"Life really does begin at 40. Up until then, you are just doing research."

- Carl Jung

It's my birthday this week! Wow, time flies.

I usually don't celebrate my birthday much, but this year I feel like celebrating large. Now, deep into middle age, I notice inclinations to reflect on the past, feeling grateful for years gone and excited for the chapters yet unwritten.

Perhaps this desire to celebrate comes from a year filled with memorable moments that have made me super nostalgic: 20-year reunions with old university friends, a 10-year milestone working at my practice with a sabbatical on the horizon, and 5 years since I completed my yoga teacher training.

As I mark the fortune of living another year on this earth, I'm reminiscing over this wild gift of yoga, which has touched my last decade in transformative ways - enriching life beyond expectation.

In my photo album, I've stored so many memories of learning to practice, teach, and live yoga. These pictures are quite personal, and I have kept them mostly to myself to look back on for the occasional smile, tear or chuckle. In a picture blog today, I'd love to share some of that story with you as I declare, “Happy yoga to me!”

What an extraordinary gift it has been.

2016 Learning to Rehab

Okay, I'm starting a bit morbidly here, but this is my left knee in a brace in 2016. Beautiful, huh? It was my second ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) operation. I was dabbling in some yoga before then, but it was after this surgery, in a concerted effort to rehab my muscles and joints, that I started to practise earnestly and carefully in the method I so love today.

2016 Learning the Body

Look at me, the diligent student. I was trying to get to grips with Chaturanga then, and I still am! See the concentrating face at the front of the class - what a nerd 🤓

2017 Learning to Study

These are some of my study materials strewn on the floor. Yoga Teacher Training (2017 to 2019) meant I had a lot of theory to do as well as practice. Teachers often say YTT is life-changing. It was.

2019 Learning to Teach

The first classes I taught were at Kings College University Gym (Beginners yoga @The Strand). Here I am, amusing myself in an empty studio (zero students!) at one such class.

2019 Learning to Apply

Yoga off the mat - ever heard that phrase? At times, books and yoga philosophy held more importance to me than the physical practices on the mat. I've taken many pictures of the books I've loved, been recommended and then recommended myself. This is one of my favourites - Stephen Cope’s The Great Work of Your Life.

2020 Learning to be Seen

Learning to be visible with an offering means branding, marketing, and a website go a long way. My fellow teacher and photographer Morné took the first pictures of me in poses outdoors at the Barbican during COVID restrictions. And with his beautiful pictures at my disposal, my first foray at a homepage was born. Does it make you want to join me? 😇

2020 Learning to Adapt

Oh, the dreaded technology. The home studio (AKA living room) made good for Zoom classes on Saturdays as we grappled with COVID. Mass online yoga was born, and so did my primary teaching modality. I still hate the tech, though. 🙄

2021 Learning Collaboration

My collaboration with the online business Yogamatters was a wonderful opportunity to connect with more folk, many of whom I'm still yoga-ing with today. Thank you, Twanna and Yvonne. 🙏

2022 Learning to Rest

Chilling. Restorative style. (Supported Halasana/Plough pose over a chair). Ever since I started Restorative yoga, it's been my way to seriously unwind and undo.

2023 Learning to Enjoy

"Look at me! Performing monkey in Tree!" Being on TV was fun, however ridiculous!!

2023 Learning Discipline

For me, it always comes back to practice. The forever learning feeds the joy and excitement to share. My fellow students are cracking up as I attempt (groaning all the way) my nemesis - Parivrtta Parsvakonasana. Have you ever noticed how I never teach this one? 😂

2023 Learning Integration

I'm taking a happy selfie at the YIHA stand at a conference. Since I started to understand the benefits of yoga, I've long wanted to be part of the mission to marry the worlds of medicine and yoga. I'm learning there is always a way; if there isn't, you can make the way.

2024 Learning New Challenge

The set up for a morning class at my first yoga retreat in Goa earlier this year. I'm considering doing another in India in 2026—does anyone fancy it?

Learning Today

Phew - a lot can happen in 10 years! I wonder how the next decade might look. Whatever reveals itself, this final picture encapsulates how I feel about yoga right now—how it’s shown up for me and me for it. The snazzy leggings are all important (hmm, another pair might be coming along as a birthday gift to self?), but a mat will do.

Happy yoga to me 🥳

Let’s practise.