Copenhagen

On the Mysore Yoga CPH website they advise you that, in addition to bringing true wellbeing and a sense of community, Astanga yoga helps to improve your sense of humour. What a wonderful way to introduce the practice!

The shala is in a lovely, tree-lined street called Dronning Olgas Vej, in an area called Frederiksberg. The weather was a mixture of bright sunshine and showers as I made my way past big family houses, occupants still asleep.

Travelling solo, I was warmly greeted by Mikko Seppinen, who had already replied to my email booking with additional suggestions about nearby restaurants and places to see. Two Mysore sessions and a workshop with Petri Räisänen, and a chance to explore Copenhagen over the weekend.

I was struck by how friendly everyone was, in breaking their Danish conversation to talk to me in English and in generally making me feel part of things. It’s the great thing about Astanga yoga I find – that you can travel anywhere in the world and find a place to settle, with people who have this lifelong passion in common.

This video clip shows a little about the shala.

After early practice, I caught the metro and the train out to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 25 miles north of Copenhagen , in a beautiful forest, by the water. The Danish really know their design – the style of the building is stunning and it is supposed to be the most beautiful art gallery in the world.

The houses leading up to the gallery are extremely stylish and each very individual.At the gallery  I walked through huge photography exhibits by Jeff Wall and others ,and around a sculpture garden outside. Those wanting to rest could sit and gaze out of huge windows across the water, or eat delicious food in the restaurant at the top. It really was a feast for the eyes, and I left feeling uplifted and proud that I had travelled out beyond the usual city centre tourist attractions. Arken is supposed to be just as spectacular.

After returning for the afternoon workshop with Petri, I choose little dishes of soup and salads and pastas at Scarpetta and, overall, felt very lucky to have had a weekend to myself to explore Copenhagen on my own terms.

Sunday passed in a haze of city walks, sunshine and heading home with a happy heart.