Have you ever picked your nails in pigeon pose? Thought about dinner in downdog? Run through your to-do list in lizard pose? These things I not only notice my students doing when I’m teaching, but I have also caught myself doing at times in my own practice. Maybe not picking my nails (eww!) but I have definitely caught myself thinking about things that are not relevant in my yoga practice. It’s very easy to get distracted, especially if are usually running around like a mad woman with a million and one things to do before lunchtime. In class, it can sometimes feel as if you are there just to tick a box. Yep, tick, done my yoga class for the day. Just another thing to cross off the list, righ
Sounds counter-intuitive right? Let’s face it, at best injuries are a pain in the ass. They’re expensive, they’re time consuming, they’re frustrating as hell and they limit your ability to do things. At worst, they threaten your health, and perhaps even your life. So what is good about them? What exactly is there to be grateful for?! I’ve had my fair share of health related problems. Towards the end of my ballet years I suffered from serious back pain, which inevitably convinced me to give it up. When I was running 5 days per week, I got bursitis in both feet and had to have cortisone injections for 2 years. I’ve had stomach issues and intolerances that prevented me from eating food (pretty
The end of last year felt like the end of an era to me. My dance instructor of 6 years retired from teaching, and when the new year rolled around, I didn’t know what to do with myself for awhile! My yoga practice was a little limited due to a wrist injury, and my home away from home (dance studio) was no longer the same. I finally made the decision to make the most of this opportunity that was given to me, and try various dance studios and teachers, and search for someone who could take me to the next level in my dancing. Dance is my love and life, and I always get excited when I’m about to step onto the dance floor. But one lesson I had recently completely floored me. I felt patronised, I w
