Yin’s a tonic

I just came back from a Yin class. It was a ‘treat’ from Hubby. I say ‘treat’ with a tone of cynicism as I’m not super keen on going to yoga classes at the moment. It’s not that they’re bad in themselves, please don’t misunderstand me. It’s just recent history with yoga studios and what... Continue Reading →

December 23, 2023 4

Counting

He taught me not to kill spiders just because I am afraid of them. I’m thinking of that now as I make my morning coffee. There’s a spider that’s set up home in the join of the wall to the ceiling. It’s right above my head, as I spoon coffee into the pot. I’m thinking... Continue Reading →

September 27, 2023 4

Let go

I’ve been ‘let go’ from one of the places I teach. After the reduced summertime schedule of classes they decided not to continue mine. The numbers were never great so from a business perspective it totally makes sense. It’s not as though yoga studios anywhere are finding it easy right now. Closures are still happening,... Continue Reading →

September 23, 2023 4

Darshana in the Arctic Circle

I think my handstand coach must have some advanced degree in psychology, he reads me so well. His latest drill for me is what we came to call ‘enjoying the view’. A kick up to the wall, time here simply feeling the wonder of my body upside-down, knowing my alignment is good and my body... Continue Reading →

July 18, 2023 1

Park Run

I did my first Park Run just recently. This has been an item on my wishlist for a couple of years. Ahem, maybe it's a bit longer even than that. I know I've been holding back. Can I run 5km? Can I run 5km on a random Saturday morning, 'on demand', rather than picking optimal... Continue Reading →

June 16, 2023 5

30 day yoga challenge

One of the studios where I teach has just run a 30 day challenge. I found it really hard. Not because I participated myself but because I kept getting drawn into conversations I didn't want to have about it with the students. The judgmental part of my brain just wanted to laugh out loud at... Continue Reading →

February 23, 2023 0

Comparisons can be helpful

I finally got back to handstand class this week. I was paired with a really great partner who was fantastic at spotting me, giving loads of verbal and physical feedback which helped me feel safe and steady. I had a great practice. Yay! Much better than a previous experience of partner work. This time we... Continue Reading →

February 10, 2023 2

Goggles

I was at a wedding recently. It was loads of fun, with mealtime conversation ranging widely and lots of laughs, although we didn't know each other. A beautiful moment of coming together with strangers as we shared a common love for the bride. One small part of the conversation came back to me recently. A... Continue Reading →

July 15, 2022 5

Days of rest

Two days before I went on vacation I taught a yoga class. It was restorative style. I joked with the students about how difficult I find holiday-time, how it takes me a few days to slide from habitual busyness towards rest and days that are not filled with obligations and self-imposed duties -- yes, they... Continue Reading →

July 9, 2022 3

Asking for it

When I finished teacher training I asked the studio if I could teach for them. I didn't get a reply which I interpreted as you might expect. Fair enough. The last message I remember us getting as little trainees was that we were 'babies who knew nothing'. Not quite the graduation pep talk I was... Continue Reading →