Yoga found me almost 20 years ago. It started as a purely physical practice then slowly, slowly, bit by bit the more subtle aspects of yoga revealed themselves to me. My body became stronger, my breath deeper, my mind stiller and my attitude, or spirit, more positive. My once a week practice turned into twice a week, three times a week...every day. You get the picture!

I don't just mean standing like a tree or balancing on my head either. You can 'do' yoga walking down the street, interacting with others, doing your job or hobby, watching a sunset and yes, balancing on your head!

After yoga became integral to my being I journeyed to India to study for my 200hr Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification with Tribe Yoga, where ancient teachings were married with modern anatomical focus.

Through the years I have completed my 500hr+ Yoga Alliance certification during further studies in India and in the UK, studying with some of the worlds leading teachers including Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Swenson, Jason Crandell, Max Strom, Rod Stryker, Anodea Judith, Manju Jois and Mimi Kuo Deemer amongst others. I have also completed my advanced Yin Yoga teacher training with the wonderful Norman Blair, have studied Buddhist meditation at Tushita in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and spent a month at Kopan Monastery in Nepal in Buddhist study and meditation.

After years of chanting mantras as an integral part of my practice and teaching I completed a transformational 200hr training with Nikki Slade in kirtan leadership and now lead regular community kirtan in London and at events and retreats across the UK and India. It is a particular blessing to be invited to lead kirtan with all of the beautiful soles at the International Yoga Festival in the divine surroundings of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. I'm already looking forward to returning in 2026.

As well as teaching studio classes and zoom classes I offer private tuition from my home and in the workplace, as well as leading 200 hr Yoga Teacher Traioning certified by Yoga Alliance Professionals.

I continue to be a diligent student of yoga and feel blessed to share my knowledge with others.

I'm so happy to be returning to magical Cara Creek Eco Lodge - it really is a true oasis in the lap of a wonderful valley - towering trees, wild flowers, a beautiful river for swimming or even paddle boarding - we had so much fun and laughter last year - it was super special!

Lounge by the natural infinity pool; star gaze from the hot tub; break a sweat in the sauna; sing around the fire pit; rub on locally sourced clay to detoxify your skin before rinsing in the river; read a book on the private beach; explore the Mondego river by stand up paddle board; try the rock jump or a leisurely swim in the creek; practice yoga in the cozy indoor shala or on the panoramic outdoor shala; hike to the nearby waterfall; visit the neolithic dolmen site; treat yourself to a holistic therapy of your choice...

There are so many ways to enjoy Cara Creek Eco Lodge...

We will practice twice daily yoga, meditation, pranayama and mantra - an energising morning flow and relaxing and restorative afternoon practices. In addition we will enjoy optional group activities like nature walks, paddleboarding, an evening wood fired hot tub and more.

The focus of this retreat will be to heal in nature - through the natural environment, the outstanding locally sourced and lovingly prepared food, the practices of yoga and plenty of time to rest and restore. or discover and explore!

DAILY SCHEDULE

GENTLE MORNING MOVEMENT & BRETHWORK IN NATURE FOLLOWED BY AN ENERGISING MORNING HATHA FLOW

HEARTY BRUNCH

FREE TIME OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

TEA & CAKE

RESTORATIVE AFTERNOON PRACTICE

DELICIOUS DINNER

FREE TIME OR COMMUNITY CHATS

4 NIGHTS UNIQUE ACCOMODATION, ALL MEALS, YOGA & ACTIVITIES

£50 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TILL END OF APRIL!

SECURE YOUR PLACE WITH £400 DEPOSIT

Penta-Pod - Pentagonal Canvas Pod with a comfortable single bed, window and a door that allows guests to admire the views from the bed, or sunbathe on their large deck.

£920 sole occupancy - £870 early bird!

Cabana - Constructed from half wood, half canvas with a cabin-feel and stunning views of the valley and down to the swimming pool. Comfortable double bed.

