LiveThriveYoga

Hen weekend yoga again… and possibly one of the loveliest groups I’ve taught ☺️. I knew it would be fun when I was told the mother-of-the-bride had not just played but WON the ‘cornflake packet game’ the night before (if you know, you know!). There were all ages (25-65!) and abilities so I kept most of it simple and beginner level but offered some more advanced options… the bride did a wonderful wheel and surprised herself I think!

If you are planning a weekend away in the Cotswolds or a private party then get in touch if you want to add some yoga fun 😀🧘🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️.

A super special time with my 14 year old. He was so desperate to go skiing on snow after trying it on a dry slope that I promised him he could go on the school ski trip. And then all his friends got places and he didn’t 😢. So I thought, darn it, I’ll take him myself. 16 years since the last time I went skiing and 8 years since we travelled just the two of us. He hates being photographed but the smiles say it all. He loved it so much he was willing to put up with his mum 🤣. If you’re hesitating over a special trip with your kid… just do it.

Another fun hen yoga session this weekend and another lesson in the art of adaptability!

This group wanted to be outside for some fresh air but the ground was damp. So we started with lots of fun standing yoga. Then we moved inside for some seated and reclined yoga and the final relaxation. It was a squeeze for 14 but it actually felt kind of cosy and intimate being so close ☺️. They could give each other assists!

Teaching hen yoga sessions has really taught me the art of being adaptable. You can’t predict the weather, the space (inside or out) that you’ll have to teach in, the level of yoga experience, the level of enthusiasm (which hen decided yoga was a good idea anyway?!), the hangover factor (1-10) or even how many hens will participate (there’s always a drop out or two). I’ve also encountered dog poo, fox poo and aggressive geese 😂!

The trick is to prepare for every possible eventuality and then… to go with the flow. You are never going to stick to a set class plan. It’s a lesson in being responsive, not rigid, in putting fun before finesse, in reading the room (or lawn!) and seeing what this particular group want from their hour of yoga. It is a challenge that’s for sure! And I love it.

Here’s to the great group I taught this weekend and all the other hens I’ve taught over the years ☺️.

If you know anyone heading to the Cotswolds for their hen or private party who want to include a yoga session, tell them to get in touch. It will be fun for sure!

Another book I’ve enjoyed recently… The Signs by Dr Tara Swart . Dr Swart is a neuroscientist and medical doctor and… saw signs from her deceased husband that really felt like he was communicating with her. She could have dismissed them, but instead she tuned in, discussed with others and used her scientific research skills to try to understand them.

It could be considered brave for a scientist to write about this subject matter, as there are so many sceptics out there. In my youth, I was definitely one of them! But as I grow older (mature, grow up, wake up!) I realise how little I know, how much mystery there is still and how complex and connected the world is. I am SO much more open to stuff I don’t really understand and it’s way more enjoyable than dismissing it all as rubbish! Dr Swart is “passionate about empowering people through the intersection of science and spirituality” and I reckon there are loads more people out there feeling as she does but without the courage to say it in public. So well done for writing this book! 👏

Do you listen to your gut instincts? Do you see synchronicities or dismiss them as “coincidence”? I’d love to hear what you think about this subject. Can we hone our senses to become more intuitive? Yoga has definitely helped hone my sense of awareness… to messages from my body and to tuning into my surroundings. What about you?

A glorious day for hen yoga! ☀️. Good luck was shining on these ladies yesterday…. When I get a booking for a hen yoga session in February I’ll always double check if there’s a wet weather plan! But yesterday morning the sun shone and the view from this incredible old mansion house was spectacular. Lots of fun and chillin’. Bring on hen yoga season ☺️.

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FREEDOM… in the body, freedom to choose what feels good, freedom to explore different options. This has been my yoga theme this month. I’ve focused on postures that create space in the body and in “freeing” up the places that often feel restricted… shoulders, hips, lower back. And damn, these postures feel gooooood! Opening up the body gives you a natural high 😊.

What small changes to your yoga practice (and your life?) would make you feel liberated?