Yoga In The Clouds At The View From The Shard

The tubes were busy for 7am. Passengers jostling me into a cramped corner, a man muttering something in my ear I could not understand. But when I arrived at London Bridge all was forgotten. Two Star Trek style lifts later and I was on the 69^th floor of the Shard, the chaos of London forgotten far below. Soothing music echoed around the cathedral-like spire and Yoga mats dotted the polished floors. I sat cross-legged on a mat and took a deep breath in.

This morning was the launch of Yogasphere’s yoga in the clouds classes at The View From The Shard. At 800 feet above London it is the city’s highest yoga class and is certainly the most elevated place I’ve ever adopted a tree pose.

Yogasphere is run by the calming duo of Leo Lourdes and Mandy Jhamat who hold classes and one-on-one yoga sessions across London as well as hosting retreats in idyllic locations like Thailand and Costa Rica. From the 7^th June they will be holding 8 weekly classes from the top of the Shard – weather permitting classes will take place on the open-air 72^nd floor, just below the shards of glass that top the building.

On a clear day The View From The Shard boasts 360 degree views of London for up to 40 miles –it’s a dizzying, exhilarating experience (although obviously not one for those who don’t like heights!)

From Downward Dog to Warrior poses I didn’t let the phenomenal view distract from the meditative practise, if anything being so far removed from the frenetic city helped me focus even better. If you’ll excuse the puns, I left the Yogasphere in the clouds class with my spirits lifted and would highly recommend it.

(Me ‘posing’ in the Warrior pose)

More Info

A programme of 8 weekly sessions will start on Saturday 7^th June, 8.30am – 9.30am (viewing from 8.15am – 9.45am) and costs £40 per session in advance. For more information and to book visit www.yogasphere.eu.

Tickets for The View from The Shard are available here: http://bit.ly/1jyk7ez.