£950 sole occupancy or £1700 for a couple - £900 sole occupancy or £1600 for a couple early bird!

Tri-Pod - Named for their triangular shape, each has a small deck out front to admire the views ofthe pool and sweeping tree tops. Comfortable double bed

£985 sole occupancy or £1740 for a couple - £935 sole occupancy or £1640 for a couple early bird!

The Cedar Room - Twin share or Double - BOOKED - An extension of the main house with a red stable door, gorgeous hand made furniture and a large window with a lovely view

£1150 sole occupancy or £1865 shared - £1100 sole occupancy or £1765 shared early bird!

The Granite Room - Twin share or Double - BOOKED The lower room of the main house. It is cozy and warm in the cool weather and refreshingly cool in the warm weather due to it’s Granite walls. This is a traditional Portuguese stone room with the only window built into the door.

£1150 sole occupancy or £1865 shared - £1100 sole occupancy or £1765 shared early bird!

A note about sustainability & eco tourism:

Eco Pods do not have electicity, but do have a small solar lamp. The Granite Room and the Cabin have electricity and are located very near the communal bathrooms.

There are 3 showers sustainably heated by solar power or a wood stove. In addition there are 2 cold water outdoor showers.

There are three flushing toilets and dry compost toilets.

Towels and locally made eco toiletries are provided.

Bathrooms are all shared.

CHECK OUT CARA CREEKS WEBSITE HERE FOR FULL ROOM DETAILS & MORE

EMAIL ME HERE FOR ANY QUESTIONS & BOOKINGS

What’s included?

All yoga sessions

All meals, all day tea and filtered water

4 nights boutique accommodation

What’s not included?

Flights + airport transfers

Excursions

Massages + treatments

TESTIMONIALS

"It’s now three weeks since I got back from the retreat with James and I am still feeling amazingly lighter, grounded and ready to face whatever challenges life throws at me. I had he most wonderful week under James’ protective wings. He has an amazing ability to gear his yoga sessions to suit the mood of the group and I felt like he really listened to where we were at and he never pushed us too far (although he pushed us which was good). When someone has found the courage to be who they are and they practice what they preach, they become a safe person to be guided by. What sets James apart, is that he not only talks about how to live a yogi life but he leads by example. Thank you for a fantastic restorative week."

“I have had the pleasure to go on retreat with James twice now. He is a considerate teacher who is mindful of the difference in each individual’s experience and level. He challenges when appropriate and tunes in to both emotional and physical needs. His philosophy of Body/Mind makes me look at yoga much more holistically which supports me as I navigate a cross roads in my life. I thoroughly recommend his classes and can’t wait to book his next retreat.”

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is Porto - where I can arrange a shared taxi or shuttle to Cara Creek at a charge - there are also public transport options or self drive from either Porto or Lisbon.

BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY

Secure your place with £400 deposit - the balance to be paid 12 weels before retreat - 19th June 2025

Travel Insurance:

It is a condition of this holiday that you on booking purchase comprehensive travel insurance which includes cancellation insurance. None of us can predict unexpected events in our lives: illness, family emergencies, work conflicts, etc. By purchasing a comprehensive plan, you will ensure being covered in full should you need to cancel after the said cancellation period.

Cancellation:

Your deposit is refundable up until 16 weeks before the start of the retreat*. Less than 16 weeks before the start of the retreat your payment is only refundable or transferable if your space can be filled.

Once the final payment has been made there will be no refunds unless your place can be filled

*Any refunds made will be less a £100 admin fee

If Covid regulations change and the retreat is not able to go ahead any money paid would be transferable to a future date.

In the very unlikely event that JAMES CASSIDY is unable at to teach the retreat at short notice, for example due to (but not limited to) severe illness or bereavement, JAMES CASSIDY reserves the right to find a replacement teacher. In this situation no refunds will be issued.

