Testimonials
CLASSES
“I can honestly say that at the end of the class, when you did the breathing exercises, it was the first time in my life that I have ever experienced what it feels like to be calm.”
— Undergraduate Student, University of Manchester
“I just wanted to say a big thank you, Gillian, for last night. It was enriching on so many levels.
Firstly, I haven’t done that slower yoga before ( if you know what I mean) but I discovered that you don’t have to be faster and repetitive to get a good workout for the body. Secondly, the way you described things was beautiful. I loved the metaphor and how you followed this through to the end. (I especially liked the wording at the beginning where you said it wasn’t about the final outcome but the process of opening up to the experience. These weren’t you words, you said it much better. If you can remember them can you please send them, thanks)
Thirdly, although there were others there, you showed you cared for each person, which is a gift and it felt like one-on one training. And finally, I slept so well last night and woke this morning with lots of inspiration.....so perhaps the class has already helped me to rebalance.”
— Staff Member, University of Manchester
“This was my first real experience with yoga and I have to admit I used to have some reservations about it - whether it would be too demanding for me physically, as I am not very stretchy and have poor balance, and also whether it would be overly spiritual or mystical, as I tend to be a bit on the cynical side and don’t relate well to that kind of stuff. So I was really happy when I came to your class and discovered that yoga does not have to be weird or intimidating at all :) it was also great that the class had an accessible price and that mats and other equipment were already available. This definitely made it easier for me to make the decision to get started.
I thought you managed to create a very friendly atmosphere in the classes and even though most people seemed to know each other and I didn’t know anyone, I always felt welcome. It was also convenient for me as a beginner that the exercises were slow and gradual and that you paid attention to everybody’s individual pace. I could feel an improvement in the way I was doing the postures over the semester and I am sure the adjustments and corrections in every class contributed to it the most. I think the way you conceived the class is excellent, at least it was a good fit for me - it was a really good feeling to slowly build up to a result along with the rest of the group. The classes were always well balanced in terms of the intensity of the exercises and the time for resting and relaxing, and I especially appreciated how sensitive you were to the group’s needs and ready to adapt or change the exercises if it was necessary. So, I was absolutely satisfied with the physical aspect of the classes and I felt they contributed a bit to my overall strength and flexibility, as well as being a healthy addition to the weekly routine.
However, even more than the physical benefits I felt that the class really improved my psychological well-being. I don’t know if it was the friendly atmosphere, the combination of physical exercise and mindfulness aspects or the calming breathing practice (or all of it together), but the classes provided a real relief at times and helped me get through some moments of serious anxiety and tension. I found myself looking forward to each Wednesday and on many weeks it was my favorite day. I feel very grateful to discover this aspect of yoga and I try to practice the breathing technique on my own, although I am sure the whole soothing effect also had a lot to do with the way the class was conducted. So I would like to thank you for this bit especially.”
— PhD Student, University of Manchester
RETREATS
“I travelled all the way from Australia on my own to Gillian’s yoga retreat in Sardinia. It was a highlight of my life after working long hours and being stressed out it was the perfect way to unwind, restore, relax and recharge the body. It was also great to feel part of a little community as the group was so friendly and welcoming.
The surroundings were incredible and the yoga twice a day really restored my mind, body and soul. I loved the personal touches she gave to the classes by reading poetry. It was also a marvellous opportunity to experience another culture. Costa Rica here I come!”
— Lisa
“The Sardinian retreat was simply wonderful set in a beautiful hotel near the foot of the mountains and close to the sea. The yoga facilities were excellent and it was a pure joy to get up early in the morning to do our yoga and on one morning to watch the sun rise over the sea.
Gillian is a fantastic teacher she breaks down the individual poses to ensure that we do not hurt ourselves and provides alternate solutions for those of us who are not as flexible. Everything is an invitation as she says “yoga is a work in not a work out”.
If you are a beginner or have never tried yoga before she is ideal taking your through it slowly and carefully. My memories of Sardinia are of a great time making lots of friends and laughing an awful lot.”
— Andy
“The retreat to Sardinia with Gillan was a magical experience. Gillian is a wonderful yoga teacher, down to earth, very funny, but she brings a deep spirituality to everything she does. The Sun Salutation classes in the morning were the best way to greet the day, starting with a meditation listening to the sounds of the world waking and often Gillian read a poem or a text that was always inspiring and thought provoking.
Gillian’s attention to detail and her slow precise teaching means you are in very safe hands, ably assisted by her lovely daughter Ty. Beginner or expert, her classes catered for every level perfectly. The evening spinal release class was also a perfect way to wind down, again slow and deep.
