Yoga with Seema

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
― Albert Schweitzer

It’s always nice to say hello to this pair 🐎! Now vs 9 years ago…

Travel has been one of my greatest teachers. Not only has it broadened my perspectives but has also provided invaluable lessons and experiences from different cultures. Last summer I learnt something new in Croatia: “Polako, Polako” meaning - slowly, slowly. If someone is rushing about, Croatians often ask “is the devil chasing you?” This magical Croatian mantra is often used to encourage someone to take their time, to relax, to be patient, to simply breathe. How yoga like!
Next time you’re running around like a headless chicken, take a deep breath, and remember : Polako - go slowly. And NEVER take your coffee “on the go”( the Croatians would be truly horrified!)- sit down and enjoy your sip. The world will seem better…

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“When setting out on a journey do not seek advice from someone who never left home.” - Rumi

When embarking on a new journey or endeavour it is important to be mindful of who you seek guidance from. Seeking advice from individuals who lack personal experience or haven’t ventured outside their comfort zone may offer limited insight or perspective on the challenges and opportunities that you may encounter. Being discerning about the sources of knowledge and wisdom is crucial to learning. Learning from people with relevant experience, expertise in the field and broader perspectives ensures that you’re acquiring accurate information and valuable insights that can support you in making informed decisions and can positively influence your growth. 🙏

Ahhhh…I could stay here forever

What do you see? Two people seeing the same thing can comprehend it differently. Perception is not just seeing something from merely a surface level, but it is how we interpret what we see and give meaning to it. Our perception is subjective and is most crucially shaped by the lens of our experiences. These unique life experiences create mental frameworks that shape how we understand and interact with the world around us. Keeping an open mind has the power to transform perception. When we approach situations with openness, we invite new perspectives, challenge preconceptions, and foster a deeper understanding of the world. Embracing the richness of diverse viewpoints is the key to personal growth. 🙏

Today, I feel lucky to be back in one of my favourite cities in the world. Even the streets are starting to look familiar now. Thanks to there is no fear of getting lost, so I allow my instincts to guide me into whichever lane that pulls me. During my stroll, I’m drawn to a nondescript coffee shop and now I’m convinced that I’ve discovered the best cappuccino in the world! All the Italians are drinking espressos though...I’m tempted to come back for an Espresso tomorrow or maybe try their more exotic sounding caffe pistachio or caffe nocciola? Or should I discover another wonderful cafe in Milano…🤔

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I came across this article that I wrote in 2011 for a Yoga Magazine. I remember writing this article whilst waiting in the car park to pick up my children from their school in Chester. The submission deadline was looming head and I had to bend over backwards to fit this into my hectic schedule of school runs, housework, childrens’ activities, raising a family, running my own yoga business and another small holiday let business. (pre airbnb days) I guess this will resonate with most mums! To me, this picture echoes my journey and is a wonderful reminder of bending over backwards and working diligently, and relishing the sweet fruits of labour with continued satisfaction and growth. 🙏

My very first yoga photoshoot 💕 Chester 2007

It was great to attend the opening of the first Alo store in London tonight. My favourite part of the evening was to be treated to a short and sweet reiki session with the lovely @maracimatoribus - bliss! #aloyoga #kingsroadchelsea #yogafashion

This pose (upward facing dog) is often confused with Cobra Pose. Here’s the key difference:

In Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana), just the tops of the feet and the hands press down to lift the knees, thighs and pelvis off the mat.

In Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), the tops of the feet, knees, thighs, pelvis and hands all press down on the mat.

Which is your favourite?

Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.“ —  Maya Angelou

Standing up for what is right is never easy and takes courage. It is no different to standing on one leg in the tree pose- it may seem hard and wobbly at first. However, with focus, intention and practice we can get better at the pose. Similarly standing up for oneself and for others is a quality that can be cultivated. Once we become aware of upholding our value system and extending our concern beyond ourselves, we can transform from being passive bystanders to people who take principled action - no matter how tough it may be. We may end up making a difference and helping someone else find their own voice. It is worth it.

Good start to the day!

The name "Gomukhasana" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "go," which means "cow," and "mukha," which means "face" or "mouth." I have always wondered about how this pose derives this name. Some yogis suggest that the crossed legs are said to look like a cow's mouth, while the bent elbows supposedly look like a cow's ears. I have even heard that apparently the arm that is raised overhead, resembles the ear of a cow, while the other arm, bent at the elbow and reaching behind the back, resembles the mouth or face of a cow. To be honest, I can’t see any resemblance either way. Irrespective of its meaning, I love this pose for being a great hip opener and excellent for shoulder mobility too.

After visiting the Ancient Greek stadiums at Olympia and Epidaurus, it was wonderful to visit the spectacular Panathenaic Stadium in Athens- home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. During the Olympic Games, the Olympic Flame travels from the ancient site of Olympia before finally arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium for the official handover ceremony to the new host country. This stadium is also the finishing line to the annual Athens Marathon held every November which begins in the city of Marathon and ends here in Athens.

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I think my name looks prettier in Greek than in English! Handmade in 2 mins by this lovely chap. 🇬🇷💕

Awe inspiring Acropolis. 💕 🇬🇷

Honouring Dionysus- the god of wine. 😉🍷

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The perfect spot for my yoga practice.

Salutations to the sun at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. This theatre has the most amazing acoustics in the world- all without even a microphone!

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For someone who is glued to the TV during the Olympic Games, it was wonderful to see Hera’s altar where the lighting of the Olympic flame ceremony has been taking place since 1939 🇬🇷

Namaste from the calm and crystal clear water of the Ionian sea in Corfu, Greece. 🇬🇷

Travel tip- pack in some water shoes. They will make life a lot easier in the flat, pebbled beach at Barbati. 😅

The best part of my visit to Bari has got to be the walk down Strada delle Orecchiette (the Pasta street) and watch the grandmothers lovingly knead, then deftly slice the pasta dough before magically shaping them into Orecchiette (ears👂) 🇮🇹

THIS is sheer bliss! The views from the top of the Lovcen mountains are simply spectacular and are well worth braving the hair raising drive uphill! (Warning- not for the faint hearted! 😱)
Later on, I even managed to keep my balance in my tree pose on the cobbled streets of Kotor despite sampling a Rakija ( Montenegro’s national drink) at lunch! P.S- a Rakija is much needed after THAT uphill drive. 😅🇲🇪

Learnt something new in Trogir today. In Croatia (and in Trogir) the god Kairos represents offering you the chance to grasp the opportunity for savouring a happy moment in life. This favourable moment can be achieved by holding Kairos’ tuft of hair otherwise the opportunity simply passes you by.
I can assure you that I did not miss my opportunity to a ‘happy moment’ despite not grabbing Kairos’ hair!
Every second of my visit was pleasurable -including exploring the Cathedral and the quaint alleyways, soaking in the local culture and history and enjoying a traditional Trogirian sweet called Rafiol (not to be confused with an Italian Ravioli- but you can see the connection). I definitely didn’t miss the opportunity to do a dancer’s pose right in the middle of the Trogir streets. I think Kairos was smiling at me. 😉

Trikonasana in Croatia 🇭🇷