Shala News - September 2026
A happy New Moon to everyone 🌑
…and it’s back to school (yay!) — and for some, a long-awaited return to the mat!
As we reignite our inner fire and settle back into the rhythm of regular practice, I’d like to thank all the students who made time and space to practise in the Shala throughout the summer.
I know summer isn’t always easy to navigate: holidays, time away, late-night BBQs, or staying up a little later to watch the stars. These things are part of our lives too, and we need to make space for them.
And if you’ve taken a step back from your practice recently, please know you’re always welcome back. No need to feel sheepish about returning either — no explanations needed, just show up!
Tapas, anyone?
I thought it would be good to explore tapas a little — not the Spanish small-plates type! — and perhaps reframe how we think about discipline, failure and sustainable practice.
Tapas is a rich concept in Indian philosophy. Often translated as austerity or spiritual discipline, it can perhaps be better understood as inner fire, transformative effort and purposeful discipline. The Sanskrit root tap carries the sense of heating, burning, shining or generating heat — hence the familiar image of fire and transformation through sustained heat.
To me, tapas is simply the effort we need to put in for change to happen.
Discipline can have a bad reputation these days. We live in a world of immediacy, where almost everything can be purchased today and delivered tomorrow. We’re encouraged to be present in the here and now — for perhaps eight seconds, until something else catches our attention and we scroll on.
No wonder sustained effort can feel uncomfortable.
Transformation rarely happens overnight. It asks for perseverance, faith and the willingness to keep going, sometimes without knowing exactly where the path will lead. It also asks us to move beyond self-doubt and the habits that can so easily get in our way.
Real discipline, I think, is a quiet resolve founded in consistency and perseverance. There is no audience to impress, no social media following to applaud you, and no one — not even your teacher — can truly measure the inner work.
It is simply you, learning to observe, discern and reflect.
In the Yoga Sutras, tapas appears alongside self-study (svadhyaya) and surrender (ishvara pranidhana) in Sutra 2.1:
tapaḥ-svādhyāya-īśvara-praṇidhānāni kriyā-yogaḥ
Discipline alone is not enough. We need to study our minds, actions and habits, while also learning when to surrender and let go.
Perhaps this is where we can reframe discipline: rather than striving for perfect consistency, we practise continuous refinement. We notice, learn, adjust and continue — much like adjusting the sails when the wind changes.
There is no failure. Just another opportunity to practise.
What makes a practice sustainable?
Here are a few things that work for me:
1. Let go of perfection and just practise.
Some days it will be long; other days it will be short. Keep the thread.
2. When life takes an unexpected turn, scale back rather than stopping altogether.
A shorter practice, some breathing or meditation can still be meaningful.
3. Make your discipline louder than your excuses.
Not through force, but by quietly keeping the promises you make to yourself.
4. Plan for practice.
Go to bed earlier, set the alarm, put your clothes out and have your mat ready. Make it easier for yourself to show up.
5. Cheer yourself on.
There is no failure, only continuous learning. Every imperfect practice offers an opportunity to understand ourselves a little better.
Perhaps tapas isn't about becoming more disciplined at all. Perhaps it is about becoming more devoted to what matters, and learning patiently and consistently to keep the fire alive.
Announcement: 10-Class Pass
I’ve been quite relaxed about the 6-week timeframe for using the 10-class pass, and have often allowed classes to roll over beyond this period.
From 1 October, I’ll be returning to the 6-week timeframe, so please aim to use your 10 classes within six weeks of your first visit.
Of course, life happens. If you’re unwell or something unexpected comes up, I’m happy to be flexible and carry your remaining classes over. Just let me know as soon as possible.
This small change simply helps me keep the practical side of running the Shala running smoothly, while still allowing flexibility when it’s genuinely needed.
If the 10-class pass doesn’t work for your schedule, £15 drop-in classes are always available.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Conference
I’d love to invite you all to our next conference on Sunday 27 September at 2pm. If you’re planning to come, please RSVP so I have an idea of numbers.
Is there anything you’d particularly like me to cover? Perhaps a specific posture, an aspect of yoga philosophy, or something you’ve been wondering about in your practice? Feel free to send me your questions in advance so I can give them some thought.
Otherwise, we’ll explore some chanting and its meaning, alongside the usual chai and cake!
It’s a lovely opportunity to come together, learn, chant, chat and share some time off the mat.
Everyone is welcome, and it’s free to attend.
Moondays 🌙
September Full Moon: Saturday 26 September
October New Moon: Saturday 10 October