07821 870975
Simply Love Yoga
Aim for progress not perfection
About Me
My love affair with Yoga
My name is Samantha Lavery, I teach Yoga and Qigong
I am passionate about wellness and how to stay healthy and happy
In 2011, my family and I moved to Sumatra, Indonesia. Until then my exercise of choice was running, but running in such a hot climate did not work for me, so as an alternative exercise my friends introduced me to Ashtanga and Flow Yoga. Like many people I was drawn to Yoga for the physical aspect but it was the benefits to my emotional and mental wellbeing where I found greater reward. This was the start of my love affair with Yoga.
After three years, we returned to the UK and once settled and adjusted back to normal life, I took the opportunity to train with the Seasonal Yoga Academy in Glasgow. In 2016, I completed my 200hr training course and started teaching. While teaching I went on to complete the 300hr Advanced Seasonal Training Program. Since then I have completed my Masters Advance Seasonal Yoga, Seasonal Yin Training, additional 50hrs Qigong training and I’m also trained in Aerial Yoga.
Yoga and Meditation gave me tools to help me with day to day stresses and in 2019 I worked with a Mind-Set Coach, transforming the way I think and feel about myself. Changing your mind-set takes you to the next level of happiness and I’ve learned to thrive not just survive.
I love creating positive connections with people. We live in a world where people are feeling increasingly disconnected from each other, leading to loneliness and a feeling of isolation.
I enjoy giving something back to my community; once a month I present for BishopFM promoting health and wellbeing, you can listen using the soundcloud link below
https://soundcloud.com/bishopfm/ten-things-that-can-bring-health-and-happiness
Throughout the summer, I'm a volunteer at the amazing outdoor show Kynren-An Epic Tale of England https://www.11arches.com/kynren
Improving your wellbeing is more than just a fitness decision, it’s a lifestyle commitment. My classes and retreats provide an excellent opportunity to exercise your body and mind, but they’re also places to meet, share and create positive connections with others. Check out my classes and retreats and join my community today.
Client Testimonials
Here’s what some of my students have to say about their experience:
"WOW! What an amazing practice for this month's workshop with Sam Lavery. A beautiful Qigong / Yoga flowing practice to balance Late Summer's Earth energy, stomach and spleen meridians.
After a little breath work to centre us, we were shown where these meridians were, then spent some time tapping and waking them.
A wonderfully explained Qigong practice flowed effortlessly into yoga asanas and sequences. Before sharing Tai Chi walking with us and a peaceful savasana to end.
Perfect start to this weekend. Huge thank you Sam”. - Leigh J (Durham Yoga Group, Belmont Parish Hall, 17th August 2024)
“It’s been a week since I was away on the most wonderful yoga retreat with my bestie Kim, a big thanks to Sam for the most wonderful weekend with Simplyloveyoga.uk
It was a delight to share this weekend with my bestie and also some lovely ladies This little haven a sanctuary of total peace, tranquillity , pampering and relax was made all the more special by Sam, Sue Brierley & Mike at The Gables Pod Camping Spa Retreat , you all go the extra mile the hospitality the attention to detail , the warm welcome and hug of love and the most delicious food is far better than a 5 star hotel .
Big thanks for the most amazing weekend and roll on next year”. - Joanne H (weekend retreat August 2024)
“Excellent classes with clear explanations to not only the postures but the benefits of each. I am a yoga novice and only attended one “real” class prior to lockdown but have continued to learn and benefit from Sam’s teaching throughout lockdown. I think lockdown would have been a much more negative experience without these classes so cannot recommend highly enough. Looking forward to returning to “real” classes.” - Deb H
“I do Qigong with Samantha - I love it. It's revitalising, energising and relaxing. I thoroughly enjoy all the seasonal exercises. Samantha is a great teacher. This is a good class for older folks as it helps keep you supple”. – Pam P
Retreats
I regularly host Yoga and Qigong retreats, offering a chance to immerse yourself in practices that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. These retreats are designed to help you disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with yourself and others in a supportive and serene environment. I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery—my next retreats are in May, June and August 2025, and more details can be found on the retreats section.
Let’s Connect
If you’d like to explore how Yoga and Qigong can enhance your well-being, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you’re welcome to join my classes and retreats. You can subscribe to my mailing list, follow me on social media for updates on upcoming events, classes, and wellness tips.
