Happy Holidays
‘The changing seasons show us the absolute reliability of change’. Judith Lasater
As the year ends I find myself moving back and forth, with and against the change that is arising within and around me. It is a common feeling for me as the year ends. A shift between the desire for the new and the holding on to the familiar. The contradiction of the body craving new experiences while the minds resists, even fights against it at times.
“…..how the mind clings to the road it knows, rushing
through crossroads, sticking
like flint to the familiar…….” Mary Oliver
Do you resist change? How does your body feel when you resist change?
How do you work with change? How does body feel when you step into change?
As we move into the many people adopt New Years Resolutions, this is creating change. But, are you open to change throughout the year?
As I continue to explore how I manage change, I am adding some new elements to my newsletter; elements that document how I keep moving, learning and exploring.
What am I Learning ?
When renewing my first aid certificate I got chatting with a ballet teacher. My last ballet class was at the age of 7, ‘a lifetime ago’. Why did I stop? How would it be now? Rather than wonder I ‘dipped my toes’ into Adult Ballet. It was fun, I was warmly welcomed, and my yoga did help me with balance as I explored new ways to move my body. I will be returning to class in the new year.
How am I Moving?
At the moment I find it is not that I need to move more but to find ways to REST, to be not do. But it can be hard for so many reasons, many of which are stories I tell myself. Do you resist rest? Why?
Here are a few reasons, some may be familiar. Perhaps in acknowledging the why you can make a different choice, you can choose to rest?
Stopping means I am lazy
I have no time to rest
I am too busy, I have too much to do
X is more important, whatever X may be: doing the dishes, coffee with a friend
I have not earned or deserve rest
Once I stop I will not start again
I am afraid of what I may feel if I rest; grief, boredom, loneliness, pain
I am worried about others may think if I rest
Where am I Travelling?
"I'll be home for Christmas"
https://open.spotify.com/track/5P5rUzjpgTkZeQbr0CVdsZ?si=_HzneCiCRE6z9Q10-98Ocg
For all who are traveling on a big grey bird; enjoy a fun and relaxing holiday.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/airlines/2022/12/24/emirates-a380-transformed-into-santas-sleigh-pulled-by-reindeer-in-viral-christmas-video/
There are a couple of places remaining on this 12 day travel to Zambia.
This is an opportunity to travel with a small group, blending the excitement and intrigue of Africa while finding some inner rest. Details are on the website or contact me to talk through how it may fit with other travel plans you have for the year. Zambia has good access to other African destinations and to Europe.
The Senses
The calming and healing nature of tapping into our senses brings us into the present moment. It enables us to find pleasure in the things within and around us, the good that this season has to offer - the long, light evenings; the fragrances of baking; the taste of cherries; the touch of light clothing on these warmer days; and the sound of happy voices.
Thank you for your ongoing interest during the year. It is heart warming to be supported by people close by and far. XXX
Smell - what I am smelling?
Lemon myrtle - the refreshing fragrance of my new body oil.
Sight - what am I seeing?
Another Pixar film; “Invisible Bridges”
“Just keep going don’t look back”
Sound - what I am listening to?
Interested in exploring meditation?
Ten Percent is an app with meditation courses some are free. (There is also a podcast, Ten Percent Happier)
In the new year they offer a short and free 'challenge'/intro for beginners, you may be interested?
https://www.tenpercent.com/courses/imperfect-meditation
Touch - what am I feeling?
HUGS
Taste - what I am eating?
Ayurvedic Ginger Relish
Over the festive season many of us eat different foods and perhaps too much, leaving us uncomfortable and possibly with indigestion. Here is a tasty, drug free remedy:
Chop ¼ tsp. fresh ginger.
Drizzle juice of a lime wedge and sprinkle a pinch of Himalayan pink salt over the lime.
Eat 30 minutes before meals.
Offerings
Ways to nourish yourself
Mindful Eating and Yoga Therapy Consultation
Personal Sessions and Online
FREE 30 Minute Phone Consult
By Appointment: Wednesday 2.00 - 6.30pm
Thursday 6.30 - 7.30
Private Individual & Group Yoga Classes
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Active Booking Links @ Yoga Classes
Wednesday classes are on break and will resume on Wednesday February 28th.
Please pass this newsletter on to any friends, family or colleagues who may be interested. They can contact me to receive their monthly newsletter.