I’m proud to say I’ve been teaching yoga for eight years now. The journey continues and is an ever-evolving practice. I still remember thinking when I finished the 200 hours course that it was only the beginning of the journey, and it truly was. I started out feeling ready to learn from the classes I’d teach and observe my own practice.
Since I started teaching all the people who’ve joined me on the mat have taught me something. We can always learn something new, and they’ll always be something that comes along and challenges our beliefs.
The key highlights this year
I refreshed some of the photos for my website to include some images for the sound baths. I booked a session with Donna Ford who was wonderful and the whole experience was fun. It really helped to have some props which I love, this solved the problem of what to do with the hands. The location in Shoreditch provided some fantastic backdrops and the results were great.
Yin yoga with Norman Blair in December felt like a mini retreat at home. It was great to learn more about Yin from Norman who weaves in so much knowledge and poetry which is beautiful. I really enjoy Yin yoga when I’m busy and find it is a great way to experience this as a form of meditation to slow down. When I first tried Yin I found it uncomfortable and my mind was challenge but once I got use to the pace I loved it.
I’ve been able to support my sound teacher Anne Malone at a couple of festivals this year, Mind Body Spirit (MBS) festival at Olympia, London and Wellenergy in Wimbledon, London. They were both great fun although it rained a lot in Wimbledon, but half the fun is getting to meet and hang out with some like-minded people. It was my second time at the MBS festival, and I remember I felt so nervous last year so it was interesting to re-visit and feel more comfortable with running a couple of sound baths in the Yurt, which is challenging when there is so much other noise going on, but it provides a great analogy for daily life and the practice of meditation and relaxation.
My first ever yoga retreat with Ami Patel and Vicky Cruz at Pelion Homes, Greece was incredible. I booked it and I think the only expectation was that I’ll do some yoga and be fed and just get to stope and take some time out. The reality was I got to hang out with an amazing group of women, had some amazing chats and proper belly laughs and ate some beautiful food in a stunning location.
What have I learnt this year?
I think the one thing I have really appreciated is the importance of time out. I’ve always understood it and talked about it but sometimes really giving yourself permission to take time out is a bit of a privilege, one that I have had the pleasure to explore this year in the form of a yoga retreat. For me being away from home helps to step away from all the “I should really do this and get that job done”.
I still want to teach yoga and explore the sound journey. I love having this as a side hustle as it really compliments my day job and helps me to switch off. The two new instruments this year have been a pleasure to play and explore and it’s always nice to see a reaction to a new sound that brings joy and relaxation.
Continue to be curious. You never know where that curiosity might take you, what you’ll learn about yourself and others and what adventures you might have.
What’s next?
I actually have no idea. I think the yoga retreat was something I was looking forward to so much I hadn’t actually thought about what next. Perhaps it is just to process what I’ve learnt on the retreat and let it settle and just see what happens next. One thing is for sure I want to be able to continue to have fun and explore. Sometimes not having a plan is the best plan so you can see, explore and be curious about your surroundings and be open to what is out there.
Tips from year eight
· Be curious
· Have fun
· Book in some proper time out
· Explore your passions
· Try something new
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