a little bit
about me
Hi, I’m Karen! Welcome to Samsara Yoga, which is based between Thornbury and Berkeley/Dursley in Gloucestershire. I’m a qualified Hatha Yoga teacher, and a certified Yoga Pros teacher. I found yoga later in life, in my 50’s, having tried it years ago. I really didn’t get it back then, but fast forward to today and yoga has changed my life on every level.
Yoga has been a wonderful gift that has enabled me to improve my physical and mental health, to the point where I have changed careers to share what I have learned so far, and bring this joyful journey to others, in the same way that yoga has inspired me.
Whilst I can’t yet do handstands (one day!) I’ve found yoga has given me a physical strength and mental resilience that I’ve never experienced before. Beyond the physical experience of practicing yoga, I have found an increased sense of calm and balance in my life, enabling me to feel more conscious and intentional, and embrace what life may bring.
I have a particular interest in yoga for menopause, for those over forty and fifty, and beginners who want to experience a holistic and authentic practice. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced student, my aim is to meet you wherever you are in your practice and support you in developing it further. Everyone is welcome to join. My aim is create a safe and welcoming space for all to develop.
![KarenBleakley[400x400px] Karen Bleakley Yoga Instructor](https://samsarayoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KarenBleakley400x400px.jpg)
why yoga
benefits & outcomes
Better Joint Health
as we age bones weaken and aches and pains become common – yoga can help reduce age related muscle and bone deterioration
Sleep Better
by calming your nervous system, regular yoga practice can prepare your body for more deeper and more restful sleep
Balance Your Mind
stress relief, improved sleep, noticing your internal signals and being able to respond to them, improving your concentration and mood overall
Pain Management
can help to alleviate chronic pain through relaxation and gentle stretching
Lower Blood Pressure
and better breathing, improving cardiovascular functioning
Increase Flexibility
and balance, throughout the body, reducing the risk of injury, increasing your overall strength
why yoga
benefits & outcomes
Better Joint Health
as we age bones weaken and aches and pains become common – yoga can help reduce age related muscle and bone deterioration
Sleep Better
by calming your nervous system, regular yoga practice can prepare your body for more deeper and more restful sleep
Balance Your Mind
stress relief, improved sleep, noticing your internal signals and being able to respond to them, improving your concentration and mood overall
Pain Management
can help to alleviate chronic pain through relaxation and gentle stretching
Lower Blood Pressure
and better breathing, improving cardiovascular functioning
Increase Flexibility
and balance, throughout the body, reducing the risk of injury, increasing your overall strength
dont delay
book today
WhatsApp me for a booking link on 07713 854 169 or
Download the Spond App, register and use the code UXDET to join the Samsara Yoga Community where you can view and book classes
introducing our
yoga classes
![KarenBleakley[Pose_v4]200px Karen Bleakley yoga pose](https://samsarayoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KarenBleakleyPose_v4200px.jpg)
Beginners Yoga
For those new to yoga or returning after a break. This class focuses on building a strong and confident yoga foundation in an inclusive and supportive environment
![KarenBleakley[Pose_v2]200px Karen Bleakley yoga pose](https://samsarayoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KarenBleakleyPose_v2200px.jpg)
121 Yoga sessions
Tailored to specific goals and needs, supporting you in building your individual practice, suitable for beginners through to intermediate students
![KarenBleakley[Pose_v3]200px Karen Bleakley yoga pose](https://samsarayoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KarenBleakleyPose_v3200px.jpg)
Mindful Flow
For those advancing beyond beginner stage who wish to develop an embodied practice that builds strength and flexibility whilst cultivating a more profound mind-body connection
![KarenBleakley[Pose_v1]200px Karen Bleakley yoga pose](https://samsarayoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KarenBleakleyPose_v1200px.jpg)
Yin Yoga
Coming in April 2026, this deeply revitalising practice increases flexibility and releases deep held tension from your body and mind, by targeting fascia, ligaments and joints
our most
frequently asked questions
You can WhatsApp me for a booking link on 07713 854169 or download the Spond App, register and use the code UXDET to join the Samsara Yoga Community. Once your registration is approved, you can view and book classes. Please pop me a WhatsApp message on 07713854169, so that I know which classes you want to be able to view in the app. I teach in several locations, so I can make the class nearest to you available for you to view and book, if you let me know where you are.
