When I first opened the doors of Yoga in the Cabin back in June, I honestly had no idea what would happen and how it would be received. Obviously you dream of a constant flow of sign-ups and classes that run without a mistake – and there have been lots of days exactly like that but it’s the days with little surprises and small challenges that have been invaluable in teaching me lessons so far. Here are some of the most important things I’ve learned in the past few months:
1. The space really helps to shape the practice
Teaching in a cabin has been magical. The creak of the wooden floor, the soft scent of the Spruce logs, the sunlight that shines through the windows and moves through the cabin as the sun arcs — it all creates a unique stillness that I’ve not experienced elsewhere in a class. The stillness outside from the trees also seems to seep into the cabin, helping us soften our movements and deepen our breathwork. There is a slow, intentional, and rooted feel to the classes which I just love!
2. People don’t just come for yoga
Yes, students come to stretch, breathe, and move — but they also come for connection. Some of the most rewarding moments for me are when they share how yoga is helping them beyond the mat: navigating difficult situations, caring for elderly parents, or simply feeling a little calmer in daily life.
Those conversations before and after class are precious. They’re a reminder that yoga isn’t just about the poses — it’s about the way it gently shapes how we live, think, and care for ourselves. Knowing that someone’s life feels just a little lighter, a little brighter, because of our time together is the greatest reward of all.
3. Running yoga classes means running a business
When the classes, conversations, and connections wrap up for the day, the behind-the-scenes work is always waiting — scheduling, payments, social media, marketing, and planning future classes. In my day job as a marketer, I usually have my fill of those tasks by 5 pm but doing them for my own business — for something I truly care about — feels different. It’s more personal, more rewarding.
If I’m honest, I’d be quite content in a world without social media. But that’s not the world we live in, and I’ve learned that meeting people where they are is essential. I’m actually very grateful for the students who’ve found me through local Facebook groups. Still, my heart will always belong to what happens inside the cabin: the real-life connections, the shared laughter, and making sure every person who walks through the door feels valued, seen, and welcome.
4. The teacher is always a student
As a new teacher, some parts of the role have felt surprisingly natural, while others have been more of a learning curve. Cueing seems to have come quite easily — guiding people into poses, encouraging them to focus inward, breathe deeply, and really feel each movement.
What hasn’t come quite as smoothly is keeping track of sides. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve paused mid-flow, wondering, Wait… did we already do the left side? And yes, there have been a few occasions where we’ve done a pose on one side and completely skipped the other. Thankfully, one of my students will always gently remind me — and they never seem to mind.
Maybe they appreciate seeing that I’m human too, still at the start of my teaching journey. Having such kind, supportive students makes all the difference. They make it easier not just to teach, but to learn and grow alongside them.
What would I have done differently so far?
Honestly, nothing — except perhaps to have taken the plunge sooner! It’s been an absolute joy to welcome each and every person through the cabin door.
As I look ahead, I do feel a small flicker of concern about the cold, wet winter months. Will people still want to make the journey when they have to scrape ice off their windscreens or when a cosy night in with Netflix calls? It will certainly be a different kind of magic in the cabin — the gentle hum of the heater, the glow of twinkling lights, and the sound of rain or snow just outside.
But here’s what I know for sure: no matter the season, the gifts of yoga remain the same. The quiet pause at the start of class, the steady rhythm of breath, the release in the body, and the sense of connection we share — these are constants. Whether it’s summer sunshine streaming through the windows or winter frost framing the glass, the joy we find in yoga is steady, enduring, and always worth showing up for.
See you on the mat soon!
Michelle x
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