🌟🧘‍♀️STUDENT OF THE MONTH🧘‍♀️🌟
🌟March 2026 Student of the month is……. Philippa Latham!

In the Yoga Sutras, Abhyasa (steady, dedicated practice) and Vairagya ( non-attachment) are described as two pillars that support the path of yoga. One invites us to keep showing up with consistency, while the other reminds us not to cling too tightly to outcomes, expectations, or even to the idea of perfection.

Philippa embodies these qualities beautifully in her practice. Week after week she arrives with a warm heart and a quiet sincerity, bringing a sense of steadiness to the room. Through this simple but powerful consistency, I’ve watched her postures evolve and strengthen, and I’ve seen her grow more confident in her body and in what it can do.

What I particularly admire is her dedication even when things haven’t been perfect. Despite the occasional aches and pains that we all endure from time to time, she has continued to show up, adapting when needed and trusting the process. That spirit of patience and perseverance is the essence of yoga practice.

Philippa reminds us that progress doesn’t come from pushing harder or striving for the “perfect” pose. It comes from returning, again and again, with openness and care. Her practice is a lovely example of how steady effort, paired with a lightness of heart, allows strength and confidence to grow naturally over time.

Tell us a little about yourself….

Hello,

My name is Philippa Latham. I am 68 years young and live with my husband, Richard, and our two cats in Hardington Moor. We moved to Somerset from Reading two years ago.

I have always kept myself fit. Working in childcare meant constantly running around after children, and in nursing I worked on busy wards - you can imagine how many steps I covered in a shift!

After having my daughters, I maintained my fitness through a combination of Zumba and jogging. As I reached my late fifties, I naturally began to slow down a little and found more enjoyment in walking and swimming.

During the Covid period, like many people, we walked a great deal. Since moving to Somerset, we have continued to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas, exploring the Monarch’s Way and various other footpaths. We are also frequent visitors to the beach.

In between walks, we’ve kept busy with our lovely garden, which we inherited when we moved. It has many raised beds where we grow our own vegetables, and last year we spent a lot of time tending to our espalier fruit trees.

How long have you been practicing yoga and what made you start?

I began my yoga journey in Reading about four years ago. I had been experiencing occasional lower back pain and was referred to physiotherapy, worried that something serious might be wrong. It turned out the issue was likely due to poor posture. I was given a set of exercises, including sun salutations.

Gradually, my back pain improved, and I was advised that yoga would be one of the best ways to build strength and improve posture. That was the beginning of my yoga journey and I haven’t looked back. As soon as I moved to Somerset, I started searching for classes.

I discovered Iyengar Yoga and haven’t looked back since.

What’s your favourite pose?

My favourite pose is Supta Baddha Konasana - a wonderfully restful posture that helps relieve stress (according to my yoga “bible”!). I love the feeling of opening and lifting the chest, while the bolster provides gentle support for my back.

What’s your favourite prop?

My favourite prop is the belt, as it helps deepen stretches and supports proper alignment.

How has practicing yoga benefitted your life?

The benefits for life are invaluable. My practice has improved my physical strength and flexibility, and it gives me a strong sense of overall wellbeing, which is very important to me. It has also made me realise that this is a lifelong journey.

What makes you keep practicing?

No matter what is going on in my life, I enjoy coming to class and fully focusing on the poses and breathwork. When the class finishes, I leave with a sense of achievement - feeling relaxed and at peace.

Thank you, Philippa, for the gentle inspiration you bring to the class - and thank you for sharing your yoga journey with us!

Student of the Month - March 2026 - Philippa

Student of the Month - February 2026 - Howard