BREATHING INTO NEW POSSIBILITIES

We have a new collaboration blending mindfulness, movement, nature and food – and you're invited!

Plant-based living often goes hand in hand with yoga and other mindful practices. I’ve found that the more conscious I am of the food I’m consuming, the more I think about what I’m consuming in other areas of my life: what’s feeding my soul, what’s giving me energy, and what’s having a negative effect.

I’ve been practising yoga for many years. Not religiously or strictly. I’ve often found myself merging yoga, Pilates, and physiotherapy in one session — a hodgepodge of movements, so to speak. I don’t know if this is the right thing to do, but it seems to work for me, and that’s what it’s all about, right? You won’t find me practising every day, but when I do, I try to make sure it’s intentional and the most important thing in my life for the 5 or 60 minutes I have. Some days are better than others…

My favourite quote came from a class I attended a few years back. The teacher said this simple phrase that stuck with me, and I still use it today if I’m feeling overwhelmed or just need a minute:

“Nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one to be.”

To me, it meant that this moment is all we have and nothing else matters. I have no responsibilities but for myself, and there are no expectations of who I am or should be.

In the beginning, I’d often do my intended moves but forget to breathe the whole time. After a few years of practising — whatever it was I was doing — through gyms, friends, special events or YouTube, I’d try lots of different classes to help me in my quest for breath and a long the way found that and more.

As I’ve aged, I’ve learnt not to take it too seriously — to laugh at myself and to take the practice inward, rather than focusing on externals like unrealistic expectations, others’ abilities, or my surroundings. To be responsible for my own breath and to take control of my practice.

I found myself attending a new yoga class at a local gym. Helen didn’t feel like a typical yoga teacher, but I was open-minded. Though she was relatively new to teaching, she had a lot of confidence in herself. She was honest, personal, and incredibly committed to her craft.

She was happy to share her own struggles with poses, which was such a comfort and a way we could connect and learn together in whatever shape we could manage. She would explain poses and techniques thoroughly so we could understand the intention behind each movement.

I love that she advocates that anyone can practise and enjoy yoga. No matter your age, physical ability, or state of health, everyone is invited to the party.

I think it can be rare to find someone like that. Although I’m still unable to do a scorpion pose, Helen’s taught me to focus on the small wins, to be kind to myself, and not let comparison shield my joy. I often get reminded of the quote "nothing to do, nowhere to go and no one to be" whenever I’m practising with Helen, and how so many of my own beliefs are intertwined with her classes.

I just find it magical how all these unexpected journeys have led us here: to announce a collaboration, to bring you nourishing food with nourishing practices.

Over the years, Helen has built her following with yoga, music, and just by being herself, a warm and bubbly person. We wanted to bring together a new community to hopefully bring down the walls around what a retreat should be, and what a retreat attendee looks like. One where everyone is welcome, and where we share a common goal — to reconnect with ourselves, nature, each other, and have fun doing it.

Our first event begins on Sunday 1st June 2025 in the Kent countryside, with a blend of movement, nature, and delicious plant-based food. For these first few, we’ll get an idea of how we can run the events: gathering feedback, refining what works, and creating a more tailored experience for our fellowship moving forward. We’re building these events for you, and we'd love to hear any suggestions you have.

We hope to see you there!

Find our next event on Helen’s site: Helen Manente Yoga

Check out Helen’s Instagram — a mishmash of yoga, flute, mum life, LOTR, heavy metal, and life a little less serious.

I couldn’t sign off without relaying the words Helen always finishes her practice with:

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.”

Until next time, Hayley

P.S. Don’t forget to breathe