Flying Home
We humans have always had a fascination with winged creatures of all kinds. The idea of being able to spontaneously lift off from the earth and fly is so compelling that we invented airplanes and helicopters and a myriad of other machines to enable ourselves to be airborne.
I enjoy flying, the destinations and adventures that follow, and how it opens my heart and mind.
However, we do not need to leave our home to stretch our wings and 'take flight'. Flying can also be a metaphysical experience, in the sense that we can fly, free ourselves from particular ways of thinking, feeling and being, and all the while remain in our familiar environment. We can take ourselves to a place in which we recall who we really are.
After my adventures in Zambia; my experiences of the new and old, the quiet and fun filled, I am happy to be flying back to Hobart.
Joy
I often write about change because I am continually working on ways to find balance in my life.
The words of US theologian Pema Chödrön are very helpful as we navigate change in our lives and in the world around us: ‘If you’re invested in security and certainty, you are on the wrong planet.’
Often as I contemplate this changing world I want to hold onto what I have. In these situations I sit with all that is comfortable, uncomfortable or just familiar. I try to ensure the grip is not tight, but a loose hold to enable a gentle slide away from the old and into the new. It helps as I find that fine line between ease and steadiness, strength. In yoga this balance point is referred to as; Sthira, Sukha. These words are often used to explore a position in a yoga asana/movement practice.
Sthira, Sukha is a suitable way to navigate life.
While traveling I have spent time sitting with the beauty around me as I have absorbed change; as the old has dissolved and the new has unfold. It has been joyful to experience the slow development of these transitions.
The podcast, On Being with Krista Tippett, Ross Gay — On the Insistence of Joy, is a beautiful reflection on finding joy in life. (Find it on another platforms if you do not use Spotify.)
Ross Gay says we are good at fighting and not so good at holding in our imaginations those things to be adored, preserved and exalted, what we find beautiful and necessary. He says that without holding the beauty and joy within we cannot speak meaningfully about our longings and our wishes for a more just world.
This podcast is well worth a listen to support yourself as you manage, work with all that is happening in our world.
Another recommended source for reflection is Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu as they discuss how they find joy in suffering. The writings in "The Book of Joy" are full of love, warmth and hope.
Yoga Safari 2025
Did You Know?
In May '25 I will again be taking a group to Zambia for safari, yoga and the environment, people and their culture.
Perhaps you are intrigued? Yoga Safari.
THE SENSES (in Zambia)
The vibrancy of Zambia supported me to continuously explore the colours, shapes, sounds, and tastes around me. It supported my moment to moment awareness of life, taking yoga ‘off the mat' and into every day life.
To make these observations more long lasting; when you observe a sense, eg the smell and beauty of a rose as you pass, do more than just recognise it and move on.
Instead hold this sense, this smell and or image for 30 seconds, feel into it. Ask yourself; "How does it make me feel in my body?" Perhaps there is a release of tension in your shoulders, your eyes are open wider, or your breath slows. This recognition brings with it positive feelings and when you do this repeatedly, when you hold onto and feel into the sense, you build resilience through these positive experiences.
Smell - what I am smelling?
The smell of charcoal burning. Most Zambians cook on charcoal; we could say they barbeque every night, and often for breakfast too.
Sight - what am I seeing
Livingstone Traffic Jam - Beautiful, slow moments to sit and watch, not rush.
Sound - what I am listening to?
Frogs 'singing', as they sense the dampness in the air and anticipate the coming rain. Everyone is waiting in anticipation, this year more than most, it has been exceptionally dry.
Touch - what am I feeling?
I have been eating with my hands, the fingers sensitive to the texture and temperature of my food. I do not shovel food as I can with a fork, in that simple elbow, wrist to mouth action.
I have found it slows down my eating as I have to focus on what I am doing and this concentration brings more flavour to my food, yum.
Try it, it offers more than saving on the washing up.
Taste - what I am eating?
While teaching yoga in Livingstone I also worked @ Chundukwa River Lodge, where among responsibilities I adapted a few recipes. Here I added sweet flavourings to a simple breakfast, 'Oats and Chai Seed Soak' .
When considered from an Ayurvedic perspective these warming spices support all three dosas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
SOAKED OATS and CHAI SEEDS
1/4 cup Oats (4 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp Chai Seeds
1/2 tsp Spice mix
1 tsp Honey
1/2 cup Milk (or milk alternative)
Mix dry ingredients.
Mix milk and honey.
Blend dry and liquid ingredients.
Spoon into serving dish.
Leave overnight in the fridge. (Remove 30 mins before serving.)
Add topping and serve.
TOPPING OPTIONS:
granola, sliced banana, apple, blueberry (seasonal fruit), shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, nuts. So many options…..
SPICE MIX:
1 1/2 tsp ground cardamon
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Consider trying other spices: allspice, pepper, ground clove, vanilla essence
Offerings
Ways to nourish yourself
Zambia took me out of my routines. It enabled me to do both more and less. More of what I love and less, because life was simple and not rushed.
It supported me to feel into my experiences as I explored within and around me.
I did lots of what I enjoy, yoga.
It enhanced my commitment to my personal Yoga practice, and to my offerings of Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda and Nutrition.
My work continues to be an ‘east meets west’ approach as I offer a yogic perspective to food and lifestyle, and blend my yoga with my earlier training in Nutrition/Dietetics.
My underlying wish is to share my knowledge and compassionate caring to assist people to move with greater ease and to manage chronic conditions, physical and emotional challenges and life transitions.
Please reach out if you are curious and interested in finding new ways to support your health and well-being. I offer a free online consult with no commitment. It will enable you to identify if what I offer suits your needs.
Yoga
Wednesday Mornings @ Mt Stuart Hall
I will again be teaching yoga on Wednesday mornings, 9.30 - 10.45 @ Mt Stuart Hall, Byard St.
It will be a short 6 week term through to 18th December. For those new to my teaching, it is gentle class that is adapted to interest, experience and needs within the small group.
My thoughts as we head into this term are a focus on strength and balance. Cost is $120
Yoga @ Body Mind Beach Road
Yoga @ Feelgood Female Fitness
Class times and Contact me for information.
Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda and Mindful Eating
On Wednesday afternoon I shall again be working from rooms @ Body Stillness, Sandy Bay. Please contact me or book directly @ Body Stillness.
I offer a 30 min free online consulation enabling you to check if my style and work are what you are looking for.
Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda Workshops
Over the summer I will be offering short workshops combining yoga, yoga therapy, ayurveda and nutrition. The areas may include:
“An Introduction to Yoga for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia,”
“Yoga for Back Care”,
“Practices for Better Sleep”
"More Spice in your Life", ways to incorporate herbs and spices into your meals (an excellent way to enhance your microbiome, gut health).
Please contact me if you are interested in any of these or have other requests for short courses.
I will mail out details when arranged.
The bonus of lunch by Victoria Falls @ The Royal Livingstone Hotel. One of my wonderful memories of Zambia.