Autonomic Nervous System 2: Restore balance with yoga
This follow-up to understanding the function of the autonomic nervous system offers ways to restore balance to a stressed-out mind and body.
Autonomic Nervous System 1: Parasympathetic vs sympathetic
The Sympathetic Nervous System, or “fight-or-flight” state, describes your body’s response to a dangerous or stressful situation. So how does your brain differentiate between perceived risks — life-threatening dangers or life-annoying stresses? The problem is that, really, it doesn’t.
Double Exposure – A.J. Jacobs on The Moth podcast
Listen to A.J. Jacobs on the Moth podcast, describing his experience with sexual objectification. Beneath the layers of humour, he explains what he learnt about societal expectations for women.
How to fall asleep with a monkey mind
Resisting the monkey mind just leads to frustration and agitation. Simply willing yourself to get to sleep can be a fruitless effort. Here are some simple ways we can improve our much-needed slumber.
SONDER: Everyone has a story
Sonder: The realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. Everyone has a story.
Yoga flow sequence – February ’19
This is the peak yoga flow sequence in this month’s classes. It’s preceded by a slow warm-up, to exploring postures that support these movements, and followed by seated stretches and twists.
Live in Wonder
What's behind the name Wonder Yoga? The phrase "Live in Wonder" has become a kind of mantra to me, to be explored not only in my yoga teaching and practice, but all areas of life.
Theme of the year: ATTENTION
With a flip of the calendar, I set a new theme of the year. One that helps to ensure I am aligning with my intentions and ambitions. This is what I’m asking myself in 2019: Where is my attention in this moment?
Christmas yoga sequence
Here's a fun Christmas yoga sequence... Meet the happy elf and the lazy elf, stack Christmas gifts, then take a sleigh ride with downward-facing reindeer! This festive yoga flow sequence can be used as an energetic warmup, or take your time for a slow flow.
Encouragement times 5000
As I hit the 5,000 word mark in my novel, I’m thinking about what got me to this point: Encouragement. Once again I’ve immersed myself in something where I have NO idea where I’m going, NO idea how to get there, and probably NO business even going there. And, I’m loving it.
The appeal of seated cat-cow
The other day I was teaching this seated cat-cow in a yoga class at the gym. There was a woman walking down the corridor past the studio. She stopped to watch us for a bit, then joined in. I love that THIS is what was appealing to her. Not some fancy yoga poses or playful flow sequences. THIS.
Do we HAVE time or can we MAKE time?
We’ve all said it: “I don’t have time”. Yet when the unexpected happens – disaster strikes or an advantageous opportunity comes along – the schedule instantly opens up, and our time and attention is redirected to this new task. Do we HAVE time, or can we MAKE time?
Eco-conscious behavioural changes
Here are nine small eco-conscious behavioural changes I’ve made in my world over the last few years, as a minor contribution to the health of the greater world. These aren’t revolutionary new ideas, just some small commitments to regular habits. Let’s share ideas and support each other to make small, conscientious changes.
Flow Yoga Sequence – August ’18
This is a new flow sequence that I'm experimenting with in my classes. I recorded the full sequence (with peak poses – can be modified to suit) for reference, and I'd love to know what you think!
Empathy for your future self
How do you visualise your future self? The same iteration of your current self, transported six hours/days/years into the future? Or a wiser, much-improved version of the today-you? Consider being empathetic towards your unpredictable future self.