There was plenty of time to explore the area and enjoy all that Sardinia had to offer, the hotel was wonderful, Gillian always chooses the most exquisite locations and hotels. Don’t miss the silent walks that Gillian organises, for me the highlight of my retreat was the silent walk to the beach to swim quietly towards the sunrise, what better way to start your day.”
— Jackie
“I was a complete newbie to Yoga or any stretchy stuff, sort of dragged along by my partner, and frankly apprehensive about what I could do. Gillian couldn’t have been more welcoming. And, when I found out everyone else was friendly and encouraging, no one expecting me to be any better than a beginner, I was first relieved ... then happier and happier. I started the week planning on how I’d winkle out of sessions if I needed to. By the end of it, after such great, sensitive teaching, the warm company, the superb food and sunshine, I was a convert.”
— Cliff
“Our yoga retreat in Sardinia was blissful. Gillian’s morning and evening yoga practice is so well-judged that I woke up keen to start every morning and went to bed contented every night. She’s a wonderful teacher, able to get the best out of everyone, regardless of whether you’ve just started doing yoga or have many years’ experience.
The hotel itself was just what was wanted - the gardens lovely, the rooms bright and clean, and the food consistently excellent. And Sardinia - so beautiful, our days at the beach and in the countryside were an added pleasure. It’s worth saying too that Gillian attracts a great group of people - friendly and welcoming and good to talk with over dinner. If I can, I’ll be joining every yoga retreat she organizes.”
— Christina
“There’s no doubt you’re in safe hands with Yogi Anthropologist Gillian Evans. Our Ikarian ‘Blue Zone’ retreat was thoughtfully organised and carefully considered from start to finish. Her appreciation of a simple yet quality way of life became apparent as we basked in morning sunshine in the open-air yoga studio overlooking the Aegean sea. It really couldn’t get any better than this! A slow-moving, careful physical practice alongside thought-provoking readings, genuine care (with an emphasis on self-care) and infectious humour. I felt my mind and body unfolding as the week went on leading to a steady grounding I thought I’d long lost.
Spinal release in the evenings encouraged a letting go of the whole body and incredibly restful sleep followed. My shoulders and hips released - as did my heart - at this nourishing and transformative retreat. Thank you Gillian.”
— Karen
“My first yoga retreat was everything I’d hoped for. Sun Salutations at sun rise overlooking the sea and early evening spinal release for winding down and relaxation. Gillian Evans’ offer of a gentle enquiry into our yoga practice gave me the confidence to explore my body and mind both on and off the mat. I’d recommend Gillian’s retreats to anybody looking to raise their awareness of what their practice means to them.”
— Ruby
“Gillian guided my daughter and I through what was an amazing week in Sardinia. The yoga practice was deep and at times tough for me. I have done much dynamic yoga but the depth and detail in this practice and the requirement to sit with ones self in a way I have not done before was a new challenge.
We felt entirely held and nurtured and the connection that developed among the group through the week was testament to the atmosphere that Gillian created. She was assisted wonderfully by her daughter who also gave a fascinating workshop on essential oils.
The food was lovely and the time off the mat was organised perfectly, a highlight being a magical boat trip around the coast to beaches only accessible by sea. We left feeling restored and at peace.”
— Zac
“Gillian is a truly inspirational and motivating teacher. I knew this from her classes at Beckenham Place Park, but spending a week with her on a yoga retreat in Sardinia was a very special experience. Through the individual attention which Gillian and Ty give to every participant, my practice improved so much. I also made some lovely new friends as we chatted over gorgeous food and relaxed meals.
The silent walk to the beach to experience the sunrise was something that I will never forget. Thank you Gillian. I look forward to many more retreats!’ ”
— Angela
“I had an idyllic time at Gillian’s retreat in Sardinia. It was the perfect mix of yoga, downtime and meeting new people. We created a really special community for the week and there was so much love and kindness, I came away feeling totally rested and recharged. ”
— Florence
“I have always been skeptical about yoga / meditation retreats, not till I had the opportunity to experience the retreats run by Gillian. Joining the retreat at Sardinia was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. After battling my personal struggles for a long time, I left the retreat with a sense of renewal, strength and focus.
Through the yoga and meditation sessions, Gillian has helped me find self-alignment (both physically and mentally), and interacting with the other individuals at the retreat was extremely enriching for me. I am looking forward to joining the retreat again!”
— Serene
Image by Stanislav Grapatin