A recent randomized controlled trial investigated whether practising yoga in the morning or evening produces different outcomes for sleep, mood, wellbeing, and lifestyle habits in young adults. The study involved 156 postgraduate students who were assigned to: - Morning tele-yoga (6–7am) - Evening tele-yoga (6–7pm) - Waitlist control Participants practised a structured 60-minute yoga programme, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. What did they find? Both morning and evening yoga improved wellbeing compared to doing nothing. Participants in both yoga groups reported: - Better sleep quality - Lower stress, anxiety and depression - Improved quality of life - Reduced anger and restlessness - Healthier lifestyle behaviours overall However, there were some interesting differences. Morning yoga seemed to have the edge for: - Reducing sleep disturbances - Increasing energy and feelings of restfulness - Encouraging healthier food choices and less junk food - Developing more "morningness" (earlier body-clock tendencies) - Increasing "sattva" traits, described as greater clarity, harmony and positive mental health Evening yoga showed a unique benefit. Participants reported a greater reduction in feelings of sadness compared with the control group. What might this mean for yoga teachers? Different times of day invite different qualities of practice. Morning classes may lend themselves well to: - Breath-led movement - Energising pranayama - Establishing intention - Building positive daily habits Evening classes may lend themselves well to: - Down-regulation - Reflection - Longer exhalations - Restorative and meditative practices So should we stop assuming all yoga classes should look the same regardless of when they're taught? The authors themselves suggest that more dynamic practices may be better suited to mornings, while slower, more meditative practices may fit evenings. One of the most interesting findings was that participants began making healthier lifestyle choices, even though they were never given advice about diet, sleep, or behaviour change. This raises a question worth exploring in classes, teacher trainings, or communities of whether yoga change behaviour because it gives us information, or because it changes our relationship with ourselves?

I’d love to gather live for a relaxed Coffee & Conversation ... just reconnecting and exploring where you are in your practice and life. Free for everyone. If you’d come, comment “☕”, and I’ll set a date (or maybe a couple of different time slots).

Checking my emails and came across this webinar. Whilst it's from a fitness perspective, I think adherence to exercise, or in our case, yoga practice is fascinating. Dr Paul Bedford has been around for what seems forever and is a leader in this field on retention and adherence. In case you're wondering, it's free! https://fitpro85787.acemlnc.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDKqTN7sB-_QxIVhOh~3FUuNQhkhdkY8c7JnOd6X_6zEy7xeFv1HApikA0_ueglPXEIFSb7636yt~FVfF02I2hj_Lzkes

I reckon this is more of a reality than not. At some point, teaching can start to replace personal practice. Classes become your mat time and your own questions, struggles, and inquiry get postponed… indefinitely. Now hear me when I say that doesn’t automatically make you a bad teacher. Some of the most skilful, attentive teachers I know are in seasons where their personal practice looks nothing like it used to or barely exists at all. But what is worth considering is what happens when teaching becomes output without replenishment? So let’s talk not to judge, but to reflect: - What does personal practice look like in this season of your life? - Has it changed, simplified, disappeared, or matured?

I want to take a moment to check in with you. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been doing some necessary behind-the-scenes work. Rather than drip-feeding changes, I chose to pause, tidy, and bring things into alignment first. That work is now done. Here’s where the community stands: - What’s available in Open (Free) is now clear and intentionally spacious - ESSENTIALS now holds the off-the-mat, personal formation content (formerly Pocketful of Grace) - PRO is clearly focused on vocational formation for teachers - Some older content has been archived so the space feels calmer and easier to navigate - A small number of standalone courses remain available to purchase separately I want to be very clear about one thing:there is no pressure to upgrade, buy, or decide anything right now. I haven’t introduced pricing for the tiers yet because my priority has been clarity, not conversion. I want this community to feel settled, honest, and coherent before anything else. Over the coming days, I’ll gently share: - how the tiers will work going forward - how pricing will support the long-term sustainability of the Collective - and how any existing access is honoured For now, you’re invited to simply notice how the space feels, explore what’s available to you, and ask questions if anything is unclear. Thank you for your patience and for being part of this community as it finds its shape.