Barefoot Yoga

Barefoot Yoga provides small classes for all levels from a warm and welcoming studio.

19/06/2026

"HAVING MEDITATED ON
GENTLENESS AND COMPASSION, I HAVE FORGOTTEN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MYSELF AND OTHERS."
MILAREPA, TIBETAN TEACHER AND POET (1040-1123)

There is so much 'me' and insufficient
'we' in society which can come at a great cost - we're witnessing this more than ever right now.

For us to connect to others - the experience of community - we first have to teel connected to ourselves which is where our yoga practice can be so valuable.

The word 'Yoga essentially means to ‘Yoke' / 'Union'.

When we're friendly and compassionate, it's not something we do just for ourselves, it's for the benefit of others.

Are we more aware, more compassionate after our practice?

We need these moments of stillness to reflect and pause - what tools are helpful in bringing balance to our life?
How do we use these tools wisely?

Many of us begin our journey into yoga wondering how the practice can help
'us' - can we then broaden that practice to help others as we develop more awareness, empathy and compassion? How many hands can we hold?

If we think of our practice as only asana (poses) and not heart felt, what's the point of standing on your head other than to bolster self esteem and make it about 'me'?

Feel more, think less. When you feel you know it's working......

15/06/2026

Patchwork hills and Skylarks. Hay on Wye - Kington - Knighton. Two days and 38 miles of stunningly beautiful countryside.

04/06/2026

This evening was a reminder that it's incredibly easy for us to get stuck in subconscious patterns of being — we're essentially going through the motions as opposed to listening to what we need.

My own practice had drifted a bit over the past few months for a number of reasons, and taking Andrea's class was the first time I'd felt 'in' my body and connected for some time.

At various times in life, we'll need to call on different practices - that may mean a more passive practice or perhaps a stronger practice. It may be that we need meditation or to simply be with like-minded people.

The point is, if we pause long enough to listen, we may just hear what's needed in that moment.

30/05/2026

Still waters, morning coffee and sublime silence other than melodious birdsong and the distant sound of early morning swimmers.

I’ve always been drawn to water and the almost instantaneous effect it has on my nervous system. The simplicity of dipping your toes into a babbling brook or submerging yourself into the sea can shift the state of both body and mind.

We’re beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, bringing balance between both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

If you’re feeling a bit off balance find some water, it’s such a remedy for disconnection.✨

24/05/2026

What type of yoga do you teach?

I'm often asked this, and the simplest answer is - no one ‘type’.

Over 13 years, I've been fortunate to study with deeply inspiring teachers— Jivamukti with Andrea Kwiatkowski and , Restorative with , Yin with sarahloyinyoga and more recently Daoist Flow with and .

Each has shaped how I practice and teach.

While set sequences and defined lineages can offer familiarity or challenge, I've always been drawn to exploration, questioning. My practice has shifted over time-no fixed formula, but something that reflects and honours all I've learned, experienced, and continue to discover.

The strong, dynamic practice I leaned into in my 30s still has its place, but as I move through my 50s, it's softened into something more embodied and responsive.

There is always intention behind what I teach. My role is to hold a safe space-but within that, you have agency. To explore, to challenge, to pause.

I don't know what you're carrying when you arrive on the mat. Only you do. Trust that. Listening will always serve you more than pushing through.

11/05/2026

Strength training for women in our 40s and over isn't optional - it's essential.

This is the shift-from "working out" to training for longevity, functional strength, and hormonal balance.

As ostrogen declines, everything changes: muscle mass, sleep, mood, bone density, resilience to stress. Cortisol rises. You feel tired... but wired.

Yoga and breath work help us down shift and regulate the nervous system - lowering cortisol and keeping us flexible, with a good range of mobility.

This isn't about pushing harder. It's about training smarter.

Strength builds capacity.
Regulation creates adaptability.
Strong through change means training both.

Lift to support your body.
Move to stay mobile.
Breathe to regulate your system.

Try something new, it doesn't need to be 'another thing to do' - there's so much out there to try, switch it up.

Prevention is better than cure and ageing isn't about slowing down-it's about becoming more supported, more resilient.

14/04/2026

For many our first attempt at an arm balance isn't always successful or without a crash landing. It's a way to challenge yourself in ways that can bring new found confidence into your practice as well as everyday life.

Bakasana or Crow Pose is a good place to start - a strong arm-balancing asana that builds arm, wrist, shoulder and core strength.

Whilst also improving balance and focus, it builds confidence by overcoming fear even if it takes a few crash landings along the way.....

07/04/2026

It's been a while - for those of you new to my page here's a bit behind the face of 'Barefoot'....

I'm Charlotte, 51, married, mother of two (26 & 24) living in Oundle, Northamptonshire. We have two dogs who frequently appear on my page and when I'm not out with them or on my mat I volunteer as a Community First Responder (take a peek it your not sure what we do).

I have a habit of leaving post it notes around the house as I'm a prolific list maker and although love cooking for friends and family gatherings am hopeless day to day....

Before qualifying as a Yoga teacher in 2014 I was in the event's industry working as an events manager for private and corporate clients, helpful when organising retreats which I lead overseas and in the UK.

I've been inspired by some wonderful teachers over the past 12 yrs completing yoga trainings in Yin with Sarah Lo, Restorative with and more recently Daoist Flow with all of which I offer in my teachings.

Finally, although | love a cold, crisp day and mountains, I'm happiest with the sun on my back - given the opportunity you'll find me horizontal on a Greek island.

04/03/2026

It's with a heavy heart and after a lot of thought that I have decided to postpone the retreat to the new date of 27th February - 6th March 2027.
I've taken lots of advice today from retreat leaders, a friend with military contacts to travel companies and everything just feels too uncertain. I'm not even sure my flight via Dubai will leave LHR.

A retreat should be a deeply nourishing and relaxing experience not a time for worrying about whether your flight will get you there or get you back.

I can't tell you how sad and disappointed I am after months of planning. The prospect of leaving the grey gloom of the UK was also rather enticing!

Aside from feeling some responsibility for your safety I really want this to be a wonderful experience. I will ensure 2027 is - let's pray the world is a more peaceful place by then.

20/01/2026

Your home for the week will be a fabulous spot on the edge of one of Europe's most remote and beautiful natural parks, Cabo de Gata.
Located in Spain's sunniest region, its proximity to North Africa means the area is semi-desert, dramatic, with imposing mountains and dazzling sea.
Full details of the retreat can be found via my website…

www.barefootyoga.co.uk

25% of rooms already booked so please get in touch if you'd like to book.

Address

The Old Hospital, Wood Lane, Oundle
Peterborough
PE85TP

Website

http://www.barefootyoga.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Barefoot Yoga posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Barefoot Yoga:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Health & Beauty Business in Peterborough?