Message me HERE for questions and bookings

I'm so excited to invite you to my week long Elemental Retreat at beautiful Ashiyana - from all of my travels it is my favourite retreat centre in the world. A true home away from home, where the philosophies of yoga as a way of living are truly embodied and applied, from the natural environment, nourishing food and peaceful, friendly atmosphere. It is a true retreat in every sense of the word.

Our day will start together at 8am - if you are an early riser you could enjoy a swim in the Arabian Sea before your practice or simply enjoy a cup of tea before a 2hr elemental flow through for the body, mind and breath. I will teach you traditional pranayamas meditations and mantras and guide you through intelligent and healing asana sequences.

Each day will build from the grounding qualities of the earth, through the creative, flowing water element, the empowering and energising fire element, the heart opening air element and the liberating element of ether. There will be options for all bodies, from beginners to the more practiced. It's not unusual on my retreats to have all abilities and all ages ranging from those in their twenties to those in there seventies. Yoga, mindfulness and healing is for us all.

After the morning practice will be a delicious, nourishing expansive brunch buffet with everything you could wish for - the Ashiyana buffets are really something to behold.

The rest of the day is your time - to rest, renew, explore, relax, read, walk, swim or sleep! Ashiyana has so many cosy places to nest and of course the incredible Mandrem beach just steps away.

At 4pm we will meet for a cooling, relaxing 90 minute session with either yin yoga, mantra, meditation, poetry, and deep rest. After this there will be time to catch the amazing Goan sunset before another delicious all inclusive buffet for dinner.

The evenings are a special time at Ashiyana where you may relax on your veranda or join in one of the wonderful in house offerings like sound healing, kirtan, yoga nidra and meditation.

There wil be one afternoon off mid week to give you the option for a day trip in the surrounding countryside or markets or a full afternoon of free time.

For any questions about the retreat please contact me by email and we can have a chat.

Join me for a Spring Sadhana discovering and embracing the power of Manipura Chakra (City of Jewels) - the solar power of the body located at the navel centre.
I will explain the basic principles of the chakra system and guide you through traditional
yogic techniques to power up your solar centre including kriya (cleansing & clearing techniques),
mantra, mudra, meditation and asana, including twists, core and optional arm balances.

This workshop is sure to clear away old patterns and negative energies and invite you to embrace your radiant and powerful Self.

Not for complete beginners but there will be options for all levels of experience - so start your
positive action now by signing up and securing your place.

BOOK HERE

Looking for a gift that keeps giving, in every way? This year, give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of transformation, connection, and wellness at the International Yoga Festival 2025, held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, India. From March 9-15, let’s gather on the sacred banks of the Ganga for a journey that will uplift and renew us all.

I am truly honored to be presenting this year and can’t wait to join you in an atmosphere filled with joy, learning, and spiritual depth. It’s an incredible chance to deepen our practices together, and I would love for you to be a part of it.

Here’s what awaits:

🎶Ecstatic Kirtan & Live Music: Daily live kirtan and ecstatic concerts to elevate your spirit and immerse you in soulful music.

🏞️☀️🚶Sacred Walks by Mother Ganga: Rejuvenating strolls along the banks of the holy river, bringing peace and clarity to your mind, body, and soul.

🙏The Authentic Ashram Experience at Parmarth Niketan: Find yourself in the beautiful, serene setting of one of India’s most respected ashrams—a perfect space for reflection and inner peace.

✨Global Community of Yogis: Connect with a diverse, vibrant community of yogis from every corner of the world, all here to embrace wellness and unity.

Don’t miss this chance to join us! Register HERE as spaces are filling fast. If you have questions, please contact iyf@internationalyogafestival.com

Let’s embark on this journey together!

