Author name: Safia Bowley

After discovering Yoga in the mid 1990s I attended classes and workshops with a variety of teachers while working in arts administration, looking to it as a way of staying flexible - very much aware that much of my working day was spent sitting at a desk.

After the birth of my daughter, I attended Wenche's Mother and Child classes and my interest deepened; this lead to embarking on studies with the British School of Yoga in 2010, and the completion of a Hatha Yoga Teaching course, supplemented by the invaluable experience of assisting and observing Wenche in classes at the Yoga-Life Studio.

I have experience in running yoga classes for children, the elderly, pregnant women, students, and currently offer regular Hatha Yoga sessions at the Yoga Life Studio, at Herstmonceux Integrative Health Centre as well as at a health and fitness retreat, a care home and a mental health unit. I love helping others to discover what Yoga has to offer them, and feel privileged as I continue to explore its wonderfully energising and deeply relaxing properties.

 

Quick interview with Safia:

Can you tell us what we can expect in your class?

Our friendly Friday morning class is a gentle Hatha Yoga session - starting and ending with relaxation, some breath exercises and incorporating a variety of stretches on the mat and standing postures. A great way to treat yourself and let go of the week in preparation for the weekend ahead.

When did you first realise that you wanted to be a yoga teacher? What was the wow moment if any?

It was something that felt quite natural to me - I had put it off as something I might do sometime, then one day I realised there was no time like the present!

Where is your favourite place to practice?

I'm not just saying this because you are asking me(!), but I think of the Yoga Life Studio as my yoga home. It has a very special energy and it's always a joy to practice there. I also love to practice at home (however what was my yoga space has recently been taken over by my daughter's new pet rabbit!) Outdoor yoga is a real pleasure, especially near the sea.

Have you got any advice for new students?

Yoga is for everyone... yes, really! Try a variety of classes if you can, so you find the style that suits you best. Take your time, and be kind to yourself. Stay aware of your breath, and whenever in doubt, come back to simply observing it. Don't push yourself to stretch or reach as far as the person on the next mat if it doesn't feel right.

You love yoga because....

It keeps me on an even keel, no matter what's going on around.

What is your favourite posture/practice and why?

Hard to choose, but a gentle flowing cat/cow/child sequence to calm and balance + wonderful for keeping the spine in check.

Can you share 3 interesting facts about yourself?

1. Many years ago, while studying Art History, I travelled to India to photograph a Persian illustrated manuscript kept in a library, which had once been a Nawab's palace, in a remote town - I have the photographs of the paintings, though not of the trip - it was like a fairytale.

2. Before I was a yoga teacher I worked for an opera singers' agency.

3. I am half Scottish and half Pakistani.

What is your personal motto or favourite quote?

Be humble, for you are made of earth; be noble, for you are made of stars.

Safia Bowley
Extended Side Angle

Posture of the Month – July – Extended Side Angle – Parsvakonasana

  Enjoy this invigorating and strengthening side stretch for the legs, waist and back body ~ especially wonderful if you get the chance to take your practice out into the summer sunshine! 1. Step the feet out wide, and turn the right toes out to the right. 2. Bringing the hands to the hips, bend

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Parsva Upavista Konasana

Posture of the month – June – Wide leg Seated Side Stretch ~ Parsva Upavista Konasana

    The simplest stretches we use in our warm ups are not to be underestimated –  this one serves as great preparation for more challenging postures, strengthening and stretching the spine and the muscles of the back. It also stretches and tones the hamstrings and inner thighs, opens the hips, the torso and ribcage,

Posture of the month – June – Wide leg Seated Side Stretch ~ Parsva Upavista Konasana Read More »

Virabhadrasana 1

Posture of the Month – March – Warrior 1 – Virabhadrasana 1

Spring is here – and there is something celebratory about Warrior 1, strengthening our connection with the earth as well as lifting our hearts towards the heavens as we reach up.  Let’s welcome the arrival of Spring sunshine with an energising practise this month! From Mountain Pose, inhale and take a big step forward with

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Lord of the Dance

Posture of the Month – January – Cosmic Dancer/Lord of the Dance – Natarajasana

Celebrate the season with this beautiful, rejuvenating posture which stretches and opens the chest and shoulders while strengthening the legs. Representing the deity Shiva, associated with transformation, this posture provides us with inspiration as we embark on a New Year! From Mountain Pose, inhale and shift the weight onto the left foot; lift the right,

Posture of the Month – January – Cosmic Dancer/Lord of the Dance – Natarajasana Read More »

Virabhadrasana III

Posture of the Month – December – Warrior III – Virabhadrasana III

The beautiful frosty sunshine looks magical this morning as we celebrate the winter and look forward to coming together with friends and family. Warrior 3 brings a strong and joyful connection with the earth, as we lift and stretch the whole length of the body out ~ a strengthening and celebratory posture to round off

Posture of the Month – December – Warrior III – Virabhadrasana III Read More »

Salamba Bhujangasana

Posture of the month – November – Sphinx – Salamba Bhujangasana

Shorter days and cooler weather can leave us feeling in need of a boost at this time of year, and backbends and chest-openers fit the bill, stimulating lung energy and lifting our spirits, as we stretch and breathe. We can build our own backbending sequences, perhaps beginning with Sphinx (pictured), extending into Cobra and Upward

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Tree pose - Vrksasana

Posture of the month – October – Tree – Vrksasana

October is the perfect time to look at bringing some balance into our lives as we observe the transition from Summer to Autumn, re-establishing a connection with the earth, and enjoying the harvest season in all its glorious golden, orange and red hues. Feel wonderfully grounded in Tree Pose, building strength, focus and balance while

Posture of the month – October – Tree – Vrksasana Read More »