The Reward is the Journey

The present moment is the only moment available to us,  and it is the door to all moments.   ~ Thich Nhat Hanh Teaching mindfulness always gives me more than it takes.  Whilst I may fret about the preparation of a class or workshop, once it's under way, the rewards are mine for the taking.   Practising alongside others is always a pleasure, and never more so than when I find myself guiding a group, some of whom may be meeting the practice for the first time.   Yesterday's workshop was no exception.  A group of us gathered and got onto mats with blocks and bolsters (and, in some cases, chairs) and practised mindfulness together - first sitting, then walking, before doing some more mindful movement in the form of long held yin yoga poses, concluding our two hours together with a seated reflection.   Whilst a few faces were familiar, many of us were meeting for the first time.  Curiosity and open mindedness were our friends as we...

To learn how to teach is to re learn completely, and entirely.   You must first forget what you have assumed and let go of all that you think you understand.   To ask the right question you need to reconsider where it is that you stand.   As only from the correct angle, will your perspective show you that which you must surely grasp. A beginner's mind is a pre requisite... Just as one can compose colours, or forms,  so one can compose motions. Alexander Calder I am delighted to be spending time thinking about how best to share my passion and pass on to others the skills I have been lucky enough to develop.   Swimming is to me far more than an activity that keeps me fit.  To swim is to feel alive, and well.  For it is in the water that I feel best able to bring mind and body together.     I use the water to alter my mind, and swimming to enhance my mood.  It is, through movement in the wate...