New year, old me

So inexorably the year has turned. On social media I see others partying, recovering, and setting intentions for the next 12 months. I've managed the first two of these to some degree, but I don't feel at all ready to look forward yet. There still seems so much unresolved from the previous year. So many... Continue Reading →

January 3, 2018 7

Being at home

As assist in class today helping me move a little deeper in Agnistambhasana (Firelog pose) was offered with the words: "don't do anything, just breathe". It was undoubtedly the most reassuring instruction I'd heard in a good few days and filled me with quiet relief during those moments. After all, outside of the movies, Christmas... Continue Reading →

December 28, 2017 2

Small transformations

I heard a teacher say recently that the term ‘authentic’ is used so often it makes you think the opposite. I have that feeling about ‘transformative’ also. I kind of groan inwardly each time I come across it, or hear myself about to say it. But it does seem that way, yoga really does seem... Continue Reading →

November 6, 2017 4

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

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 →

September 22, 2017 6

Physiotherapy is no joke

I knew it wasn't going to be a laugh-a-minute when the physio started off the session by insisting that I speak up when (not if) the discomfort got too much to take. Cue instant muscular tension in my whole body in anticipation! But I find I've learnt a thing or two from yoga practices about... Continue Reading →

August 31, 2017 0

Change of scene

When I'm at home I love to roll my mat out in the same place each time. I know exactly where I need to be to avoid the lampshade in Urdhva Hastasana... In my local studio I have my favourite spots also, depending on which class it is, how I'm feeling... Oh yes, many attachments... Continue Reading →

July 27, 2017 6

What’s the answer? What’s the question?

My boss is just back from a conference so we spent some time chatting about it. The major theme for us was understanding how to organise information or data and how we find the information we need. We talked about the possible relationship between the availability of data and the questions we choose to ask,... Continue Reading →

July 13, 2017 2

Yoga in the heatwave… and after

We had a heatwave in England recently. I loved it! I am definitely solar powered. I come alive when the rest of the country is wilting. And practice feels different in my body. Muscles just feel nicely stretchy from the outset. I don't know that I move more deeply within any particular āsana, but from... Continue Reading →

July 3, 2017 0

Expanding universe

I'm feeling wildly intrepid at the moment. Not that anyone would notice any difference from the outside if they watched my practice. But I'm being adventurous even within my modest shapes. I'm exploring, creeping my way into new territory one breath at a time. No sudden movements, no great disturbances, just patient, persistent exploration. My... Continue Reading →