Off the Mat — Yoga Blog

A round mirror lying in golden grass, reflecting the sky and clouds

8 February 2026

The true self in yoga

Vivien looks at the yogic idea of the self, what Atman means, and how paying attention can expose old habits.

Vivien sitting on a yoga mat in The Yoga Den studio

1 January 2023

Why I still teach in a studio

Online yoga is convenient. I still teach in person because I can see the people in front of me and change the class when needed.

The Yoga Den studio preparing to reopen after lockdown

16 July 2020

Reopening After Lockdown

Making The Yoga Den safe for your return. How I prepared the studio for reopening after having COVID-19 myself.

Storm clouds and lightning over a calm sea

16 March 2020

COVID-19 Closure

Why I closed The Yoga Den before I was told to, and why making that choice eased my anxiety.

9 January 2019

Letting Go of Fear

Fear keeps us safe, but it can also hold us back. Vivien writes about yoga, a broken ankle and learning to question imagined fear.

Vivien's ankle in a sparkly purple plaster cast

21 December 2018

Surrender

After breaking her ankle outside her kitchen, Vivien writes about pain, dependence and the difficult practice of letting go.

15 May 2015

How ‘Living Yoga’ Is Evolving For Me

What yoga has taught me about patience, grief and living with other people. It has very little to do with flexibility.

31 October 2013

The Power of Pranayama

Vivien's 2013 account of asthma, breathing practice and the pranayama routine she followed.

17 May 2013

Meditation and Me

How meditation helped me through a difficult period and became part of what I teach at The Yoga Den.

Clock approaching midnight with festive lights

7 December 2012

Why Wait ’Til Midnight?

Why wait for New Year's Eve to make a resolution you already know you will not keep?

4 June 2012

Pranayama Workshop

A review of The Yoga Den's 2012 pranayama workshop, with breathing practice, questions and plenty of laughter.

16 February 2012

Yoga or Hibernation?

The winter months are some of the hardest to keep up your practice. Here are some ideas to get yourself back on the mat when hibernation calls.

Restorative yoga practice at The Yoga Den

11 November 2011

Yoga For Lower Back Pain

A 2011 University of York trial found better back function after a 12-week yoga course than with usual care.

Colorful arrangement of fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholesome foods

10 November 2011

The Yogic Eating Workshop

What we ate and discussed at The Yoga Den's 2011 yogic eating workshop.

24 October 2011

The Yoga Den Charity Day

The Yoga Den's 2011 charity day raised £315 for the British Lung Foundation.

The Yoga Den surrounded by garden greenery

24 August 2011

Changing of the Seasons

The nights are drawing in and the mornings are cooler. Vivien writes about meeting autumn without relying on sugar and comfort food.