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Why Don’t You… Try Yoga

I discovered an oasis of calm and tranquility in the heart of St Albans at Clarity Yoga Shala, and found that I was compatible with yoga after all…


A yoga class at Clarity Yoga Shala

So Actually Yoga Scares Me A Bit

With Hobby Republik I try out a lot of new experiences, classes and workshops, some I’m genuinely excited to try (like flying lessons!) others intrigue me (what is involved in trapeze), others I see as a challenge (going to the gym) and this one… it made me nervous. My previous experience of yoga is really limited.  A class on an exotic beach (nice!) with people that knew what they were doing (eek!) and a teacher that got frustrated with my lack of flexibility (grrrrr!!!!). Overall experience…intimidating!  I never felt comfortable, I always felt self-conscious and aside from the location it wasn’t much to write home about

 

So when I was thinking about trying out yoga again, it’s fair to say I had some doubts. But after being encouraged and inspired by Melanie, the owner and founder of Clarity Yoga Shala I decided to visit her studio and give it a go - but I think it’s probably hard to review Clarity Yoga Shala without talking about her first. Melanie has spent years training in various forms of yoga and travelled the world in the process, setting up Clarity Yoga Shala 19 years ago was her dream and she hasn’t looked back since.  When you meet Melanie, you will be struck by her warmth, she is one of life’s good ones. She was one of the original businesses to join Hobby Republik, and when I was struggling to get it launched and having to ring people to say “Sorry it’s been delayed” she offered some advice – it already looks good, why don’t you just launch?  And that’s pretty much what I did.  So, kindness, warmth, and wisdom – not really a surprise she ended up in yoga!

 

Melanie, the founder of Clarity Yoga Shala

Clarity Yoga Shala is a cosy studio on Hatfield Road, in my class there were 4 others, all at different stages in their yoga journey, but they were regular and they knew each other well. With an intimate class like that, the danger is that it becomes clique, but actually  I was made to feel very welcome.

 

The day I’d chosen for my re-introduction to yoga was fiercely hot, which could have made the experience…unpleasant, but fortunately Melanie was there with a bit of improvisation –the fan went on, the door was opened and then she went and got us all cold flannels in bowls and suddenly the whole experience felt quite indulgent!

 

Great! So what is a class actually like?

Clarity yoga Shala is unashamedly spiritual. 

 

Yes, we moved through basic postures: downward dog, child’s pose, and a few sun salutations while Melanie demonstrated variations and modifications, for those wanting to challenge themselves (or to help me get into a position that didn’t have me placing all my weight onto my wrists). But we also channelled energy through our fingertips, we breathed with the universe, we peered inwardly.  And it was quite delightful.  If I hadn’t felt supremely comfortable in the class and with the people I was with, I would have felt, well, uncomfortable.  It was a safe space in which to explore, which made it feel rewarding, different, unusual, worthwhile and interesting.  And I got the impression that there was a lot I could explore if I should wish to do so.


Why This Class Works for Everyone

If you’re a total beginner, a small, welcoming class takes away the intimidation factor. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in the crowd or feeling self-conscious about your lack of yoga pants. The pace is gentle, and the vibe is supportive—everyone was a newbie once, and there’s a genuine sense of encouragement in the air. Melanie gave tips on alignment, challenged those who wanted to try more advanced poses, and encouraged us to listen to our bodies. There’s no pressure to do everything “right”—just an invitation to explore what feels good for you on any given day.

 

For more experienced yoga fans, Clarity Yoga Shala’s comprehensive programme offers room to deepen your practice – different experience levels, different flavour of yoga along with interesting combinations and complementary activities such as sound bath meditations - and expect more variations in the future too (shamanism perhaps?)


Final Thoughts: Take the Leap

If you’ve been hesitating to try yoga (or your only previous experience is with a grumpy teacher in the tropics) consider finding a cosy, welcoming class with a great teacher. Whether you’re brand new or have been practicing for years, there’s something uniquely uplifting about being part of a supportive, intimate group. There’s plenty of room to laugh, to wobble, to grow, and, most importantly, to just be yourself.

So go ahead—roll out that mat, take a deep breath, and see where the journey takes you. You might just discover a new favourite part of your week (and maybe, like me, a little more peace than you expected).


Why book a class at Clarity Yoga Shala?

This Class is ideal if:

  • For people looking to develop a yoga practice whether beginners or advanced. There is a full programme of classes and courses including ashtanga yoga

  • You’re interested in the spiritual side of yoga and are looking for more than a series of stretching exercises

  • If you prefer a more intimate space with a cosy vibe

  • You’re not in a rush – people liked to stay for a chat afterwards!

  • You want to feel part of a community

 

This might not be what you’re looking for if:

 

You Can find more information about Clarity Yoga Shala here

 


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