Explore my classes, check out the retreat details, and join our vibrant, supportive community today!
Seasonal Yoga, Qigong, Seasonal Yin
Balancing Mind, Body and Emotions
For all levels and abilities
Seasonal Yoga and Qigong: Flow with the Seasons
Seasonal Yoga blends the dynamic flow of Yoga with the mindful movements of Qigong. By connecting breath with movement, it helps balance your mind, body, and emotions in harmony with the shifting energy of the seasons.
Just like in nature, our bodies have an innate ability to find balance. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each major organ aligns with a specific seasonal energy. Seasonal Yoga taps into this by guiding vital energy—known as Chi or Prana—through the body's energy pathways (meridians) to support and nourish the organs. Through postures, movements, and stretches, you can influence your energy and improve your emotional state.
The practice also incorporates breathwork and meditation to bring you to a place of stillness. This often leads to feelings of calm and bliss. By releasing emotional stress stored in the body through Yoga, Qigong, and mindful breathing (Pranayama), you'll feel lighter, more at peace, and grounded.
Seasonal Yin Yoga: A Deeper Connection
Seasonal Yin is a slow, meditative practice focused on the deeper layers of the body—fascia, connective tissue, ligaments, joints, and bones. With long-held postures, typically lasting three to five minutes or more, this practice helps release blockages, allowing energy to flow freely. Using props for support, we can go deeper into the body, releasing tension and opening up areas that feel stuck.
Benefits include lengthened connective tissue, improved flexibility, better circulation, and reduced stress and anxiety.
It's All About the Practice
Yoga isn’t about perfect poses—it's about showing up on the mat, tuning into how you feel, and using your breath to work through whatever challenges arise. This makes it a practice that anyone, regardless of ability, can benefit from.
Bringing balance to the mind, body and emotions
Qigong: Energise and Balance Your Body
Qigong is all about moving energy through breath and gentle movements. It has so many benefits—from strengthening your immune system to calming your mind and energising your body at the same time.
Imagine your energy like a river flowing through your body. When the river flows smoothly, your energy is balanced, and your body is in great health. But when stress or tension causes blockages, it’s like a dam in the river. On one side, energy builds up and stagnates, while on the other side, there’s depletion—this imbalance can lead to health issues.
Qigong helps to clear those blockages and restore balance, supporting your overall well-being.
It’s one of the most accessible practices, suitable for all abilities.
More Than Just Fitness
Improving your well-being isn’t just about working out—it’s a lifestyle commitment. My Qigong classes are a chance to not only exercise your body and mind but also to meet, share, and connect with others in a positive, supportive community. Explore my class offerings below and join us today.
Qigong is the movement of energy through breath and movement, it’s good for so many different things; it strengthens the immune system, calms the mind and at the same time energises the body.
Your energy is like a great river that runs through the body. When the river is flowing freely, your energy is flowing, the body is in really good health.
When there are blockages for example through tension or stress then the river starts to get blocked. On one side of the blockage, you get a build up, a stagnation of energy, then on the other side, complete depletion and then the body is out of balance. That’s when health issues can start to surface.
Qigong works to bring your body back into balance to help maintain good health.
It is one of the most accessible practices for all abilities
Improving your wellbeing is more than just a fitness decision, it’s a lifestyle commitment. My classes provide an excellent opportunity to exercise your body and mind, but they’re also places to meet, share and create positive connections with others. Check out where my classes are below and join my community today.
Class Details
Monday
Seasonal Yoga 13.00-14.30
Redworth Hall Gym - Members only
Monday
Seasonal Yoga 17.30 - 18.45
Byers Green Community Hall, 2 Institute St/85 High St, DL16 7NX
Booking is essential. Book here
Price: £7.50 per class or £28.00 for a block of 4
Tuesday
Qigong 10.30-11.15am
Heighington Village Hall, Heighington, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6PE
£6 per class, no need to book, just turn up
Thursday
Seasonal Yoga 12.15-13.30
Meadowfield Leisure Centre
Contact Meadowfield direct to book
Thursday
Seasonal Yoga 18.30 - 19.45
School Aycliffe Community Hall, Eastfields Road, DL5 6QH
Booking is essential. Book here
Price: £7.50 per class or £28.00 for a block of 4
07821 870975
My Retreats
A Sanctuary for Reconnection
Dates:
9-11th May 2025 - 2 spaces available
13-15th June 2025 - 8 Spaces available
22-24th August 2025 - 2 Spaces Available
Do you sometimes feel exhausted, irritable, or restless?
