending #backbendingbasics #prenatalyoga

Starting this SAT, 12Noon ONLINE & in Blackheath Yoga studio I will be teaching Advanced Pregnancy Yoga - yoga for mamas who have been practicing yoga before and want something a bit more dynamic than regular pregnancy yoga classes. DROP IN classes available, my students can get a discount also booking via Blackheath Yoga's website, message me for the code. I think this is a really special offering and would love it if you could share it with any pregnant friends you know! Group size will be limited so I can pay attention to everyone, so do book soon!

Feeling definitely rather large AND so excited to share some special developments tomorrow! Also taught the first group of Advanced Yoga for Pregnancy today and absolutely loved how all the mamas were just up for it. Meant so much that all of you showed up, felt supported and excited with this mission to empower us mamas, and practice the yoga we love in a safe but sweaty way. . Love to @blackheathyoga_ and @sarahparkerphysio for the collaborations. @ Pumpkin Spice n Chill

When you are pregnant it isn’t always possible to step back to plank, especially if you have an unstable pelvis like I get in pregnancy- so it’s easier to walk your hands forward to plank Let me know if you want more tips on pregnancy and continuing your strong yoga practice - id love to share more with you! I’ve got exciting things planned with my pregnancy physio @sarahparkerphysio Ps. FYI The one legged kneeling poses / tiger pose / are not recommended if you have pelvic instability. But walking forwards on hands for a sun salute transition is. . Wearing @fableticseu

Our poor feet suffer so much abuse, so much physical pressure it is a miracle they don’t hurt or develop things like bunions faster! Do this simple 3 min routine as often as you can remember. Really nice to do it after a foot massage, watch my previous IGTV to follow my 5 min foot massage routine. I love using massage oils before both of these, here I’m using lush @yogandha_oils . (Get 10% off with my code ‘MAGGIEJAMES’ ) sweet Dylan foot photo by @wilmatowellphotography

If you’re lucky you got to do my foot focus class at least once - it’s a treat. If not you can catch up on the simple massage bit here, or the full class on @moviing.co . Here I’m using my current favourite body/massage oil, the Relax blend by @yogandha_oils . It is so relaxing to do before bedtime and the lavender and vetiver smell lovely for sleepy time. You can use any oil or cream you have available, but if you’d like to try this one - I do recommend it - you can get 10% off with my code MAGGIEJAMES . It is a small family business from Ireland and the founder is a human rights lawyer who worked for years in various African countries including my much loved Mozambique. She uses only organic ingredients and all batches are handmade in Ireland.

You owe it to yourself to know who you are. Otherwise your energy will go all over the place and you will burn out, not being of service to anyone, including yourself. . . Learn about ways to learn about you. We'll be exploring this in my next classes: THUR 6:15PM @moreyoga_ Greenwich Creekside... THUR 7:30 Outdoor Yoga Greenwich {DM me to book} SUN *9AM* @kindredyogalife live in studio & zoom online TUE 7:30PM @thelodge.space Canada Water live in studio & on zoom . . By questions around booking classes msg me. Photo by @wilmatowellphotography ; me inspired by listening to @digitalyogaacademy & @chocolako interview, so worth listening to See more

To all the women who live in fear. To all the people who have to live in fear of their home (acknowledging that also men are frequently silent victims of domestic abuse!) In particular today thinking of the Turkish and Armenian women who live in fear for their lives without enough support from their state. I vow to do the best I can raising my boy in love; raising him with real tools how to deal with his frustration and anger in healthy ways ; and by setting a better example myself in how to deal with my own shadows and pent up anger that have in the past burst out and hurt others. . . I don't know enough and am definitely keen to learn more. I remember watching the film Mustang and it really speaking to me, highly recommend it too. If you can recommend other materials do share. With love, Maggie x

Teaching my LAST donation based zoom class SAT 10AM (BST), would LOVE to see you there! book via the link below or message me to join. lots of love for the weekend xx https://kuula.tv/maggie-james

"Asanas are a microcosm of life. They are miniature worlds filled with all the forms of the world at large. Our ability to thrive amidst those forms can be improved through the artful awareness developed in yoga practice. -- Sharon Gannon & David Life . . Last week of my own online classes before a break for August when I'll start some studio classes again Thur 7PM yoga stretch ... SAT 10AM Jivamukti @kuula.tv Msg for links or book on kuula.tv See more

Stop giving time to things and people that aren't what you want the most. "It's uncomfortable to give up control and let go of something especially when there isn't something else to immediately replace it. But the only way you can invite something better into your life is to create space for it to come into. No more thinking 'it's better than nothing'! Nothing is way better than settling. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and having less of what you're used to, and m...ore of what is meant for you." @_shannonswift_ Theme for my classes this week (BST) via zoom: SAT 10 @kuula.tv SUN 10:30 @kindredyogalife Ps. This doesn't mean quit your unfulfilling but bill-paying job today. It means let go of a comment someone made about you that is taking your energy. Or let go getting angry about someone cheating the system about something (unless THAT is what you really want to do with your time. But if it isn't then don't obsess in circles around it.). It means take an hour in the morning or evening before or after your work to figure out what you would Rather be creating - instead of netflix or scrolling on IG. It means giving up what you like but isn't the most important to you, eg. buying take-away coffee when you can make it yourself, or going to bars, whatever it is that you CAN actually pause for a bit, in order to spend your time and money on training yourself for whatever you really want.

