July is often when we look up and realise half the year has already passed. It is a natural point to pause and ask ourselves how we are doing, what has changed, what has not, and where we want to go from here. That is why this month’s theme is The Turning Point. It is a time to notice how far you have come and decide what shifts you would still like to make.
Turning points show up in small ways on the mat too. Every twist is a physical turning point. You rotate, look over your shoulder and see something different. It changes your perspective. Twists also ask you to soften where you are gripping and let the breath do some of the work. They help release tension, improve circulation and bring fresh energy into places that feel stuck.
So it fits well with this idea of midyear reflection. Twists are about clearing out the old and making space for something new. They help you feel lighter and clearer. They are also a way to build strength and stability. Your centre supports you as you revolve around it.
This month, the flows in the calendar explore all sorts of twists. Seated, standing, lying down, sometimes moving quickly and other times more slowly. Some days the practice will focus on mobility, helping you find more space. Other days we will work on core strength so you can rotate with control and look after your spine. You will also see flows that mix twists with side bends or backbends, helping you move the spine in every direction. It is a balanced way to keep the body strong and supple.
Twists remind us that change does not always have to be big. Sometimes it is just a gentle shift. A small adjustment can lead to a whole new view. You might see that you do not need to push so hard. Or maybe you notice where you have been stuck in an old habit and decide it is time to try something else.
When we practise yoga, these small physical turns start to show up in the mind too. You build trust that you can move in new ways, try new things and still be supported. It becomes easier to accept change because you have practised it in your body first.
The calendar this month is here to guide you through these ideas. Some days the practice will be strong and give you energy. Other days it will be slow and restful. It is about finding a healthy mix so you can explore what feels like a turning point for you.
You might discover that your body moves into a twist that felt impossible a few months ago. Or you might simply notice your breath flows more easily. Both matter just as much. Progress is not always measured by how far you turn. Sometimes it is about how smoothly you move, how calmly you breathe and how much tension you let go of.
There is also space this month to think about life off the mat. Are there areas where you are ready for a small change? Maybe you want to adjust your morning routine, start taking short walks, spend less time on your phone or go to bed earlier. Maybe it is something bigger like thinking about where you live or how you work. Turning points do not always show up as big moments. Often they are quiet, gradual changes that end up making a huge difference over time.
Yoga supports this. It teaches patience. It reminds you that even when you twist and turn your breath is there. Your centre is there. You do not have to force anything. You can move steadily, stay grounded and trust that things will shift in their own time.
If you are following the calendar you will notice we start the month by moving gently into twists, focusing on breath and mobility. As the weeks go on we bring in more strength, working towards deeper rotations with support from the core and legs. Towards the end of the month we slow down again with restful shapes and longer holds. By the end of July your body will likely feel more open and balanced and you will have spent time tuning into what turning points mean for you.
On the mat pay attention to the small things. Notice how one side might be tighter than the other. Notice how your breath changes as you twist. See if you can keep your shoulders relaxed, your jaw soft and your feet steady. Let each movement remind you that you can adjust and realign whenever you need.
You can also use this month to look back at the first half of the year. What are you proud of? What do you want to keep doing? Is there anything you would like to change? This does not have to be heavy. It can be as simple as deciding to spend more time outside or to take five minutes in the morning for yourself before the day starts. These are all small turning points that add up.
Remember you do not have to work it all out at once. This month is an invitation to explore both in your practice and your daily life. Use the time on your mat to listen. The body often knows what it needs before the mind does. You might find that moving through these twists helps you loosen some mental knots too.
If you are a member of the on demand platform there is plenty to explore this month. The calendar is full of new and existing classes that tie into our theme. You can follow it day by day or pick what suits you best. If you ever feel like you have lost momentum just come back to your breath and start again. That is the real turning point choosing to begin again as many times as you need.
This is what makes yoga so powerful. It is not about doing things perfectly. It is about staying with it, turning towards what you need and knowing that every time you step on your mat you are giving yourself a fresh start.
July is our turning point. Let us see where it takes us.
If you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join our on-demand yoga community. As a member, you’ll get access to all our pre-recorded videos, including new content added every month. With over 150 videos to choose from, you can find the perfect practice to fit your schedule and needs.
Our membership options are:
- Monthly plan: £14.9
- Annual plan: £139
Becoming a member gives you the flexibility to practice yoga anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. I hope you join us on today and make the most of your yoga practice this month.
See you on the mat!
Lots of Love,
Ayse