Join myself, my musical friends and the wonderful community of Walthamstow and beyond for an evening of meditation through mantra, melody and rhythm

Kirtan means to 'sing the name' and is a celebration of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion. Kirtan in essence is a meditation on bliss and love, through the vibrations of sound. James, with his harmonium and musical friends on percussion will lead you through traditional chants, in call and response, honouring the deities which represent the higher qualities within ourselves. No previous experience of yoga, chanting or singing is required, although if you enjoy any of these, you are sure to love Kirtan. You may experience deep stillness and peace, freedom of mind and joyful heart and you may find yourself clapping along or even getting up to move and dance. There are no rules and nothing to get right or be good at. Just a willingness to come together in community and open your heart. We will chant together for about 75 mins with breaks in between, to be still or stretch your legs, after which we will share chai and vegan sweet treats and enjoy the chance to have a relaxed chat together before the evening ends. This practice is for all bodies, all ages, all beliefs, all faiths and no faiths so spread the word and let's come together to sing to the higher power of the Self

Tanja and James bring their enthusiasm, compassion, joy and full hearts into offering this training. Between them they share 25 years of teaching experience and nearly four decades of practice.

At the core of this training sits the understanding that yoga is not just for the mat, but something which supports and enhances all aspects of our lives. The aim is to dive deeper into the full spectrum of what yoga offers, deepen the experience of the practices, with the opportunity to then be able to share this with others. The course in itself will be highly experiential, with the freedom to explore your own personal expression within a supportive community of like-minded yoga enthusiasts.

In a nurturing space co-created between teachers and students you will explore the many aspects of yoga and teaching, from asana labs and intelligent sequencing, to the subtle body (elements, chakras, prana vayus, koshas) and yogic philosophy in practice, as well as anatomy, biomechanics, mantras, mudras, teaching methodology and much more.

This training is not only for those who wish to teach yoga, but for all serious and curious practitioners who wish to further their understanding of the practices and the tradition of yoga.

Certified by Yoga Alliance Professionals

MORE INFORMATION ON THE TRAINING

PRACTICE

Approximately 30% of the training will be Sadhana, which will comprise of an
integrated practice of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, Mudra and Bhakti.
Asana in itself will be approached through contemporary alignment principles,
biomechanics and intelligent sequencing to make the practice accessible to all
participants. Subtle body awareness will also be a foundation for understanding and
sequencing asana.

TEACHING PRACTICE & METHODS

Approximately 40% of the training will be teaching practice which will be rooted in
personal understanding of the practices. Importance will also be placed on
understanding how to accommodate the practices for different bodies and differing
needs. From the beginning of the training students will be encouraged to find and
use their own voice and expression; skills which go beyond simply teaching asana.

ANATOMY

The Anatomy segment of the training will be studied online with Andrew McGonigle (“Doctor Yogi”) and the learning integrated into the in-person sessions with Tanja and James.

This is what Andrew says about his course.

“In the anatomy course we will explore in detail the anatomy and physiology of our incredible bodies applied to practising and teaching yoga. Each topic we delve into will be related directly back to the yoga asana practice. There will be a strong focus on using this knowledge of anatomy and physiology to make asana practices as inclusive as possible. Time will be dedicated to exploring how to best communicate with and support students who come to class with common injuries and conditions. There are dedicated yoga practices throughout the course to ensure full integration of the knowledge.”

OVERALL AIM

Overall aim is for students to confidently teach beginner and open level classes,
incorporating different bodies and include all aspects of yoga, including asana,
pranayama, meditation, mantra & Mudra

WHAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO UPON COMPLETION

As well as being able to teach beginner and open level classes, graduates will be
able to sequence classes using various formats such as peak pose, overall arc and
theme (anatomical, subtle body, philosophical).

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?

During the entire training students are under continuous mentorship and feedback,
with assessments scheduled as required. A final teaching assessment will be held
before graduation.

In addition to the weekends we will meet bi-weekly for a live evening Zoom class.

ACCREDITATION:

Recognised and accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals at 200 hours level.

INVESTMENT

Price on request

Course Requirements: a minimum of 2 years consistent yoga practice.

We both bring our enthusiasm, compassion, joy and full hearts into offering this training. Between us we share 25 years of teaching experience and nearly four decades of practice.

MESSAGE HERE