As we ease into Spring I have the inspiration to aim to write this blog a little more. As I type this I notice I am nervous to over promise and not deliver. However I also know that when I share my intentions it helps to hold me to account to stick to them!
When I started working for myself I used to blog regularly, informally - like a diary, and I loved it. It’s not so much about if anyone will read it but more about clarifying my thoughts on paper (online!) and making a record of my insights and musings as life goes on. I never feel very comfortable with the personal Instagram video shares, trying to fit them into 3 mins, writing feels easier….and perhaps by sharing my truth it may some how be of help to others.
At some point I felt like the blog needed to be more like a professional article and this somehow stopped me in my tracks. As you may see I have hardly written over the past few years. So now I am stripping it back. Instead of writing in my personal journal I am going to record my experience of life here, with some hope that it might be of insight to others in some way.
So here we are on 1st April, no this is not an April Fool! tonight, in the early hours of tomorrow is the Libra Full Moon. I am a moon child (Cancer/ born in July under a full moon) and I naturally to tune into the energies of the moon. Libra is all about balance.
I have returned from a month in India a week ago and today is the first day I feel relatively normal after jet lag, it’s such a crazy transition. It always makes me feel like a space cadet for at least a week. With helping me to ground and feel balanced I had already thought to book some acupuncture with Anne-Mare (Space Acupuncture) later today.
Acupuncture is one of my favourite self care treats, no matter what is going on; pain/ digestive issues, illness, emotionally imbalanced…it always brings me back to my centre.
India is my retreat space, I go there every couple of years to run a retreat but also to have time for my own one. As India was the place I did my Yoga Teacher Training (back in 2012!) and really connected to the spiritual holistic side of the practice there it really helps me to remember all I love about it and to get re-inspired. Being a full time Yoga teacher a retreat for me is to not have any time schedules, to not have to give my energy out to anyone else, to not even have to speak to anyone aside from perhaps ordering some food!
It was interesting this year as I thought I would go to yoga classes every day while there as I often don’t have time here so I practice on my own a lot. However this time some days I really just felt the need to be inward to not have to practice with others or be guided but to trust my own inner guide. I did also enjoy some wonderful classes that gave me lots of fresh inspiration so I definitely appreciated the balance of being in class v self practice. It led me to question what is practice for me?
Ultimately I feel like my life is my practice. How I am being with myself and others. For example the unexpected start of war the day after I arrived there, and being with the uncertainty of would my guests all arrive/ get home and what would happen with my return (I was flying via Doha). To not let that take over but to be with what is, to trust in what ever unfolded, and to connect with my faith.
Physically my practice is something that connects me with myself, in the moment and feels nourishing. Sometimes its a walk at sunrise, Qi Gong for joint mobility, Cat Cows, somatic movements, Vinyasa Flow, Yoga Nidra, dancing, & weights. It evolved to be such a variety as I have got older and with the Libra full moon in mind, it’s all about balance. I know I need a mix of all kinds of movement and rest to feel good in my body, mind and spirit.
When I started practicing and going regularly to classes I felt practice had to be 1-2 hours a day of Yoga asana. I have to admit now that if I was to do that I am likely to experience back pain. Balancing Yoga with weights and dancing has really helped me. We are all different, this is just me, and I am learning that is OK! The Yoga police won’t come and arrest me :-)
Yoga for me is deep listening. Trusting what is coming up for myself and paying attention. I have a lot on now over the rest of the year but I also have some space in between plans and in that space I know I need to take care of my energy. I have actually blocked out days in my diary to keep free, as I am such a planner! I want to do it all! With DJing and Yoga my life is busier than ever so I have had to plan in space too!!
And just to take a moment to acknowledge the line “with DJing and Yoga…” Firstly this is me…..a balance of DJ Leela and Yoga Louise. I have two aspects to my self which are Yin & Yang, and I love that, it’s completely authentically who I am. Maintaining balance between the two is one of my practices. I feel the Yoga helps me to stay mindful, present and sober when playing, and the DJing really makes the Yoga practice all the more sweeter……going inwards to peace after all the outward energy of loud music, people and dancing. For me it’s just the perfect combination!!
Secondly, Djing was a long lost dream from my early 20s. To be 50 and living my dream, I can honestly say makes life feel complete. I can hand on heart say, if I was to drop down dead tomorrow, I am at peace with my life. I have had moments over the last few years where I have thought that and even though that may seem morbid to some, it’s my truth. I am sharing this in hope that if you have a long lost dream to perhaps plant the seed that it is never too late. It all begins with intention….
I think that is enough for today. I am going to teach my first class back and the MS centre this morning and I am excited to see everyone! Lots of love x
