"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 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 and since then I have been teaching full time for over 11 years.
Through those years I have completed my 500hr+ Yoga Alliance certification plus many many more hours of training in India and the UK, studying with some of the worlds leading teachers including Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Swenson, Jason Crandell, Sianna Sherman, 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. After years of chanting mantras as an integral part of my practice and teaching I completed a transformational 200hr training with Nikki Slade in kirtan leadership and now lead regular community kirtan in London and at events and retreats across the UK and India. It is a particular blessing to be invited annually to lead kirtan with all of the beautiful souls at the International Yoga Festival in the divine surroundings of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. I'm already looking forward to returning in 2026.
As well as teaching studio classes and zoom classes I offer private tuition from my home and in the workplace, as well as leading 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training certified by Yoga Alliance Professionals.I continue to be a diligent student of yoga and feel blessed to share my knowledge with others.
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
Lao Tzu
Rest Reset Renew Retreat
South Goa, India
February 21st-28th 2027
Pre Booking Open Now for those who have previously retreated with me
Public Booking Opens 10th April 2026
Rooms with a view on stunning Polem Beach
Hello South Goa! After several years teaching retreat in North Goa I feel it's time to take you to the South to experience a slower even more relaxed pace of life. Polem beach is the southerley most beach in Goa - so natural and undeveloped that even many locals aren't aware of it! This is where our retreat centre and home for the week, Ravi Yoga is perfectly positioned. I first met Ravi on the yoga festival circuit several years ago and when I heard he was opening a retreat centre I knew it would be the perfect place - I visited earlier this year and I was right!
It's a true dream location to relax and feel in harmony with nature on one of Goa’s most stunning beaches. Ravi Yoga offers a peaceful space to rest, retreat and return back to yourself. With plenty of free time to explore the Goan beaches and warm Indian culture, it will be a transformative and sociable time, with a traditional Puja welcome ceremony, daily yoga and pranayama sessions, meditation and yoga philosophy workshops, group meals catered by our private retreat chefs, a complimentary boat trip, ayurvedic massages on site, optional excursions to spice plantations and temples.
Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of traditional yoga or you just need to slow down, unplug and de-stress, please feel welcome to join us. I have just 9 rooms available on this intimate retreat and expect them to fill up quickly so don't wait too long!
Chill Out Lounge
A TYPICAL DAY
7:00am: Tea, coffee & fruits available
8:00-10:00am: Energising morning yoga pranayama and mantra
10:30am: Delicious brunch
4.30-6pm: Yin yoga, meditation, or workshop
6pm onwards: Sunset time
7:30pm: Dinner
Snacks, tea and juices will be available in the afternoons.
Shala of Dreams
BOUTIQUE ROOMS
The boutique beach huts have clean, simple designs, comfortable King size and Twin beds with touches of traditional Indian fabrics. Natural materials have been used throughout and all furniture is handmade. All rooms have a private veranda with outdoor seating, air conditioning and modern en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers, and complimentary ayurvedic care products and daily cleaning service.
And the best part? Each room has a wonderful view of the ocean and is just steps away from the beach.See more accommodation photos here.
REST RELAX OR EXPLORE
Between yoga sessions there'll be plenty of time for relaxation and activities. Polem Beach is a beautiful quiet beach, perfect for swimming and daily strolls on the shore, the resort offers lots of quiet relaxation spots, and private beach loungers with umbrellas. You can treat yourself to a massage or venture out to one of the nearby beach towns: from the resort it's a 15/20 mins drive to Patnem and Palolem, with many beach cafes, restaurants and many shops.
There will be optional group excursions to a traditional spice plantation, temples and hidden beaches
There will be a traditional Puja opening ceremony on the first day and we’ll have a surprise cultural programme on the last night.
Your retreat package includes a boat trip at sunset or sunrise, you may even spot a dolphin or two!
FRESH NOURISHING & DELICIOUS AYURVEDIC MEALS
Expect beautiful plant-based cuisine: traditional Indian meals as well as international dishes, prepared with local organic produce. The food will be fresh, healthy, creative and filling.
Tea and fruits will be available before yoga and there will be a hearty brunch afterwards. Snacks are served in the afternoons during time off and coffee, tea, water and fruits are available all day.
