Guru in cyberspace

Before I left home for a few weeks, a couple of my students came to talk to me about how they could continue practising while I'm away. I had this great conversation with one student in particular, a newbie who's attended two classes only. I asked her what she wanted in her practice, so I... Continue Reading →

March 8, 2018 9

I asked, they told

I sent out a little survey to my workplace yogis recently, asking them for feedback on my teaching and anything more they'd like me to offer -- suggesting possibilities of some longer classes, one to ones, or workshops on particular themes.... I got an overwhelming response. About three quarters were 'yes' or 'maybe' for wanting... Continue Reading →

February 21, 2018 2

Out beyond the castle defences

We had dinner with neighbours just recently. They're only a door away but even so our interactions have been quite limited. An Englishman's home is his castle after all. A party at ours a couple of years ago is still the longest time we've ever spent together; it's just quick hellos in the street as... Continue Reading →

February 20, 2018 1

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

Ineffable

I'm reeling. Not just wobbly from physical fatigue as muscles I didn't know I had assert themselves with increasing soreness. I'm also reeling mentally from so many new ideas and possibilities... I'm just back from a weekend of workshops which involved some of the most physically intense asana and pranayama practice I've ever attempted, some... Continue Reading →

January 29, 2018 2

Promises, promises

I feel that yoga promises much. Inherently. If you listen carefully. Sure, there are sometimes big bang fireworks moments where everything (and I mean everything) suddenly hits you with a crystal clarity that life is epically awesome, that you are awesome, and the cosmos is perfect. I feel fortunate that I have experienced something of... Continue Reading →

January 20, 2018 0

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

Crowdpleaser

My teacher wonders if he's wasting my time in the monthly private we have. I wonder if he is trying to tell me I'm wasting his time... I'm slow to move, low in confidence, lacking the perspective to sift through my confusions. Perhaps I'm missing the point in yoga? I feel mired in all the... Continue Reading →

December 16, 2017 4

Not quite half a decade

Last month my local yoga studio sent me a sweet email acknowledging our anniversary! Apparently I've been going to class there for four years now. This is only a little less than the total length of time I've been practising. One of the teachers then messaged me with the breakdown of my 'stats' -- how... Continue Reading →

December 1, 2017 0

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 →