June in London: we’ve warmed up to the idea of, well, warmth. We’ve experienced several days of sunshine (some even consecutively!) and we’re less tentative about putting on shoes that don’t require thermal socks when we go out.
June also promises to be a great month for yoga, and yogi’s, with International Yoga Day on the horizon and several summer pop-ups. So whether you’re planning a summery feast and need some recipe ideas, or want to scout out some free yoga workshops, we’ve rounded up where, when and how in our yogi’s guide to the month of June.
Workshops and Classes
June 5th, Yoga & Somatics Workshop with Aki Omori
After exploring many styles of yoga, Aki Omori now teaches a slow, informative, vinyasa. She is known for her explorative nature and has set up a workshop at TriYoga Soho called Yoga + Somatics: Exploring Boundaries + Relationships Through Movement + Awareness. Learning about somatic movement is an enlightening and empowering experience for many, suddenly becoming conscious of our internal physical interpretation and letting these mindfully guide us into healthy relationships. Click here to book a spot!
June 8th — 11th, Free Classes at FitzFest
What’s better than a yoga class? Free yoga classes! As part of the FitzFest, the annual music festival for Fitzrovia, teacher Andy Sotto will take you through a morning practice to get you in the right frame of mind to appreciate the rest of the day’s delights. From music by Fitzrovia composers, Weber & Mendelssohn, to talks, exhibitions and guided walks, it’s well worth checking this sunny celebration. Book your space here.
June 10th — 12th, Bill Mahony Philosophy Workshop
This one overlaps with the FitzFest and so it’s worthwhile doing some real research to make sure you don’t miss out. Bill will be leading a daily workshop at TriYoga in Soho called, Turn Toward the Sublime: Wisdom from Materpieces in Yoga Philosophy for Today’s Yogis. This weekend promises to teach you about the philosophies and key texts that lead us toward sublimity associated with Vedanta, Tantra and Bhakti. Through hand-outs, discussion and close analysis of the passages, yogi’s will be able to apply the knowledge gained over the few days to their own lives with immense results. For more details, click here.
Tuesdays & Saturdays, The Glasshouse Yoga Pop-Up
If you’re looking for a lighter class, the Glasshouse Yoga Pop-Up, has returned after it’s immense success last year. Running throughout the summer, the yoga classes take place in the open air of Ravenscourt park’s secret garden – tucked away behind the tea house and filled with flowers, peach tress and of course, glasshouses. Naturally heated by the sun, the glass houses become the perfect warm yoga environment without becoming hot or stuffy. Bring your own mat and join in. Find out more here.
Events for Yogis
June 13th — 19th, Tara Yoga Center Summer Retreat
“We can search endlessly for the Sun, but all we need to do is to look up and see the bright, shining light pouring eternally upon us.” Shiva calls us to discover our inner nature and this event is a celebration of the five aspects of the Divine Consciousness. The Summer Retreat – Let in the Light will focus on self-discovery, happiness and bringing to light an awareness that we can carry with us into every aspect of life. Unfortunately, there are no early bird tickets left, but you can still reserve your place here.
June 19th, International Yoga Day
If you didn’t already have it circled in red in your diary, International Yoga Day takes place on the 19th of June and Prime Impact Events have set up a free day of yoga and meditation classes. Sprawled across the grounds of Alexandra Palace, with seemingly endless views across the city, classes will be held from 8am until 7.30pm and everyone, from beginners to seasoned yogi’s, is invited to join in. You can register to be a part of it here.
If you’re a bit peckish and fancy something a little different, the Yoga Brunch Club is joining forces with London Chaiparty in Brixton for some fun, food and friendship from 12 – 4 in Brixton that day as well!
June 20th — 24th, Good Yoga Life takes over Old Street Station!
Next on our guide is the opportunity to join London’s top yoga and wellbeing experts for a week’s worth of classes, workshops and events. Including, the city’s first ever 12hr yoga-relay which will involve 400 people raising money for Shelter, the charity which supports the homeless.
Perhaps most surprisingly about the event is that it will take place at Old Street Station (who’d have thought a station was the ideal place to do yoga) and hopes to encourage commuters to join in for a moment of release. Classes will take place at 7am, 7.45am and 8.30am, lunchtime at 12.30pm and 1.30pm and after work at 5.30pm and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. For the full list of yoga teachers, who come from a wide range of places from Soho House to Yoga Haven, check out the Good Yoga Life site here.
Yogi Food
Feeding your body is just as important as feeding your mind and soul. This month is ideal for broad beans, French beans and berries. Combine raspberries or strawberries with your salad to give them a fruity twist, toss broad beans in lemon juice and mint or add beans to this simple stew.
We are also loving the clean, nutritious recipes from the Yoga Mint blog and Kathryn Budig’s ‘cure me’ chicken kale and white bean soup (we know it’s getting warmer but there is still a chill in the evenings, perfect for cuddling up indoors with a warming bowl of soup).
Julie Montagu, otherwise known as ‘the Flexi Foodie’, who many of you may have heard of, also has some great summer recipes on her blog this month – from chickpea and avocado salad to breakfast wraps. She also has some interesting advice articles and can be found teaching throughout London.
That’s All Folks
That’s all for this month’s guide – make sure to check back to see what’s going on in the month of July. If you are attending any events or classes that you think should be on this list, or have a delicious recipe you want to share, please do let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or tweeting us @yoga_london.
