10 ways to beat the December frazzled feeling
At this time of year we can sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed by demands on our time and energy. Even if you’re not trying to live up to self-imposed expectations of making perfect home-made Christmas cards (no way) and home-cooked Christmas pud or cake (guilty!), there are huge lists of things that “have to be done […]
How to make yoga a habit for life
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle We’re nearing that time of year when we think about kicking our bad habits – and adopting some good ones. If yoga is going to be one of your New Year’s resolutions, how can you give yourself a […]
What silence did to my mind
Earlier this month I spent a weekend in complete silence. From Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon I spoke to no one. No catch-ups with friends or family; no shouting at the TV, or the kids; no embarrassed small-talk with strangers; not even any hellos or thank-yous. And it wasn’t just real chat I abstained […]
Why meditation is easy, hard – and worth it
I once asked my inspirational yoga teacher Judith Lasater what would be her best advice for surviving the challenges of parenthood. Without missing a beat, she answered: “meditate”. Now, after nearly three years of trying – and mainly failing – to put this advice into practice, I’m going to share what (fingers crossed) may now have […]
Yoga tips for better sleep
Don’t you feel amazing after a good night’s sleep? And yet so many of us are chronically sleep deprived. Here are my personal yoga tips on getting more of the good stuff: 1. Going to bed earlier Just try it for a week. Just half an hour earlier. Every night. See what happens.
The ultimate yoga challenge – become a parent!
Can you do a headstand? Wrap your leg behind your ear? Survive a sweaty hour of dynamic yoga in 40 degrees of heat? Sorry, I’m not impressed. For me, the ulltimate yoga challenge is when you become a parent. If, through the blur of sleepless nights, depleted energy and sheer lack of time to even […]
Holiday yoga tips to keep your practice going
The sun’s out; everyone’s in shorts; and the kids have finished school; holiday time is here. But with the change in routine from the term-time schedule of school runs and yoga classes, comes the risk for me of letting the yoga practice slip. True confession: yoga teachers can lack self-discipline. We know we always feel […]
Yoga for when you’re REALLY tired
You know when you’re so tired, you can barely think straight? Even the idea of getting your yoga mat out is beyond you. That’s when I most love restorative yoga poses: simple positions, supported by props such as chairs and pillows that enable me to rest deeply – but quickly. I sometimes use these at […]
In the middle of a family meltdown, can you find bliss?
In the middle of a busy day at work or looking after kids, “bliss” can seem a long way off. When I’m juggling the competing demands of several little people at once, trying to cook a meal, keep the house reasonably tidy and catch up with emails – all within the same hour or two, […]
Five best yoga books – updated
Since I first published a list of my five favourite yoga books two years ago, it’s been the most popular post on this blog. I’ve kept reading and come across yoga books I love even more. So, here’s my revised top five: 1. Intelligent Yoga: re-educating mind and body – Peter Blackaby Published in 2012 […]