Christmas and Beyond - Keeping Strong

 

ChristmasTea

The New Road Begins Here

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After a long hiatus, I’m finally back with my blog. Since my last post, life has been quite a journey. I returned to the UK, earned my accreditation to teach Ashtanga yoga, and began teaching in my studio in Kent. About a year later, I began offering weekend Ashtanga retreats, each infused with the spirit of a traditional ashram. Guests were immersed in an experience that included authentic Indian food prepared by an Indian chef, sleeping on floor futons inside their own Indian silk tent, a calming gong bath, Ashtanga and Yin yoga classes, a taste of Qi Gong, yoga philosophy sessions, and a peaceful Yoga Nidra. It was a rejuvenating weekend escape in the countryside—designed to help people reconnect, re-energize, and find balance.

Then, Covid hit. The rest, as they say, is history. Group gatherings were banned, and every inch of the shala had to be disinfected. Despite the challenges, I held a few Ecstatic Dance sessions during the early months of 2020, which were a welcome respite. Dancing together under the stars allowed us to momentarily disconnect from the chaos of the world and reconnect to our inner selves.

As the pandemic continued, the retreats were put on hold, and I found myself spending much of the year clearing out my family home to prepare it for sale. Having lived there for 30 years, the process of sorting through decades of memories was both emotional and time-consuming. Finally, on December 4th, 2020, the house was sold. Just two days later, I was driving to the South of France.

The journey was challenging, as I was alone, and France was in the midst of a strict lockdown. At my first  gas station stop the attendant refused to let me pay for fuel without a surgical mask. Unlike the UK, bandanas were not accepted, and the interaction left me flustered. In my rush, I left my petrol cap behind. Shortly after, the dreaded “Run Flat” warning appeared on the dashboard—despite having new tyres. When I eventually arrived at Rennes I spent two hours driving around searching for a hotel due to a faulty GPS. And as if things couldn’t get worse, I encountered thick fog as I neared the Orange area. Could it get any worse? Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if all of these challenges were somehow signs.

Despite the hurdles, I finally arrived at my destination—an area renowned for its history and beauty. I settled into a charming rented apartment in the heart of town, and spent the next two months adjusting to my new life, finding peace and clarity in the process.

Decorating New Yoga Shala - Hildenborough

My new yoga shala is taking shape! yay! Most days I'm up a ladder painting walls and adding quotes and writings to inspire my new students on their yogic way.

SHINY SUNDAY YOGA Starts tomorrow!

My first Sunday Ashtanga Yoga class at the shala is tomorrow! Last Few Spaces! 0758 416 9070