18 May Sefali’s Yoga in Syon Park For Alzheimer’s Society
Local yoga instructor Sefali Dhani has been guiding her students toward greater fitness and peace for over two decades.
A fully qualified teacher known for her technical expertise, she even served as an examiner for the British Wheel of Yoga, and her work has earned recognition on the BBC and in The Guardian.
Committed to community health, Sefali co-founded the Heston Wellness Centre – a non-profit that provides free yoga (including chair yoga) and tai chi classes for seniors and others who need it.
In May 2025, she brings that same passion to a special event: on Tuesday 20 May 2025 from 1:30–2:00 PM, Sefali will lead a half-hour chair yoga class at the historic Great Conservatory in Syon Park, Brentford (TW8 8JF.
This session is offered on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society, blending gentle wellness with a heartfelt cause.
Gentle Chair Yoga for Everyone
Chair yoga adapts traditional yoga poses so they can be done sitting or with a chair’s support, making the practice accessible and gentle for anyone. For example, using a chair to perform yoga poses “supports your body and protects against falls and injury while you get stronger.”
In other words, this is “a safe and accessible version” of yoga that works for older adults or anyone with limited mobility. Even a short session can help participants gently build strength, flexibility and balance without strain.
As one Alzheimer’s Society yoga instructor observes, yoga and meditation require no special flexibility – “there really is something for everyone” – and these practices play “a valuable role in supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing” for people of all ages.
In Sefali’s class, beginners and experienced yogis alike can move mindfully at their own pace, breathing deeply to relieve stress and uplift their spirits.
A Peaceful Venue: The Great Conservatory at Syon Park
Set in the heart of Syon Park’s 200-acre historic gardens, the Great Conservatory is a breathtaking glasshouse built in the 1820s. This stately structure – part of the Duke of Northumberland’s estate – sits amid Capability Brown–landscaped grounds that are Grade I listed for their rare trees, rose gardens and winding lakeside walks. On a sunny spring afternoon, the conservatory’s glass dome floods the room with warm light, creating a soothing, uplifting atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Outside, lush lawns and flowering beds stretch toward tranquil ponds, offering a living picture of nature’s beauty.
Even inside the glasshouse the serenity of the park is ever-present. A central lily pond reflects the intricate dome overhead and is filled with blooming water lilies and exotic plants, bringing a slice of green and calm to the space. Practicing chair yoga here feels like being in a sunlit indoor garden: the quiet ripple of water and the gentle rustle of palm leaves encourage mindful breathing. Surrounded by this peaceful beauty, participants can let go of daily cares and focus on steady movement and inner calm – an experience that mirrors the therapeutic spirit of the session.
Yoga for a Meaningful Cause
This chair yoga class isn’t just about personal wellbeing; it’s dedicated to supporting the Alzheimer’s Society and everyone affected by dementia. By exercising gently together in such a peaceful setting, the community shares compassion as well as health. Research and practitioners agree that gentle yoga can ease anxiety and improve mood. For instance, Alzheimer’s Society experts note that these mindful movements are adaptable to any fitness level (“don’t require… flexibility”) and offer real benefits for anyone’s body and mind. Each breath and stretch becomes both a moment of self-care and a step toward a larger purpose. In this way, every participant not only nourishes their own strength and serenity, but also contributes to a larger wave of support and hope for those living with Alzheimer’s and their carers.
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