Kind space

I made a small trade with a friend today: she offered me some glass storage jars which she'd just bought only to realise they were the wrong size for her needs. I gave her in return a rug we had stored away which matches her new curtains perfectly. Now I have freed up some space... Continue Reading →

October 24, 2021 3

Deep compassion

I've been avoiding someone from my past life for a while now. They hurt me a lot, in ways I'm only just coming to recognise, let along come to terms with. For the past few months these memories, long suppressed, have come out in my yoga practice. That's my laboratory and place of experimentation. How... Continue Reading →

August 20, 2018 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

I am nothing on my own

I logged onto my work email this morning with a slightly heavy heart. Last day in the office before 2 weeks off means a lot of loose ends to tidy up and work to set straight. Plus this week in general feels like wading through treacle. I feel dull with no energy. And yoga class... Continue Reading →

July 29, 2016 0

Back to earth without a bump

Back to work today after 2 long weekends of Yoga Teacher Training and a bit of holiday between times. I wasn't looking forward to this very much. Last night my head was full to bursting with new ideas and facts after fours days of philosophy and anatomy study; today it was all meetings and a very... Continue Reading →

July 18, 2016 2

New nest

I've just moved into a new office at work. Still sharing -- and in a slightly cosier-sized room than previously, but the environment overall is much more babycrow-friendly, so this is very OK. For a start I've swapped a slightly uninspiring rooftop view for a beautiful tree view. And if you look closely you'll see there's even... Continue Reading →

April 4, 2016 3

Does yoga help with stress?

"How come you're stressed? You do so much yoga". I've just been signed off work for a week for stress and my friend clearly found this slightly paradoxical, even a little amusing which is the prerogative of old friends! I don't think she was being massively critical, but like a lot of us (yogis and... Continue Reading →

February 23, 2016

Smiles and kindnesses

Today has been a series of small kindnesses by those in my life and those passing fleetingly across it. Outside the yoga studio I heard a really exuberant "Good morning!" and belatedly realised it was directed at me. So this friendly stranger and I stood for a peaceful moment our faces turned up towards the spring... Continue Reading →

February 19, 2016 2

Feel the burn

Hubby's been working his socks off recently, finishing a big submission for publication. 50,000 words no less! His students struggling currently with their 8,000 word dissertations couldn't believe this level of work or what it represented in understanding and knowledge. I'm super proud of him -- of what he does and how he does it.... Continue Reading →

February 3, 2016 8

Making space and giving way

I've been having a tough time of it at work recently. Too much to do, not enough time, not enough resources of any description. Necessity might be the mother of invention but all I'm able to create from this is a whole lot of stress. I can feel it in my body. The tight muscles,... Continue Reading →