Learning in lockdown

To those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I took advantage of the lockdown time to learn new things and take online courses. As I indulged myself in retreating and reflecting, I’ve discovered quite a few gems that I will take with me as I move forward. This year may have been limiting and challenging in many aspects, but it has also been generous in numerous ways. It has offered possibilities and gifts that have fed my mind, body and spirit.

Qigong

Early in the lockdown, I signed up to Movement for Modern Life’s trial subscription. This is where I discovered the wonderful teacher, Mimi Kuo-Deemer, and the beauty of qigong. After my first qigong-influenced yoga class, I felt a nourishment, depth and contentment that I have not felt in my practice for a while.

Qigong brings more softness and roundness to my yoga practice. It allows me to connect with myself on a deeper level as the slow, repetitive and graceful movements guide me to a more meditative space. It encourages me to really listen and be kinder to my body. Qigong has affected me so deeply and it has now become a solid part of my daily practice.

The practice has inspired me so much that I took Mimi’s three-day online immersion course in qigong for yoga teachers. It was wonderful to connect with so many teachers around the world! I am so excited to share qigong in my yoga classes, so watch this space for more information as I continue to immerse myself in learning and practising.

#DoTheWork

None of us remain unaffected by the wave of changes and challenges happening in our world. The brutal death of George Floyd and the resulting surge in the awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement during a global pandemic has made many of us face up to a lot of things. I've been doing a lot of processing, reflecting, learning and unlearning regarding issues of anti-racism, oppression, inequality and justice.

I signed up to do Rachel Cargle’s #DoTheWork 30-day course. Rachel is an anti-racism activist and educator, and I would highly encourage anyone to do the course. It made me think about and question so many things that I’ve taken for granted. It also encouraged me to really look at my roots. What do I need to know about the past in order to heal and understand further? What can I do to be a better ancestor? Much needed changes, conversations and actions are taking place, and we must do our part to keep it going. Yes, it is uncomfortable and messy, but it is work that we all need to do constantly and consistently to be better humans to other humans (as Austin Channing-Brown said in this podcast with Brené Brown).

Once we start on this path of learning and unlearning, there is no stopping and turning back. I have started a collection on my Pinterest page that cites books and resources I’ve read and would like to read. Do have a peek if you’d like to have a look, and please feel free to recommend other authors, educators, voices and resources.

Journaling

The lockdown also gifted me with ample time to delve deeper into my journaling practice (bullet journaling is my favourite method). Jaspreet Kaur’s and Ruth Poundwhite’s journaling courses provide very useful tools and methods for putting pen to paper. They have been encouraging me to dig deeper, accept and understand where I am right now, and reflect on how best to move forward. These writing courses have allowed me to get to know myself more, be myself more and trust that it’s okay to be me and do things in my own way, in my own time.

The above have given me so much, and I am sharing them in the hope that they will help and resonate with you too.

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Classes and sessions

Please note that I am currently offering online yoga classes and yoga therapy sessions. Please reach out and contact me for a free 30-minute consultation if you think yoga therapy would help you and you'd like to find out more.