All meals will be vegetarian. Dietary requirements such as pure vegan or gluten-free can be accommodated.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Sea View Hut - 5 Avaialble - Shared Occupancy (Twin or Double) £950 per person
Sole Occupancy - 1 Available £1250
Beach Front Bungalow - 3 Available - Shared Occupancy (King Bed) £1095 per person
Sole Occupancy £1395
Deposit - £500 - Balance due 3 months before retreat
What’s included?
All yoga sessions
All meals, all day tea, coffee and filtered water
7 nights boutique accommodation
Dolphin Boat Trip
What’s not included?
Flights + airport transfers
Excursions
Massages + treatments
Travel insurance (comprehensive travel insurance is a booking requirement)
ENQUIRE HERE
TESTIMONIALS
"It’s now three weeks since I got back from the retreat with James and I am still feeling amazingly lighter, grounded and ready to face whatever challenges life throws at me. I had he most wonderful week under James’ protective wings. He has an amazing ability to gear his yoga sessions to suit the mood of the group and I felt like he really listened to where we were at and he never pushed us too far (although he pushed us which was good). When someone has found the courage to be who they are and they practice what they preach, they become a safe person to be guided by. What sets James apart, is that he not only talks about how to live a yogi life but he leads by example. Thank you for a fantastic restorative week."
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“I have had the pleasure to go on retreat with James twice now. He is a considerate teacher who is mindful of the difference in each individual’s experience and level. He challenges when appropriate and tunes in to both emotional and physical needs. His philosophy of Body/Mind makes me look at yoga much more holistically which supports me as I navigate a cross roads in my life. I thoroughly recommend his classes and can’t wait to book his next retreat."
Travel/Flights/TaxisRavi Yoga is located on Polem beach in South Goa (not the busy tourist beach of Palolem!)
Dabolim airport (GOI) is around a 90 min drive
Mopa airport (GOX) is a new airport around a 2.5 hours drive
Air India and TUI airlines offer direct flights from London Gatwick into Mopa Airport (GOX). Remember you will need to depart London at least one day before the retreat start date in order to arrive in time.
You can find international flight options with a connection via Mumbai or Delhi on British Airways, Air India, Emirates, Qatar and Oman Air.
Tip: To find a cheaper flight, if you don’t mind a layover where you have to check your luggage in again, it’s worth checking flight prices with the end destination as Mumbai (or Delhi) and book the flight to Goa separately with a different airline. There are multiple cheap flights every day to Goa.We can arrange airport transfers for arrival & departure and help with any local taxis you may need.
If you have any questions about this retreat, please email me here
Booking Terms & Cancellation PolicyTravel Insurance:
It is a condition of this retreat that you on booking purchase comprehensive travel insurance which includes cancellation insurance. None of us can predict unexpected events in our lives: illness, family emergencies, work conflicts, etc. By purchasing a comprehensive plan, you will ensure being covered in full should you need to cancel after the said cancellation period.
Cancellation:
Your deposit is refundable up until 12 weeks before the start of the retreat*. Less than 12 weeks before the start of the retreat your payment is only refundable or transferable if your space can be filled.
Once the final payment has been made there will be no refunds unless your place can be filled
*Any refunds made will be less a £150 admin fee
In the very unlikely event that JAMES CASSIDY is unable at to teach the retreat at short notice, for example due to (but not limited to) severe illness or bereavement, JAMES CASSIDY reserves the right to find a replacement teacher. In this situation no refunds will be issued.
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Join me to reset from the stillness of winter and welcome the creative growth of spring. Spring welcomes the wood element in Taoism - the spring branch flowing with sap, stimulating growth and renewal. A time to reset intentions, welcome change and let go of any stagnation or sluggishness from the winter.
We will wake up our liver and gallbladder meridians through gentle Yin Yoga sequencing - detoxifying and cleansing our organs of growth and renewal and reseting our energetic body.
The session will conclude with a guided Yoga Nidra to integrate the practice deeply within our consciousness.
YOGA & SOUND AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
MARCH 29TH, MAY 31ST 2026 - BOOK HERE
SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER (top of the page) FOR FUTURE DATES
AFTER THE MOST INCREDIBLE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR I'M THRILLED TO CONFIRM I'LL BE RETURNING TO THE SACRED SOUND EXPERIENCE AT IYF 2027 AT BELOVED PARMARTH NIKETAN ASHRAM IN RISHIKESH
Looking for a gift that keeps giving, in every way? This year, give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of transformation, connection, and wellness at the International Yoga Festival 2025, held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, India. From March 9-15, let’s gather on the sacred banks of the Ganga for a journey that will uplift and renew us all.
