Things I Never Expected from Yoga

That the Heat would teach me about Accepting the Things you Can’t Control… Early in my Bikram practice I was obsessed with the heat.  Constantly. “OH MY GOD!  How hot is it?!”  “Is the teacher going to open the door and let some air in???  Why aren’t they opening the door yet?!” “@*#!  Is the…

That attempting to practise selflessly would lead me towards forgiveness…   In the classes at my yoga home our teachers often talk about Selfless Practice.  I always set an intention for each class and practising for someone else can feel like the best thing to do in situations where you want to help but don’t…

That it would teach me about Listening… I recently went to see a friend’s Mum in hospital who has been very poorly.  I have known her practically all my life and despite numerous health troubles over the years she has remained one of the most kind-hearted, positive and brilliantly witty people I’ve ever had the…

That it would bring up ‘stuff’ when I least expect it… I had been fine all day. Chirpy, even.  The news hadn’t come as a surprise and it felt like such a relief that it was finally out in the open…. Buoyant, I bounce along in the early evening sunshine as I head to my…

Sweat Neurosis There was an ad I saw on London Underground years ago for a women’s anti-perspirant with the caption: ”Women don’t sweat, they glow…  I glow buckets”.  For anyone who may have seen the spoof disaster movie, ‘Airplane’ the easiest way I can describe it is that it’s like Ted Striker – the ex-pilot…

That It Would Show Me I Have ‘Issues’… I’ve realised that I have a bit of an issue with accepting my limitations.  While I am gradually learning and experiencing the benefits of the internal practice, at times I have a real struggle with the external, focusing on the physical aspects – namely what I ‘cannot’…