It has been a year since I came back from India and what I learnt has stayed with me for that entire year. I went to discover the world of meditation and improve some personal issues. Those ambitions were not realised but I found so much more.

Leaving my family behind and paying for my own flight and accommodation through my own funds was difficult but travelling to India on a yoga retreat was always something I wanted to do. Arriving I felt the ‘odd one out’. I wasn’t wearing the usual yoga dress, my outfit was not the norm. My preference for tight lycra compared to the status quo of cosmic tie-dyed cotton. Even my Pilates mat made me stand out like a ‘foreigner’ but I landed. I had arrived. I had pushed through my comfort zone and I was there.

On the first evening, I was introduced to a few other clients who had just landed off of planet yoga – hardcore

I felt unsettled but curious, “how do they get to be so cosmic?” I know I need to be more in tune with my guiding spirit, I know I have pain to release, although what this is I am not sure, it is nerve-racking. I am so different. I am so safe. I am so ….. LuLu lemon, Sweaty Betty

After a few evenings, the tie-dye unravelled, the personalities began to show through. Nobody is perfect. Nobody has all the answers. There is none to revere or be scared of, we are all the same, whatever we are wearing or professing to believe. I wasn’t scared anymore I was home. Neurosis is home. We all have it

That was my biggest learning… we are all the same you simply need to ask a few questions and sit back and listen.

As the days moved on I grew bolder and curiosity moved into understanding. I could bring what I had learnt into my own life. It is much easier to observe others and watch where it takes you, how you would react to a certain situation. Why do you react like that? What was the trigger?

I know my triggers: one of them is authority figures. I rebel against them in whatever form they take.  Whether that is someone telling me to sit quiet or shouting at me to be quiet, don’t work with me.  I have to get there my own way, find my own route to relaxation. Exercise for me is the answer, I have discovered that slow, gentle and graceful, flowing moves help me to divert my thoughts to actions.  A physical focus is an answer to my mind chatter, not being ‘told’ to relax.

What works for you?  How do you relax and switch off? Do you turn on the telly and grab some wine and crisps only to find when you switch off the telly and go to bed that the same problem that was bothering you before you sat down is still bothering you?  Did you deal with the issue or did you simply subdue it until later?  

Siting with your emotions and your body is a channel to clear unwanted thoughts. It sounds simple, and it is. If you allow the time and the focus. Using soft flowing exercises may be your path. Do you want to try?  Do you want to join me on a Pilates ‘treat’ day?  Click here to find out more about my latest Pilates relaxation day.

Click here to find out more about my latest Pilates relaxation day.

What will a retreat give you?

Here are a few comments I have heard over the years.

• Inspiration to change
• New insights
• Changed habits
• Stronger body
• More agile mind
• A greater understanding of yourself
• Belief in yourself
• Facing your fears
• Spanish suntan 🙂

Click here to find out more about my latest Pilates relaxation day.

Are you always putting others before yourself? Are you always expecting too much from yourself? Are you harsh on yourself when things don’t turn out the way you want them to?

If the answer is yes to these questions then it could be that you are suffering from a lack of self- compassion – all too common in our hectic, modern lives.

My next day retreat is at the beautiful Revitalise Studios, Topsham Exeter on Relaxation, Pilates, Self Care and nutrition – join me enjoy a restful day and stop the negative mind chatter and self-sabotage.

My last few Pilates DVDs are greatly reduced on my Pilates website some as much as 60% – click here to see these amazing offers

Practice Pilates and Relaxation

Relaxation and Pilates go hand in hand, a mind-body habit will allow you to remove yourself from everyday worries and concerns. The physical effort helps you to concentrate on your body. 

You will develop the focus to switch off your daily thoughts as your mind listens intuitively to your body.

Join me for the next Pilates and meditation workshop in Topsham, Devon.

Would you like to get your nutrition right?  Book a time that suits to chat You will come away from our conversation feeling inspired, motivated and ready to grab life and deal with whatever it throws you, I guarantee. Whether you decide to work with me or not you will become very clear in your goals and have a clear awareness of where you need and want to go.  Let’s chat – click here to book your time

PS. Don’t forget the gorgeous book – your insight into great health and vitality PLUS find out more about the amazing Gorgeous Health offers there are to accompany the launch of Gorgeous! how to look and feel fantastic every day.  Click here to find out about my amazing book launch offers

Find out what other gorgeous girls have to say…

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