The best and most cost effective way to book is to book a four week block – your yoga sorted for the calendar month! Blocks are available to book at the start of each month, and the duration of the block is for that particular calendar month. Missed classes cannot be rolled over.
Prices: if you’re planning to come every week, the best option is to book a block of four classes, available at the start of each month. Alternatively single class spots are available, subject to class size and availability.
Thornbury 6 weeks: £66.00 plus small transaction fee £67.90 total
Berkeley 4 weeks: £40.00 plus small transaction fee: £41.24 total. Single spots: £12.00
Wotton: 4 weeks: £44.00 plus small transaction fee: £45.34 total: Single spots: £13.03
Cam: 4 weeks: £40.00 plus small transaction fee: £41.24 total: Single spots: £11.49
Sharpness: Single spots: £10.00
Falfield: 4 weeks: £46.00 plus small transaction fee: £47.39 total Single class £12.52
(If you can’t make a full block, subject to class availability, I can create a partial block of 2 or 3 passes for you, which can be used at Berkeley, Cam & Sharpness classes. WhatsApp to enquire about this option)
All classes or courses are payable via the Spond App only, please WhatsApp or text 07713854169 for booking link.
121 / Private group sessions: please contact me on 07713854169 to discuss your requirements
As a small business, your booking a yoga class means a lot to me. However, I encourage you to book only for classes you can attend, as refunds aren’t offered for missed classes.
If in the unlikely event a session or course is cancelled by us you will be offered a refund or the option of being transferred to another course or class.
Where a waiting list exists for a class, and we are able to fill your booked space, we may, at our discretion, offer to move your booking to the next available session, this may be at a different location to that originally booked. Missed classes cannot be rolled over to the next class.
Bookings, whether block bookings or single spots, are not transferable without prior confirmation and are at our discretion / subject to availability.
Thank you for understanding, this helps us keep classes fair and accessible for everyone.
You might want a 121 because you need specific support with returning to a yoga routine, or be working with an existing injury…or maybe you want some specific support developing a particular aspect of your practice. 121s can help enormously, as you receive individual attention and support designed just for you.
121 classes can be held at your home or a suitable location of your choice. A phone consultation to assess your requirements is required first to ensure you get the best out of the session.
Private Group Sessions: these can be a wonderful idea for a special event, for sessions of up to 10 people. Please note you will need to provide a suitable venue (size, space required for the number of people)… Do contact me for more information.
Pricing for the above 121 or Private Group Sessions available on request : WhatsApp 07713854169 to enquire
Absolutely! I specialise in teaching complete beginners (and returners after a break).
Everything in the class is fully guided, adapted for beginners to help them gain strength and flexibility over time. Everything is clearly explained, all you need to do is show up and follow along! Options are given, and you might surprise yourself as to what you can achieve after just a few classes.
In Thornbury, my class is at 7pm on Mondays (this class is a 6 week block booking in advance only) (15 spaces) – WhatsApp for information on the next block 07713854169
My other classes available to book monthly or weekly are below: both four week blocks and single spaces are available
Berkeley Town Hall, 7pm Tuesdays (15 spaces) GL13 9DB
The Cotswold Pavilion at KLB School, Wotton, 6pm Wednesdays (18 spaces) GL128RB
Cam Memorial Hall 6.15pm Thursdays (13 spaces) GL115LE
Sharpness Village Hall, 6pm Fridays (16 spaces) GL139NA
Falfield Village Hall, 11am Sundays (10 spaces) GL128DH
Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure we can start on time. Bring your mat if you have one :0) and if you need advice on buying a suitable mat let me know, I’m happy to help!
Booking is required for all classes – unfortunately no drop ins, to allow me to manage classes safely and fairly. Thank you for understanding.
Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. If you have a mat please do bring that, and any props you are comfortable using (cushions/blocks). In winter months you may want an extra layer for the end of class, but the classroom is heated. If you are unsure what you may need please don’t hesitate to contact me
read our
testimonials
“Thank you for the lovely yoga session, I felt great afterwards. I’ve been practicing and making sure I eat regularly and it’s really helping with my sleep. Thank you so much!”
“After a Samsara Yoga class I always feel deeply relaxed and released. My strength is building too, and I always feel encouraged and able to participate as there are options for every pose, so I feel I can learn and develop each time.”
Yoga Pro member

Disclaimer
As with all forms of physical exercise it is prudent to consult your doctor before starting.
If you have any doubts about the suitability of yoga you should refer back to your medical practitioner.