"Everything in this material world changes. It doesn’t always change according to how we would like it to, but as a yogi we learn how to be steady and even joyful in the midst of upheaval. Happiness is our true nature, to be unhappy is to deny our true nature and instead choose to dwell in ignoranceavidyaidentifying with our temporary body/mind self, a misperception of who we really are." Our greatest wealth is to remember that we are part of a greater whole, to re-member o...urselves to this, finding it within us as well as in the world around us. Honestly reading Sharon Gannon's words in this months Jivamukti focus of the month has been really inspiring. It's tough knowing how to respond to so much injustice in the world and this has helped me think about it differently. To meet injustice and suffering with compassion, 'karuna'. . . Leggings from @funyogastore photo by @yogaandphoto See more

Swipe left. Reflecting. Reading these statements makes me beyond sad, it is tragic and the words are so completely wrong, to read someone felt & thought this way about fellow beings... And then I reflect: many things we do today will seem equally tragically & obviously wrong in the future. How we treat some fellow citizens, refugees, migrants, animals, nature.. the list goes on and it is also tragic. I could get lost in feeling depressed, shame, hopeless, rage, sad, but that ...won't help in itself - I have to do better, and inspire as many i can to do better. From the simple things like food choices, or plastic bag choices, to bigger things like how we vote where our taxes go, who we spend our money with on daily items or bigger items (all the rubbish from take away coffee and food, fashion, groceries, amazon, etc.), where and how we go on holiday, who we choose to educate ourselves with (universities, internships, yoga teacher classes, trainings, workshops, and so on!) to the smallest choices like what to watch on netflix or who we follow on this frickin gram - who our eyes (and thus our minds!) spend a lot of time interacting with. There is so much goodness I get inspired by also on this gram. From simple things like @nayitavp book club who shared these pages from Toni Morrison's essays to all the other valuable info on BLM that has been shared recently, and even to all the fantastic info and myth busting that teachers like @celestpereirayoga do on a daily basis to help us be healthier. Just wanted to share this recent inspiration, and from the bottom of my heart i hope it inspires you (instead of depressing you!) to do your real best for ourselves and most of all for those around us. My little family, pictured, is not an island, and I can't just retreat into my bubble of family life, especially when I recognise that then some of my choices would be no better than the statements in the following pictures. I will do better, be more conscious of my choices and where I spend my attention & energies, we have to do better. To learn more about these pages, have a look at Toni Morrison's book 'The Source of Self-Regard' - she has so many of her speeches on youtube @ Nmiai- No Man is an Island: How to think beyond the rock See more

Connection. My heart bleeds for everyone, at risk, elderly, young, unwell, etc who haven't had the privilege of physical connection this whole pandemic period. If you've never done the 5 love languages test, Google it, it is so interesting. Physical touch is definitely one of my top needs, and having a family including a doggie this lockdown has been invaluable. Don't know how I could have survived it on my own. So my heart goes out to you if you've been struggling with lonel...iness and hope you'll be able to experience the magic of physical connection as soon as possible. . . Come explore connection to yourself through yoga with me: Sat 10AM @kuula.tv 10:30AM @kindredyogalife . . Photo by @yogaandphoto , outfit by @fableticseu See more

Pay What You Can, even just 1 - Rocket Yoga Teacher Training for Black people. Please spread the word, it starts July 1 and I'd love for as many as possible to take advantage of this. It's a great opportunity for any black yogi :) https://www.carsonclaycalhoun.com/blm

I'm doing therapy with my mom, every two weeks just 40 mins, via zoom. I know it's a first world problem and privilege but sometimes the stuff that comes up REALLY shifts things. One of our regular issues is around me not doing much about supporting a certain family member, and also not doing much about supporting my mom in supporting this family member. And I always used to say something like: "I can see how you feel so alone with it, I'm sorry, but I just can't." But today ...I really felt into why I 'just cant'. Growing up duty, responsibility and putting family first were put so far up the value tree that I pretty much got PTSD from it, never putting my needs up there. Again, I know I sound ridiculously privileged and yappy, but Ive never acknowledged this and so hadn't been able to get past the 'i just cant'. If you know my background though, you hopefully will understand what I mean. I could finally just admit it today, and already it feels lighter and potentially eventually more possible to move beyond the 'i just cant.'. I think the worry of what it would sound like to admit that I can't put my wider family first now - because it is so closely linked to trauma for me - is a step forward, whereas before I felt too embarrassed and too wrong to admit and say out loud. Gotta get comfortable with this shadow of mine on a more regular basis to move beyond my 'i just can't-s'. . . Beautiful photo of light and shadow by @yogaandphoto ; wearing lovely @fableticseu #fableticsgirlpower #fableticseu #teamfabletics See more