My summer holiday

I have just had a fantastic week off. Andy and I walked half of the West Highland way from Fort William to Tyndrum; 46 miles in total. We had the most fantastic weather and on day three we limped in to Tynedrum with a touch of sunstroke and very sore feet. My only small sadness about the trip is that we didn't push on and complete it the full 96 mile walk. Sadly, Andy had to get back for work and I had admin to complete for the new term at the Yoga Room.

So, all bookings are in and the new block started yesterday. This spell of beautiful weather lends itself to yoga; the body is so much more open when it is hot. I am pleased to see how many new recruits there are for all classes - particularly the beginner course. I have also noticed a lift in energy from my regular clients and a renewed commitment to the practice.

Long may the sun shine!

Chavutti Course

I was hosting a workshop at the Yoga Room this weekend; a post graduate course in Chavutti Thirumal with Helen Noakes. For the uninitiated, this is one of the most interesting and exciting massage techniques that I have ever experienced and I would recommend that you seek one out!

The entire massage is done with the practitioners feet whilst the client lies prone on the floor. The practitioner can use their body weight to massage and can, therefore can go a lot deeper than in a regular hand massage.

The course itself spans over 3 weekends. Helen is incredibly inspiring and I was blown away with her vast knowledge of the subject. By Sunday evening after 20 hours of training, I felt exhausted and utterly overwhelmed with information! I have a long way before I can practice this technique professionally, but I feel inspired to learn and can't wait to get some guinea pigs to practice on!

Now that spring has sprung, my practice has totally transformed. I have so much more energy and I am bounding through the series with a renewed vigour.

This is the first year for about 10 years that I haven't been in Asia over the winter period. I have missed practice with my teacher and immersing myself in my yoga practice. I have also missed the sun and the warmth of beautiful India. It has been worth it though, for the fact that we have bought this wonderful cottage and have managed to get out of the big smoke. I walked through Leith yesterday and have to admit that I don't miss anything about city living. Even the commute is now part of my routine and I am grateful for the hour of peace and relaxation on the train.

I have the day clear to meet my mum and to do some wedding planning. Only 4 months until I am wed! We are off to Dunblane Hydro to discuss the Hen party and to treat ourselves to lunch at the Nick Nairn restaurant. I have workman in fitting a log burning stove, so it will do me good to get away from the dust and chaos that has currently taken over my living room.

Dunblane

The days just seem to fly in; I can't believe that we have been in our new house for 3 weeks! I am so enjoying Dunblane and our gorgeous cottage. Above all, I am enjoying every moment of my new life with my man. After 2.5 years of 'courting' and living apart, it definitely feels as though we have earned it. We have laughed a lot in the last 21 days and this house is filled with joy and positive vibrations.

We have so much space now and I can at last dedicate an entire room to my yoga practice. The view from the practice room is of the neighbouring cottages and is quiet and conducive to a peaceful practice. The only sound is that of the occasional bird song - a far cry from the songs of Leith, which were largely the pubs spilling out in the wee small hours!

The commute isn't so bad either and now that I have my trusty cover Teacher Lynn, I am getting time off and am able to work a four day week. The day off has been handed over to administration of my classes and household chores. I also managed to do a luxurious two hour practice yesterday; it is so long since I have been able to really immerse myself in the practice. I can really feel the benefits today of having rested and from all the fresh country air. I feel truly blessed with my lot.

Move

The big day has arrived and Andy and I packed the van at 9am. After two runs to Dunblane and a lot of carrying, loading and lifting, we are now set up in our wee cottage. We are both shattered and surrounded by boxes and a very messy kitchen. I am just glad that I knew which boxes to break into for tea and toilet paper. Ah, the joys of moving.
I can't wait for a good sleep and am looking forward to waking up in this lovely wee town and inhaling the clean country air. I feel more at peace now that we are away from the noise and pollution of the city. I have a wonderful space to do my practice and am excited at the prospect of rolling out my mat tomorrow.

The new term started at the Yoga Room this week and I have been overwhelmed with bookings! Some classes are now full, so if you wish to book please check with me before making payment.

I am now fully in the swing of commuting back and forth to Glasgow and I actually look forward to an hour of peace and quiet. It is the perfect length of time in which to read or catch up on any emails.

I am also very much looking forward to making the move to Dunblane next week. We move on Friday and I just can't believe how quickly the time has flown in!

I was up at our lovely wee cottage on Monday and am in no doubt that we are doing the right thing by getting out of the city. As much as I love Edinburgh, it seems ever more polluted. I think this is largely due to the tramworks. I am sure we will all be grateful when the works are completed at the newly revised date of 2012!

Many of you have asked what will happen to the Yoga Room after I have moved up North. The answer to this is simple; it will continue to grow and flourish for the forseeable future. I plan to run it exactly as it is, with me teaching every class and with Lynn covering classes when required. It will take more than an hours commute to change my plans on that front, so do not fear!

I have a Chavutti course starting in May with the wonderful Helan Noakes, running over a 3 weekend preiod and teaching the technique of Chavutti Thirumal ( Indian foot walking massage). More information and booking is available on the workshop page of my website if you wish to book.

Another weekend in Stronachlacher

I took another group to the stunning location of Stronachlacher on retreat. Once again, the group dynamic was fantastic and this time the weather was amazing. The sun split the sky on Saturday allowing us to get out and walk into the snow peaked hills.

Layla surpassed herself with her culinary efforts and the general mood of the weekend was that of full and complete relaxation. After a massage from Catherine and several yoga sessions later, I can assure you that all participants were very reluctant to leave!

The only thing missing was the stalwart assistance of the lovely Andrew. He was spending his weekend in quite a different fashion on a stag party in Plymouth! He was greatly missed by all and I have no doubt that he would rather have been in the heart of the Trossachs than trawling the streets with a Groom dressed as Ali G!

So, another term draws to an end at the Yoga Room. The block finishes on the 26th March with a new 11 week block starting up on the 29th March; which is also my birthday!

New details and my newsletter will be on my website this weekend. Book as soon as you can to ensure a space!