- "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
My Passion
Yoga found me almost 20 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.
Through the years 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.
I have most recently completed a transformational 200hr training with Nikki Slade in kirtan leadership and am thrilled to be leading kirtan at East of Eden, my second home in Walthamstow.
As well as teaching studio classes and zoom classes I offer private tuition from my home and in the workplace, as well as co leading the 200 hr YTT at East of Eden.
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
Workshops, Retreats, TEACHER TRAINING
We invite you to East of Eden’s first Yoga Teacher Training with senior yoga teachers Tanja Mickwitz and James Cassidy.
Tanja and James bring their enthusiasm, compassion, joy and full hearts into offering this training! Between them they share 25 years of teaching experience and nearly four decades of practice.
At the core of this training sits the understanding that yoga is not just for the mat, but something which supports and enhances all aspects of our lives. The aim is to dive deeper into the full spectrum of what yoga offers, deepen the experience of the practices, with the opportunity to then be able to share this with others. The course in itself will be highly experiential, with the freedom to explore your own personal expression within a supportive community of like-minded yoga enthusiasts.
In a nurturing space co-created between teachers and students you will explore the many aspects of yoga and teaching, from asana labs and intelligent sequencing, to the subtle body (elements, chakras, prana vayus, koshas) and yogic philosophy in practice, as well as anatomy, biomechanics, mantras, mudras, teaching methodology and much more.
This training is not only for those who wish to teach yoga, but for all serious and curious practitioners who wish to further their understanding of the practices and the tradition of yoga.
KIRTAN WITH JAMES - AN EVENING OF CHANTING, CHAI AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION - FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
I would love you to join me for my next Kirtan at East of Eden, Walthamstow. A chance to come together in community and chant to your own higher power. Kirtan means to 'sing the name' and is a celebration of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion. Kirtan in essence is a meditation on bliss and love, through the vibrations of sound. James, with his harmonium and Api on drum will lead you through traditional chants, in call and response, honouring the deities which represent the higher qualities within ourselves. No previous experience of yoga, chanting or singing is required, although if you enjoy any of these, you are sure to love Kirtan. You may experience deep stillness and peace, freedom of mind and joyful heart and you may find yourself clapping along or even getting up to move and dance. There are no rules and nothing to get right or be good at. Just a willingness to come together in community and open your heart. We will chant together for about 75 mins with breaks in between, to be still or stretch your legs, after which we will share chai and vegan sweet treats and enjoy the chance to have a relaxed chat together before the evening ends. This practice is for all bodies, all ages, all beliefs, all faiths and no faiths so spread the word and let's come together to sing to the higher power of the Self.
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
LOVING KINDNESS WORKSHOP SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 11TH 2.30-4.30PM
'Love is for all Beings, not just for Valentines'
A workshop to learn the art of developing loving kindness to ourselves & others. Join me 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 ourselves. 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
YANG YIN YOGA RETREAT AT THE SPECTACULAR VALE DE MOSES PORTUGAL
JUNE 26-JULY 1ST 2023
Join me for a blissful escape from the everyday in the remote forested foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal. Vale de Moses was featured by National Geographic as one of the top 5 retreats in Europe and listed by Forbes, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Yoga Journal, OmYoga Magazine and others as one of the best retreats in the world. The shala is suspended across the valley, giving breathtaking views for your practise, truly connecting you to the land and earth in the best possible way.
I'll take you through 5 days of yoga, meditation and mantra with a chance to really get into the full practice, leaving physically and mentally renewed and invigorated.
Gallery
Photos & videos from my journey.
