Safe space

I remember early days of yoga class when I felt really intimidated simply by being in the room and I would sit anxiously waiting for class to start, fidgeting mindlessly and half-considering doing a runner to the pub while there was still time to get out. (Nowadays I admit I still often feel this anxiety... Continue Reading →

February 7, 2018 5

All I want for Christmas

It's funny how the build up for Christmas all too easily takes on a life of its own, even for those of us who don't feel particularly strongly about this festival. Expectations mount; things must be just so. I had been moaning a little about Christmas this year: my first vegetarian Christmas with my own... Continue Reading →

December 25, 2017 4

What gives?

A friend of mine asked me recently how my classes are going. I didn't know what to say -- they just are. I show up and do my best, my students show up and do their best. It's all good. I find (slightly contrary to expectations, so it must be true!!) that I really love... Continue Reading →

November 22, 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

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

Remember, remember

I started my class this week by asking if anyone could remember what we'd been chanting the week before, a simple sutra, familiar enough to me now that it readily springs to mind or lips in particular situations. It can be something of an anchor when I feel drowning in a sea of new (half)... Continue Reading →

July 5, 2017 6

The luck of yoga class

A busy class means you have much less say in picking your mat neighbours. I was 50% lucky. The guy on one side was someone whose practice I marvel at and I love his internal-ness during practice. He's just solid and it helps me feel grounded and more sure of myself. Great! But 50% lucky... Continue Reading →

April 18, 2017 1

On friendship

I'm starting up my little bit of teaching again in a week and my thoughts are turning from my own practice to my teaching. I have a weekly semi-private with two former colleagues who sit on the edge of my friendship circle: we do a little bit of mostly in-office socialising, lunch and stuff. Ordinarily... Continue Reading →

January 9, 2017 2

Zen and the art of mother maintenance

My parents stayed for the weekend. I enjoyed treating them a bit and relaxing with those who know me in a special way. Conversations were mainly light and we had some good laughs, the generation gap not being stretched to breaking point. Sign of yogic flexibility off the mat perhaps!? Yesterday afternoon as my dad dozed... Continue Reading →

November 6, 2016 4

Continuing with Iyengar?

So I've completed my baby Iyengar course now (6 introductory sessions at the Iyengar Institute in London). I was sad to miss the final class with the usual teacher since I was (ahem) teaching a class myself. So I hauled myself down one evening after work to catch a session with another teacher. It was interesting to... Continue Reading →