I am truly honored to be presenting this year and can’t wait to join you in an atmosphere filled with joy, learning, and spiritual depth. It’s an incredible chance to deepen our practices together, and I would love for you to be a part of it.
Here’s what awaits:
🎶Ecstatic Kirtan & Live Music: Daily live kirtan and ecstatic concerts to elevate your spirit and immerse you in soulful music.
🏞️☀️🚶Sacred Walks by Mother Ganga: Rejuvenating strolls along the banks of the holy river, bringing peace and clarity to your mind, body, and soul.
🙏The Authentic Ashram Experience at Parmarth Niketan: Find yourself in the beautiful, serene setting of one of India’s most respected ashrams—a perfect space for reflection and inner peace.
✨Global Community of Yogis: Connect with a diverse, vibrant community of yogis from every corner of the world, all here to embrace wellness and unity.
Don’t miss this chance to join us! Register HERE as spaces are filling fast. If you have questions, please contact iyf@internationalyogafestival.com
Let’s embark on this journey together!
KIRTAN
Come meditate, chant and and call to your higher power
THE TWELFTH HOUSE WALTHAMSTOW E17 4PW
First Friday of every month
7-8.15PM followed by chai & vegan treats
Join myself, my musical friends and the wonderful community of Walthamstow and beyond for an evening of meditation through mantra, melody and rhythm
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 musical friends on percussion 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
PRIVATE TUITION
ONE TO ONE, SMALL GROUP AND IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Meditation, Movement, Pranayama, Kirtan
Gallery
Photos & videos from my journey.
200 Hr YTTC with James Cassidy & Tanja Mickwitz
certified by yoga alliance professionals
Please message HERE if you would like to book this training for your group or for James or Tanja to lead a module on your TTC
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.
Certified by Yoga Alliance Professionals
MORE INFORMATION ON THE TRAINING
PRACTICE
Approximately 30% of the training will be Sadhana, which will comprise of an
integrated practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, Mudra and Bhakti.
Asana in itself will be approached through contemporary alignment principles,
biomechanics and intelligent sequencing to make the practice accessible to all
participants. Subtle body awareness will also be a foundation for understanding and
sequencing asana.
TEACHING PRACTICE & METHODS
Approximately 40% of the training will be teaching practice which will be rooted in
personal understanding of the practices. Importance will also be placed on
understanding how to accommodate the practices for different bodies and differing
needs. From the beginning of the training students will be encouraged to find and
use their own voice and expression; skills which go beyond simply teaching asana.ANATOMY
The Anatomy segment of the training will be studied online with Andrew McGonigle (“Doctor Yogi”) and the learning integrated into the in-person sessions with Tanja and James.
This is what Andrew says about his course.
“In the anatomy course we will explore in detail the anatomy and physiology of our incredible bodies applied to practising and teaching yoga. Each topic we delve into will be related directly back to the yoga asana practice. There will be a strong focus on using this knowledge of anatomy and physiology to make asana practices as inclusive as possible. Time will be dedicated to exploring how to best communicate with and support students who come to class with common injuries and conditions. There are dedicated yoga practices throughout the course to ensure full integration of the knowledge.”
OVERALL AIM
Overall aim is for students to confidently teach beginner and open level classes,
incorporating different bodies and include all aspects of yoga, including asana,
pranayama, meditation, mantra & Mudra
WHAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO UPON COMPLETION
As well as being able to teach beginner and open level classes, graduates will be
able to sequence classes using various formats such as peak pose, overall arc and
theme (anatomical, subtle body, philosophical).
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
During the entire training students are under continuous mentorship and feedback,
with assessments scheduled as required. A final teaching assessment will be held
before graduation.
In addition to the weekends we will meet bi-weekly for a live evening Zoom class.ACCREDITATION:
Recognised and accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals at 200 hours level.
INVESTMENT
Price on request
Course Requirements: a minimum of 2 years consistent yoga practice.We both bring our enthusiasm, compassion, joy and full hearts into offering this training. Between us we share 25 years of teaching experience and nearly four decades of practice.
