Chatty Get to Know Me!

Welcome to With Grace yoga - the journal. A space to be filled with thoughts and reflections on life, exploration and explanation of yoga practices or concepts and everything else in between. Think recipes, routines, poems, travel… I have always loved writing, creating and sharing which is exactly what the journal will facilitate.

Why did you want to become a yoga teacher?

Yoga has always given me a feeling of calm, clarity and connection even when doing the most dynamic and active asana practice. Breath awareness brings me back to my body when my mind starts to go into overdrive. As my interest expanded beyond the asana practice I became engaged in how the yogic lifestyle encourages listening inward, to your own mind and body rather than being told what to do or how to live by the external pressure of society; the constant comparison to how other people are living their lives.

Yoga gives me the ability to quiet the noise of the outside world and listen to what my mind, body and soul really need and want. It has helped me understand how to work myself rather than against. It has allowed me to learn how to treat myself with love and kindness and how important, no, VITAL this is which in my perspective is not talked about enough. I want to become a yoga teacher to help spread the wisdom yoga has taught me through the philosophy, the physical practice and the lifestyle it encompasses. I wish to help other people reconnect with their own mind, body and soul in a world that has become so fast paced and externally orientated. I hope to guide you inwards to your home, finding joy and strength in movement.

Do you have any daily routines or rituals?

I always try to embrace “flexi” routine approach so that I don’t become too attached to a regimented structure so it doesn’t feel like the end of the world if I don’t do it!

That being said I love the general structure of my morning routine as I find it allows me to start the day with intention and presence. I personally enjoy waking up early, hearing the birds sing, seeing the sun wake up too, I feel like it sets me up for the day and gives me a quiet few moments before the rest of the world wakes up.

Tongue scrape (each to their own), brush teeth, wash face.

Meditation and what I refer to as my morning wiggle. (Which quite literally varies between lying on my back and taking some gentle twists, a five minute surya namaskar, a 30 minute freestyle flow or when I’m really feeling it, a modified primary ashtanga yoga series.

Then I head on downstairs to make my morning coffee and have some breakfast. It is the best when it is finally warm enough to sit outside, soak up some morning sunshine and listen to the birds and the bees. This little routine sets me up for the day and feels like I have taken care of myself meaning I can take care of others whether that be at work, at home, or just in life in general.

Not part of the morning routine but I also love journalling as a ritual. It helps me get out of my head. Sometimes it allows me to gain some perspective and take a step back and other times it is just a wonderful way to let go of emotions or thoughts that are no longer serving me.

What are you currently reading?

The Bodysurfers by Robert Drewe. My glorious, talented, radiant friend Miss Emma Taylor sent me this all the way from Australia for Christmas (thank you again my love). It is a collection of short stories all set across the landscape of different beaches in Australia. Published in 1983 the novel definitely has some ‘interesting’ social commentary that makes for a confronting read at times. Drawing on research skills from Drewe’s career as a journalist his ability to see societal shifts and changes is conveyed throughout the interlinking stories centred around the Lang family.

The vivid imagery and reference to Fremantle Australia has brought some much needed warmth and sunshine to my heart as we finally begin to exit the long British winter.

What brings you joy at the moment?

The last year has really been a time of unlearning what I previously thought ‘joy’ meant. I used to think it translated to extreme feelings of excitement which usually coincided with big life events such as new jobs, travel and external achievements however I found this mindset meant I was riding a particularly turbulent rollercoaster of big ups and then inevitably downs which was exhausting, unattainable and quite frankly not joyous at all!

Since then I have dived a bit deeper internally and realised that joy, to me, is being present in the simplest things. It is adopting a mindset of gratitude for what is and what I already have and slowing down to feel thankful and appreciative.

So currently what brings me joy is my morning coffee that I get to make each morning with my wonderful machine (best self-present ever!) and Plaw Hatch milk (if you know, you know). Days getting longer with more sunlight, sings of spring like the magnolia trees in bloom, the sound of the birds in the morning, speaking to friends and hearing their news, reminiscing on past travels, books, flowers, being outside in nature and the process of creating With Grace which is genuinely a dream coming true.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t worry so much. No one has it all figured out because there is no such thing as figuring it out. Slow down. Listen to your own heart. Be kind to yourself and kind to others. Be honest.

Finally, is there a quote, affirmation or mantra you particularly resonate with at the moment?

Yes! I love a quote and an affirmation. There are actually two that come to mind immediately. The first goes something like:

“You will never be remembered for the amount of money in your bank account, the brands of clothes you wear, the size of you house, or how you look. People will remember you for how you make them feel. How deeply you loved, how kind you were, how you made them laugh when they were sad, how you supported them and made them know you were always there.”

For me, this quote is a constant reminder not to worry so much about the external things society uses to measure success or happiness for it is not real or meaningful. It is a constant reminder to take time, to be slow enough to connect with people because that is what truly matters.

The second is:

“The universe will never give you peace in something you were never meant to settle in.”

For me, this quote symbolises that what is meant for you will not pass you by (have I just sneaked in another quote? maybe…) BUT it is true! This helps me to surrender. To acknowledge that there is a power bigger than us humans. A reminder that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders because everything happens for a reason. It is an indicator to listen to the signs of my mind, body and soul and to listen to the whispers of what feels right. Trust in that! Trust in what feels right.