All photos by Kasia Murfet

I’ve been meaning to attend since June, but for one reason or another I could never make it. Fate finally aligned last week, and I made my way to The Forge for my first Yoga Brunch Club experience. For transparency, I was invited in exchanged for a blog post.

I was a little apprehensive before I went – worrying about not knowing people and not being very experienced in yoga – but I got up and went anyway, telling myself that I would enjoy it once I was there. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted with big smiles and a hug from Clem (who runs the club) and I felt a little better.

I took my shoes and socks off, and chose a mat by one of the big windows, candles burning and daffodils on the sill. I felt too shy to talk to anyone before the class, so I gazed around the room and out of the window, listening to the soft music, and breathing in the incense, while I waited for it all to begin.

Clem introduced herself and told us a little about Yoga Brunch Club, before easing us in with some gentle poses and deep breathing. During our first child pose of the practice, we were told to think of 3 things we were grateful for, and tears sprung to my eyes.

I’ve spent a lot of time feeling anxious and feeling negative about myself. Something about this moment really struck a chord in me, and I felt so grateful to myself for continuing to exist and survive. Grateful to have somebody stick by me through hard times. Grateful for the sunshine and warmth.

At times, the yoga practice was tough, but Clem made sure we knew that we could change positions to suit ourselves and that this was our time on the mat. It felt so good to know that it was all adaptable to suit our abilities. I really enjoyed challenging myself (mentally and physically) and feeling safe to do so. Clem and Elena walked around adjusting our positions occasionally, and I found that really helpful.

All the moments that I didn’t need to concentrate on holding my balance were so grounding for me. Feeling at one with my body and being reminded that I don’t need to be anywhere else – just to concentrate on this room and myself – was kind of magical. It’s strange that we need to be told that sometimes.

Instead of constantly distracting myself with endless things, here I was.

Just me on my mat, seeing what I could do, breathing deeply, and accepting myself in that moment.

Honestly, it was a gorgeous experience.

After the yoga was over, we sipped on cups of hot “love” tea from Pukka – so calming and delicious – while the tables were set up. The menus were designed by Alice Gabb for Murray May’s, and as you can see, the food was just as pretty. It tasted amazing too, there were so many flavours and spices packed into every dish, and there was plenty of everything.

It was lovely sharing food and chatting to lots of interesting women after sharing such a beautiful yoga experience together.

It was one of those events which leaves you with such a fuzzy feeling about where we live, the people there, and life in general. I spent the rest of the day walking around in the sunshine, totally blissed out.

I highly recommend heading to one of these events if you’re interested in yoga (whether you’re a novice or an expert), want to meet likeminded people, or want to treat yourself to the perfect Sunday.

Yoga Brunch Club runs monthly in Bristol and London, and prices start at £44.50.

A little reminder that all of these beautiful photos are by Kasia Murfet.