The significance of small talk

I acquired the little Greek language I know in slightly random ways, mostly informally. Some of it is very simple, some of it is quite formal. Years ago I remember being at dinner and I turned to speak to my friend at the exact moment all conversation fell suddenly quiet in that way it does... Continue Reading →

April 3, 2018 3

Just enough Greek

I went to a different studio for class today -- in the company of an old colleague I've not seen for some 15 years! She was using me as her excuse to get to class after losing the habit somewhere between work, marriage, and a couple of children. It amuses me that now I'm known... Continue Reading →

March 14, 2018 2

Yoga in the hood

Watching the news last night I learned that the Greek for 'mafia' is 'mafia' and drugs are 'narkotika'. Both words featured in an item about drug taking and gang violence in a nearby neighbourhood. The same neighbourhood that friends recently warned me about, as a foreigner. Also the neighbourhood where the nearest yoga studio is!... Continue Reading →

March 12, 2018 2

If Goldilocks practised yoga

Porridge that's not too hot, not too cold, but just right. A chair that's not too big, not too small, but just right. I reckon if Goldilocks practised yoga, it would be not too forced, not too relaxed -- just the right amount of effort for sthira sukham asanam. My own yoga fairy story is... Continue Reading →

March 10, 2018 4

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

Change of scene

After all the drama about the weather, of course our travel plans ran very smoothly! I'm glad I didn't expend too much energy worrying about it 🙂 I've now escaped the snow and ice back home and relocated (albeit temporarily) to somewhere significantly warmer and sunnier -- Athens. First day was just for settling into... Continue Reading →

March 5, 2018 3

Snow-ga

I once heard someone say you should never take up yoga if you like a good personal drama, if you're attached to making your life more exciting than it perhaps needs to be, if you actually enjoy getting a bit high on the everyday stresses. I think you'll know what I mean. I can fall... Continue Reading →

March 2, 2018 1

Storm in an anatomical teacup

I am used to getting funny reactions from every physio I consult. They can't equate the regularity of my yoga practice with what they see in my body. "Is that all you can do?" one of them once asked me, and another actually laughed at loud at the lack of depth I achieved in whatever... Continue Reading →

February 28, 2018 4

Photo shoot

In real life I have an IG account and a FB page for my yoga stuff. They existed long before my teaching qualifications: I'm not into self-publicity, I'm not drumming up business or collecting followers, I just like to share thoughts as a way of helping me be a little more present in my own... Continue Reading →

February 24, 2018 3

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 →