Past life

I took a bit of a trip down memory lane this week. In my past life I was an archaeologist and my old field director was in town for just a few hours giving a seminar in the university. Nearly 20 years ago I was an enthusiastic grad student and he was an up-and-coming lecturer,... Continue Reading →

January 23, 2018 2

Loss and gain

Am I the only healthy person who lost weight over Christmas? Not much (nothing to worry about!), but I don't ever drop weight, nor do I try to, so I'm quite surprised. It's not just the number on the scales though, my jeans don't fit any more. Actually they've started to hang so low on... Continue Reading →

December 30, 2017 11

Best offering

Class started in full praṇām. Prostrate, arms outstretched, palms turned upward. The ultimate giving pose. Deeply humbling, stretched out on the floor, no defense. It's impossible to transition easily out of this posture. But then this pose is not about moving on: it's about being committed here. It's not about the look of it, and... Continue Reading →

December 18, 2017 2

Practising for life

It's not often that someone tells me repeatedly that I'm amazing, doing everything right, and they wish more people they encountered were like me! But this was the message I got yesterday -- and from a psychiatrist of all people. I was referred to him by my GP for the difficulty I've been having sleeping.... Continue Reading →

December 6, 2017 4

Yoga with the dentist

So I've finally had my troublesome tooth taken out. It's been grumbling for a long time and I consulted with various experts to see if it could be saved... Turns out not. So facing one of my greatest fears, I went for an extraction. The last time I had a tooth out it was agonising,... Continue Reading →

November 28, 2017 6

Flotsam

I went to my local supermarket today and turned up the usual aisle for veggies, salads and what-not and instead found myself surrounded by endless packets of meat. Of course, they've rearranged again! And because it's nearing Christmas all the meaty stuff has made its way nearer the front of the store. Curiously I felt... Continue Reading →

November 14, 2017 2

In medias res

I met a work colleague for lunch today -- we see each other every quarter or so for a chat and something of a mutual check-in. She's the only person with ME that I've ever really talked to. I've always avoided fellow-sufferers. Too ill or too painfully brave to be with easily. She's been doing... Continue Reading →

October 16, 2017 1

First and Last

One first time and one last time today — and I’m pretty happy with both. Maybe I’m getting the hang of this non-perfectionism thing. Or maybe the doubting voices in my head haven’t woken up yet! Whatever... So it was the first time teaching in my workplace gym. A lunchtime session which is now mine... Continue Reading →

October 11, 2017 2

Rat catcher

The ethical dilemmas presented by my yoga practice never end. Recently it’s been the expected stuff about material choices and diet, with a bit of concern about cultural appropriation thrown in. It is the latest western yoga craze after all. 😉 And then a phone call today took me by surprise. It was one of... Continue Reading →

October 1, 2017 1

Making room for yoga

This is how our dining table looks. On a good day! It's pretty neat and organised, right? I mean you can see we have a table underneath the spread of books and laptop! Each evening I clear a thin slice free of books at one end so we can eat. Except, that is, on evenings... Continue Reading →