Constantly being 'switched on' takes a toll on our nervous system. In the midst of our busy daily routines, we often lack the time, space, and energy to truly focus on ourselves and nurture our mind, body, and spirit.
There's a saying: "You need to fill your own cup before you can fill others’." If we don’t prioritise our own well-being, we risk becoming depleted when we try to care for others. Self-care isn’t selfish—when we feel happy, healthy, and energised, we’re better equipped to support others without feeling drained.
A yoga retreat offers the perfect opportunity to replenish your energy, providing a sanctuary where you can rest, renew, and rediscover inner peace in a natural and holistic way. These retreats aren’t just about physical practice—they offer profound emotional and mental benefits as well.
This two-night retreat offers an opportunity to enrich your body and mind through the traditional arts of yoga and qigong, to help you reach that next level of vitality, vibrancy and happiness in life, and all in a setting that is at one with mother nature.
The focus of this weekend is YOU! It’s about helping you to let go of the stresses and strains of life as well as strengthening your practice so that you feel revived and relaxed.
How a Retreat Can Benefit You
Provides the space needed to facilitate healing
Enhances and deepens your yoga practice
Reduces stress and anxiety by disconnecting from your daily routine
Releases negative thinking patterns and increases motivation for change
Encourages self-care with dedicated time for reflection and rejuvenation
Connects you with a supportive community of like-minded individuals
Helps you develop a deeper awareness, fostering a stronger connection with yourself and others
A Weekend of Yoga and Qigong to Relax and Recharge
Location: Gables Pod Camping – Winner of the hit TV Show Four in a Bed
Dates: (See below for available retreats)
Price: £335 per person (shared accommodation)
Escape to the historic Saxon village of Escomb, Bishop Auckland, for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The retreat combines Seasonal Yoga, Qigong, and Meditation to help you embrace the energy of the season in the serene surroundings of Gables Pod Luxury Camping.
Enjoy luxury pod camping with en-suite facilities, vegetarian meals, and access to hot tubs, a shared sauna, and beautiful natural surroundings. In the evenings, gather in the peaceful Teepee with its soft lighting and warming campfire for reflective practices like yoga nidra, pranayama, and meditation.
Retreat Schedule
Friday
14:00 Arrival and Welcome Tea/Coffee
16:30–18:00 Yoga in the teepee
18:30 Dinner
20:00–20:30 Relaxation Session
(Pranayama/Meditation, Yoga Nidra or Sound Bath)
Saturday
8:30–10:00 Yoga
10:30 Breakfast
14:00 Light Lunch
17:00–18:00 Qigong
18:30 Dinner
20:00–20:30 Relaxation session
(Pranayama/Meditation Sound Bath or Yoga Nidra)
Sunday
8:30–10:00 Yoga
10:30 Breakfast
12:00 Departure
Accommodation Details
You’ll be staying at Gables Pod Camping, where each luxury pod is fully insulated and equipped with an en-suite bathroom, bedding, toiletries, and other comforts like a mini-fridge and kettle. Accommodation is shared—each pod features a double bed, while the cottage has two bedrooms, one with a double bed, and one with two single beds, and a cosy living area downstairs. Each pod and the cottage has a hot-tub.
Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate and peaceful setting, so bookings are based on two people sharing a pod or the cottage.
What’s Included
Three yoga sessions, one qigong session and two relaxation sessions
Luxury pod accommodation with en-suite bathroom (shared basis)
Vegetarian continental breakfast, light lunch, and vegetarian dinner
A glass of wine with your evening meal
Tea, coffee, herbal tea
Use of the hot tubs, shared sauna, teepee for yoga, and serenity room for meals
Opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals
Extras: Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase if you fancy a cocktail or two during the weekend!
Dates:
9-11th May 2025 - 2 spaces available
13-15th June 2025 - 8 Spaces available
22-24th August 2025 - 2 Spaces Available
Pricing and Payment
Total Cost: £335 per person
(Additional charge of £20pp for the cottage—contact for availability)
Deposit: A £60 deposit secures your booking, with two further payments (details on request)
Book Your Spot
As this is an intimate retreat with limited availability, early booking is essential. To reserve your place, please call me at 07821 870975 or email simplyloveyoga.uk@gmail.com.