Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self
The Bhagavad Gita (6:20)
Maitri in Sanskrit means loving-kindness, benevolence, friendliness.
Loving-kindness is a fundamental part of Yoga philosophy with non-violence (ahimsa) towards all beings including oneself and this forms the foundation of our Yoga practice and teaching.
Following long careers in demanding senior positions in mental health and finance settings, Julie and Angela first met during their Yoga teacher training in Suffolk and found they had much in common including Yoga and just being present in the moment, a shared sense of humour, a love of the outdoors and the beauty of the natural world.
They also share a core belief that Yoga is for everyone. Their focus is on accessibility and the health benefits that Yoga can bring to both mind and body and a recognition of how important strength and movement can be at life’s many stages including later life.
Who we are
Julie McGarry
Yoga Teacher
Angela Norton
Yoga Teacher
Meet Julie…
I came to Yoga quite by chance a number of years ago and the start of my Yoga journey. I teach small Yoga group classes, one-to-one Yoga sessions, Yoga and well-being retreats with breathwork and meditation and also volunteer as a Yoga teacher - including Summer 2024 at Latitude with the amazing ZEN project.
During my early Yoga teacher training my teacher once said to me “One of the most important things to remember as a Yoga teacher is that you never let anyone leave your class feeling somehow that they are not good enough”. This advice has remained at the heart of my teaching practice - an invitation without judgement of ourselves or of others - to simply be present in the moment to be with ourselves. I absolutely believe that Yoga is for everyone and the following quotes encapsulate these sentiments:
"On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.” The Bhagavad Gita 2.40.
“Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul creates the symphony of life.” B.K.S. Iyengar. Light on Yoga.
Meet Angela…
My Yoga journey followed naturally from a love of dance and movement and I now enjoy planning my classes so that the asanas flow seamlessly from one pose to another.
A sabbatical spent sailing around the Mediterranean allowed me to really experience the essence of ‘living in the moment’, practice my Yoga, meditate, connect with nature and appreciate the beautiful world we live in. I love to replicate this sense of peace and tranquility during my Yoga classes so my students embody a sense of calmness and serenity where they can connect with the inner body and leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
I love visiting the stunning UK countryside, discovering new remote and picturesque places suitable for Yoga retreats and finding quiet places of stillness and silence, perfect for meditation.