"May I live this day

Compassionate of heart, Clear in word, Gracious in awareness, Courageous in thought, Generous in love" - John O'Donohue

I was thinking about this week, the third week of January. It was the week of so-called 'Blue Monday' when we're all meant to feel the most miserable, New Year's resolutions start to slip, and we're invited to wallow in doomscrolling. Supposedly supposedly. Never mind that I think it's all very unhelpful labelling January in this way - I'm sure it makes some feel worse than they already might.

On a brighter note, Blue Monday is over. Yes, we are still in the depths of winter, but the days are growing lighter and full of promise.

Beginning of the End

I've been thinking of ends and beginnings recently. Of jobs, of roles. Of years, decades of life, births and deaths. Of relationships, collaborations and connections.

And so January also sees the close of our weekly Saturday online community class that I've collaborated with Yogamatters since April 2022. This collab has connected me with so many new people from all over the UK (and abroad, too!) who've jumped into my living room on Saturdays and thanks to YM, I've been able to continue to host this class for free. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your Yoga journey, however long we might travel together.

I know it's rather dramatic to label it the beginning of the end, but, to quote the legend Maria Von Trapp (or was it Reverend Mother?), "when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." Like so many endings, this isn't the end - it's another beginning of sorts. The class will surely continue in the same fashion in February, but I hope, with a tighter closer community, that we've evolved over the past year.

Change to February

I started my Saturday class with a handful of beautiful folk, collected and cajoled from various walks of life. It's always been a donation-based class for charity as I gradually started to get comfortable teaching online. A sincere thank you for the donations I've received. After almost three years of optional donation, I've decided it's time to introduce a small fee for this class.

I understand that people need to save their pennies now more than ever. But equally, charities need us more than ever, as we remember there are many in serious need. So I hope the nominal cost of a class or whatever you can afford won't be prohibitive, reflects the value you see in this offering, and know that you are giving back at the same time. Plus, IMO, Yoga is downright awesome and always worth paying for!

I hope you'll continue to enjoy attending a class which is live, convenient and fun-filled (with occasional cursing as I hold you for ages in a pose - I am rendered unfiltered now I don't have the face of Yogamatters to uphold, watch out!)

You can now REGISTER for February classes (and beyond) on my website.

Day by day

The end of anything can be twinged with sadness. But gratitude is always a fantastic antidote.

I'm reminded of something my mum always used to say - close every day grateful for the life it contained and welcome the next, ready for the simple opportunity to live it to the fullest.

I spent Monday at an exhibition pouring over art that feeds my soul. I lingered over a stunning Japanese porcelain gifted to George IV. Its delicate print was described as 'depicting scenes of music, food and sexual fulfilment as the best response to life's transience'. It makes me remember the small delights present in each day we are gifted and that there's always something to be grateful for.

And if January, for whatever reason, is and has been a difficult month for you, open the window, get outside to lay some sunshine on your face, move if you can and join me for a spot of Yoga - it might help.

Tomorrow and next week are the final two classes in collab with Yogamatters.

Let's practise.