My Published Article on Community Yoga
In 2023, I found myself with some spare time after a particularly upsetting event. I wanted to connect with a community to fill my days between teaching evening classes and working at retreats on the Isle of Mull.
I decided to volunteer at Corstorphine Community Centre. I contacted the Volunteer Coordinator, Louise Cowie, and mentioned that I was a yoga teacher interested in starting a daytime yoga class there. Louise, who also practiced yoga, thought this would be a valuable addition to their activities. I was immediately drawn to her warmth, enthusiasm, and support.
Corstorphine Community Centre operates in the North West area of Edinburgh. The community includes a thriving mix of residents, with a significant proportion over the age of 65—the highest in Edinburgh. The centre offers a range of activities like Sewing & Craft Groups, Men’s Shed, Art, and Knitting, among others.
My journey began with the “Moving Forward” group, which needed someone to lead a meditation session. I introduced a combination of mindfulness, seated yoga, and relaxation to this group of mostly widowed men in their 70s and older. Affectionately referred to as “The Lads,” they were open to trying something new.
To my delight, they embraced the sessions enthusiastically. Using chairs for support, they managed various yoga postures, their walking sticks set aside for the hour. By the end, they were proud to say they’d “done yoga”—some with a touch of disbelief! The group enjoyed the sessions so much that they requested more.
Recognising the positive impact, the Centre Manager, Sian McSorley, and Louise sought funding to start a regular seated yoga class, expanding it to the wider community. They proposed a project called “Mind Over Matter” to The City of Edinburgh Council West Edinburgh Neighbourhood Network for a Community Grant Fund. The proposal was accepted, and we received funding to deliver open community events during Women’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Week, along with eight-week blocks of mindfulness, seated yoga, and relaxation throughout the year.
As the year draws to a close, the response has been phenomenal. Feedback collected through evaluations at the end of each block reveals significant improvements in participants’ physical and mental well-being. Many report feeling less stressed, calmer, more relaxed, sleeping better, and noticing physical benefits. They have also incorporated mindfulness, breathing techniques, and yoga practices into their daily lives.
Beyond individual benefits, the classes have fostered a sense of community. Participants look forward to gathering each week, no matter the weather. The sessions have sparked new friendships and rekindled old ones. There’s always lively chatter before and after class, and we often share a good laugh during the sessions—a joy for everyone involved.
When I’m with the group, I see myself as part of it. Like them, I have my own challenges, aches and pains, but these fade when we come together to practice. I remind participants that yoga isn’t about flexibility—something I openly admit I lack. Instead, it’s about connecting with yourself.
We don’t always start or end on time because we’re too busy chatting. Sometimes, I adjust the plan based on the energy in the room, leading us to something completely different and fun. I don’t wear yoga leggings and often show up in jeans, emphasizing that they don’t have to follow my moves exactly. I encourage them to listen to their bodies, use the chair as a supportive “friend,” and modify poses as needed. This relaxed approach has resonated, especially with those trying yoga for the first time—they’re hooked and eager for more.
Looking ahead, we’re hopeful for more funding to continue these programmes. In the meantime, I’ve started my own seated yoga class at the centre to keep the momentum alive. Tackling social isolation is crucial, and this new community provides connection and support for all involved. Together, we switch off for an hour, connect with ourselves, and share in a sense of belonging.
article from Yoga Scotland Magazine, April 2025