- "as great as the infinite space beyond is the space within the lotus of the heart. both heaven and earth are contained in that inner space, both fire and air, sun and moon, lightning and stars. whether we know it in this world or know it not, everything is contained in that inner space"
CHANDOGYA UPANISHAD
James Cassidy
My Passion
Yoga found me about 15 years ago. It started as a purely physical practice then slowly, slowly, bit by bit the more subtle aspects of yoga revealed themselves to me. My body became stronger, my breath deeper, my mind stiller and my attitude, or spirit, more positive. My once a week practice turned into twice a week, three times a week...every day. You get the picture!
I don't just mean standing like a tree or balancing on my head either. You can 'do' yoga walking down the street, interacting with others, doing your job or hobby, watching a sunset and yes, balancing on your head!
After yoga became integral to my being I journeyed to India to study for my 200hr Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification with Tribe Yoga, where ancient teachings were married with modern anatomical focus.
Since then I have completed my 500hr+ Yoga Alliance certification during further studies in India and in the UK, studying with some of the worlds leading teachers including Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Swenson, Jason Crandell, Max Strom, Rod Stryker, Anodea Judith, Manju Jois and Mimi Kuo Deemer amongst others. I have also completed my advanced Yin Yoga teacher training with the wonderful Norman Blair, have studied Buddhist meditation at Tushita in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and spent a month at Kopan Monastery in Nepal in Buddhist study and meditation.
As well as teaching studio classes and zoom classes I offer private tuition from my home and in the workplace.
I continue to be a diligent student of yoga and feel blessed to share my knowledge with others. Namaste to you all.
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
Lao Tzu
News, Workshops, Retreats
East of Eden are running a weekend of fundraising activities on the Spring Solstice weekend in support of Ukraine. Add yourself to the workshop for free then they will email a PayPal link the week before to make your donation. Suggested donation of £30 but please donate what you can afford. They will also be running an art sale in the cafe all weekend with artwork on sale from £55 donated by artists who want to help. All funds raised will be split between the Red Cross, UNFP and Sunflowers For Peace.
I will be encouraging us to raise our vibration to be the best help we can to those who are suffering. We will honour the Spring Equinox and embrace our inner solar energy, manipura chakra, creating radiance and positive energy during these turbulent times. Through kundalini kriya we will shake off the sluggishness of winter and any hopeless feelings to awaken the strength and positive, proactive power of Shakti. We will stoke our inner fire through variations on kapalabhat kriyai and dynamic but accessible hatha asana; there will be challenges to embrace should you wish to (think arm balances and inversions) but options for all. I will guide you through India's most sacred mantra, ‘Gayatri’, an ode to the power and splendour of the sun - a divine energy that shines within us all.
Let's embrace this solstice more than any year before and move forward together with energy, strength and positivity for the sake of ourselves and all beings.
BOOK HERE
YOGA RETREAT IN SOUTH OF FRANCE MAY 21ST-26TH 2022!
SOLD OUT!
I'm so excited that after 3 postponements this retreat is finally happening! We will be heading to the south of France and our retreat centre will be luxurious La Deveze, a private sanctuary about 30 miles from Nimes. La Deveze is set within 97 acres of beautiful meadow and woodland above the market town of Quissac in the Occitanie region.
With luxury accommodation, a heated swimming pool and beautiful French countryside to explore on foot, bike or by car, this promises to be the perfect way to relax and escape hectic London life. There is a gorgeous indoor shala with heated floor, an outdoor yoga deck and numerous woodland clearings with stunning views for outdoor classes and meditations.
Each day I will guide you through a full morning sadhana, including dynamic hatha yoga (with options for all levels), pranayama and meditation as well as an evening yin practice, to sooth and restore.
Food is such an important part of a retreat, and I'm really happy with what is on offer at La Deveze. Many of the ingredients used in their cooking are from their own vegetable and herb gardens and they will also be producing their own olive oil and wine.
•Breakfast will consist of fruit, breads, yogurt, homemade preserves,(honey from their own hives!), tea, coffee, juice and some mornings fresh eggs from their hens.
•Lunch will be two courses.
•Dinner will be three courses, all vegetarian with vegan options
•Fruit, tea, coffee and mineral water are available throughout the day.
THE LAST COUPLE OF ROOMS ARE REMAINING, SO IF YOU ARE THINKING OF JOINING BOOK NOW TO AVOID MISSING OUT
INVESTMENT:
Double shared room with someone you know £650
Private double £800
Full details HERE
For bookings please email info@resetretreats.co.uk quoting MAY 2022 RETREAT in the subject line.
See you in France! :))
Join me and the wonderful sound therapist Simone Selvatico at this iconic venue to practice under Hope, the blue whale, in the spectacular Hints Hall.
This is one of my favourite events. It always feels so special to teach and practice here with another 100 yogis all breathing, moving and communing together.
A thoughtful and unique Valentine's gift for a lover, a friend, family or yourself :)
This often sells out so book your place HERE
SUNDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2022 2.15-4.15PM. EAST OF EDEN
Developing Loving Kindness to Ourselves & Others
'Love is for all Beings, not just for Valentines'
Join James for this workshop, in the studio, live online or recorded to make a commitment to yourself to develop understanding, kindness and compassion towards all beings, starting with yourself. As we approach St Valentines Day we may feel that the celebration of romantic love is a little overwhelming, whether we are in a romantic relationship or not, but love can be celebrated in so many ways. Love for our family and friends, animals, nature, universal love and love for oneself. During our time together we will use the practices of yin yoga, meditation and guided mantra chanting to gently peel back the layers of our energetic body (the pancha koshas) to realise our blissful self; the self that is made of prema (love) and karuna (compassion). Once we have experienced that we are love we will then extend that love outward towards all beings. This workshop is for all those who believe in love, love to love or find loving oneself and others all a bit of a challenge! A wonderful opportunity to deepen your practices beyond asana, whether you have an established practice or are newer to yoga and meditation. The workshop will be accessible for everyone.
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return"
Eden Ahbez
"Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home"
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gallery
Photos & videos from my journey.
