YOGA

Women Gather - An Introduction to Women's Circles

History of Women Gathering Together

Women have been gathering in circles for centuries, forming communal spaces to share knowledge, provide support, and build connections.

These gatherings were often held in private spaces, away from the public eye, allowing women to discuss matters of health, childbirth, spirituality, and personal growth.

In many cultures, women gathered to celebrate rites of passage, such as puberty, marriage, and childbirth. Historically, these circles served as a way for women to share wisdom, pass down traditions, and create a sense of community.

Benefits of Women Gathering Together

Women’s gatherings provide numerous benefits, including:

1. Emotional Support: Women often find a safe space to express their feelings and experiences, which can lead to emotional healing and growth.

2. Community Building: These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and support, helping women form strong, lasting relationships.

3. Empowerment: Sharing stories and experiences can help women feel empowered, realizing they are not alone in their struggles or joys.

4. Learning and Growth: Women’s circles are often places of learning, where knowledge and wisdom about various aspects of life, such as health, relationships, and spirituality, are shared.

What is a Women's Circle?

A women’s circle is a safe, supportive space where women come together to share, connect, and grow. These circles can be informal gatherings or more structured meetings led by a facilitator.

The purpose of a women’s circle is to provide a nurturing environment for women to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Activities in these circles can include meditation, sharing personal stories, creative expression (like art or writing), and discussing topics relevant to the participants.

What is Yoga Borne “Women Gather”?

Yoga Borne Women Gather is a specific type of women’s circle / gathering that integrates the practice of Yoga.

It’s a space where women can come together to practice Yoga and embodied movement, meditate, relax, and share in a supportive community.

The focus is on creating a holistic experience that nurtures both the body and mind, combining physical movement with emotional and spiritual exploration.

Drop in price is £12 in the studio / £6 online.

Yoga Borne Women Gather - For All Women

Women’s circles should be, but unfortunately are not always, inclusive spaces open to women of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Yoga Borne Women Gather is curated and held by myself - Studio Owner Karine.

I have myself experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of women and Women’s Circles, which is part of the reason I decided to train to create and hold my own space that would be truly welcoming and supportive to all women.

A non-judgmental space, allowing each person to bring her unique perspective and contribute to the collective wisdom of the group. Women Gather honours the diversity of womanhood and seeks to create a sense of unity and shared experience among us all.

Activities You Might Expect in a Women’s Circle

Activities in a women’s circle can vary depending on the group’s focus but may include:

Sharing Circles: Participants take turns sharing their thoughts, experiences, or challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Meditation: Guided meditations to help with relaxation and grounding, fostering mindfulness and inner peace.

Creative Expression: Art, writing, movement, or other forms of creative expression are often used to explore emotions and experiences.

Movement Practices: This can include Yoga, dance, or other forms of movement that allow and encourage connection to the body and breath.

Rituals or Ceremonies: Some circles include rituals or ceremonies to mark significant life events or transitions, such as full moon ceremonies, rites of passage, or seasonal celebrations.

Yoga Sequence for Women

A Yoga sequence designed for women might focus on areas such as pelvic health, hormonal balance, and stress relief. Here’s an example of a gentle sequence:

1. Child’s Pose (Balasana): Start with a grounding pose to centre and calm the mind.

2. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Gently warm up the spine, promoting flexibility and easing tension in the lower back.

3. Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana): Open the hips and stretch the psoas muscles, which can relieve tension in the pelvic area.

4. Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana): Strengthen the legs and pelvis while opening the hips and chest.

5. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Engage the glutes and lower back, promoting pelvic stability.

6. Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): Open the hips and chest, promoting relaxation and hormonal balance.

7. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): A restorative pose that helps with circulation and relaxation.

8. Savasana: End with a deep relaxation to integrate the benefits of the practice.

This sequence is designed to be gentle and supportive, focusing on areas that are often of particular concern to women.

EMBRACING LUNAR NEW YEAR

Embracing Lunar New Year!

Hello, and welcome to our second blog post of 2024!

Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year is in full swing, and our February blog post is dedicated to this auspicious time.

As the lanterns sway gently in the February breeze, Yoga Borne invites you to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Chinese New Year.

Steeped in centuries-old traditions, this occasion marks not only the turn of the lunar calendar but a celebration of renewal, family, and the promise of prosperity.

Join us as we explore the history and customs of Chinese New Year, finding resonance with the principles of Yoga for a harmonious start to the Year of the Tiger.

Rooted in ancient Chinese folklore, the festivals origin can be traced back over 3,500 years.

Legend has it that the celebration began as a means to scare away Nian, a mythical beast that would wreak havoc on villages during the Winter.

This marked the birth of numerous customs, from the vibrant red decorations to the explosive firecrackers, all designed to ward off evil spirits and welcome a year of good fortune.


Family Reunions: Central to the celebration is the reunion of families. Chinese New Year sees millions embarking on journeys home to share feasts and stories, emphasising the importance of familial bonds and continuity.

Red Envelopes: Symbolising good luck and prosperity, red envelopes or ‘hongbao’ are exchanged, typically containing money. This gesture represents the passing of blessings from the older generation to the younger.

Feast of Abundance: A lavish feast marks the eve of the new year, with symbolic dishes like dumplings and fish representing prosperity and abundance. The act of coming together to share in these meals fosters unity and a sense of community.

As we revel in the rich history and traditions of Chinese New Year, Yoga Borne extends an invitation to join our special Lunar New Year Workshop on the Saturday 24th of February.

While honouring the customs of this auspicious occasion, we will explore the principles of Holistic Yoga with an invitation to release what no longer serves you into our fire pit, and take home your handmade mini lantern of intentions for the year ahead!

This will be a a wonderful evening of rest and renewal.

Eager to embrace the cultural richness of Chinese New Year with a yogic touch?

There are just 2 in studio spots left for the workshop, which can be purchased via the Yoga Borne shop - just click the link below!

Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Year of the Tiger!

Much Love & Many Blessings,

Karine, Jay, & Team YB xx