yoga
Beginners Flow Yoga
with Harriet Bone
tuesday 18:30 · 60 min
designed for people who've never done yoga, or who want to start over. slower pace. foundational shapes. plenty of time to ask questions.
First visit
your first time here?
maybe it's your first time in a yoga studio or maybe it's your first time in this yoga studio. either way, here's what to expect, what to bring, and a few honest answers in advance.
The honest welcome
you do not need to be flexible. you do not need to know the names of the postures. you do not need the right clothes. you are all you need.
vahni is a working studio, not a polished showroom. the room smells of incense some days, sweat and fresh laundry on others. teachers mostly know regulars by name.
new people arrive every week, often unsure, sometimes a bit nervous.
all a valid place to start.
What to expect
the first hour, more or less.
finding the entrance
the studio is on the third floor of 537 norwood road. the entrance is at 1 chestnut road (se27 9ez), not norwood road. look for the orange street sign and the single black door on the left of the red brick building.
give yourself ten minutes the first time. it's easy to walk past once.
checking in
come into the lounge. leave your shoes in a cubby, drop your bag on a peg, help yourself to a cup of tea or coffee. there's a tablet to sign yourself in. if you've already booked online (we recommend it), find your class on the drop-down and tap to leave a tick by your name. if not, set up a quick momence account on the tablet, takes a minute or two.
we don't run a front desk. there's no transaction happening in the lounge. it's just a room to land in before you practice.
the class
head into the studio your class is in and find a spot for your mat. mats and props are at the side of the room, bring your own if you prefer. the teacher will pace the class for who's in the room. you work at your own breath, your own pace. there's no keeping up.
afterwards & tea
stay for tea if you want to. some people linger for a chat, others slip out quietly. both are welcome. if you have questions, the teacher's there. if you'd rather process privately and come back next week, that's also exactly right.
you can also reach us any time by email, chat, or text. whatever feels easiest. and if you're not sure what to do or where to find something, just drop us an email, a whatsapp or text.
What to bring
less than you might think.
we provide
a mat
cleaned between uses. bring your own if you prefer.
blocks and bolsters
at the side of the room. use them freely throughout class.
a bathroom and a changing area
small but functional. cubbies for bags, lockers for valuables.
tea
in the lounge before and after. help yourself.
you bring
water
filtered water is available, but a refillable bottle is easier.
comfortable clothes
anything you can move in. bare feet on the mat.
an open mind
and, if you can manage it, a willingness to be exactly where you are.
Where to begin
three gentle places to start.
each of these is held by a teacher who's used to first-timers. walk in not knowing anything, that's the point.
postnatal
Postnatal Yoga
free tasterwith Mikaela Mulić
wednesday 11:00 · 60 min
a free taster. gentle, supportive, for new mothers and bodies finding their way back. babies welcome until they start crawling.
movement
Qi Gong
with Dan Breakwell
tuesday 17:45 · 45 min
not yoga. slow, flowing movement coordinated with breath. no postures to learn or master. a different door into the same kind of stillness.