I call it feel good yoga. But it could just as easily be:
Yoga to calm a busy mind
Yoga for improved digestion
Yoga for pelvic health
Yoga for a better sleep
Yoga for fabulous feet
Yoga to soothe anxiety
Yoga does all of these things. Some of it comes from the movement and breathing that we do. Some of it comes from the chats we have over tea afterward. The chats where everyone is open and free and there is so much personal stuff shared - but not in an oversharing kind of way, in a 'this is what is up with me at the moment' kind of way. Which is unique and precious.
I am lucky enough to also have this with a group of friends who are equally as uncensored, and we have an 'everything said here is private' policy. We open our mouths and wow, what comes out is not for print. But we all agree would make a hilarious podcast.
Back in the studio, there is the same policy. There is often some bawdy humour, personal issues shared, intimate questions asked. It is almost like we are suspended in time, our most honest, best selves. There is curiosity but also sensitivity. Along with the laughter, there are often tears - of relief, empathy, love.
I have lost count of the number of times yogis have come to me and said something along the lines of 'last week, when ... said ... it really got me thinking and so I have ...' We are unintentional instigators of change when we share ourselves without censorship or fear of what others may think of us.
I love that in any one class we may have a doctor, a lawyer, a PhD student, a grandmother, a receptionist, a gardener, a dog breeder, a nurse ... with bodies that are just as varied and unique. The more I sit back and listen, the more I learn - about others, but also about myself. I learn to curb my tendency to jump in and share. I learn that I don't need to fix everything. I learn that my way is not the only way. I love being shaken out of my regular way of thinking and having the opportunity to see life from a different perspective. It is a gift, being around these women, being a part of something that may look small from the outside but on the inside feels vast and nurturing and rewarding.
It is what I loved so much about our retreat. The opportunity to be together, day after day, learning from each other, thinking and laughing and crying, often all at the same time. Feeling grateful for movement and nature and life in each and every moment.
All we have is this moment.
And this moment.
What choices can you make in this moment that will soothe your soul, nourish your heart and enrich your mind?
With love,
Amanda xx
PS Bookings are open for May 2024 Retreat in Yallingup. This year is already flying by, won't it be lovely to know you have this pocket of time tucked away?
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