Theme of the week: Rest
Classes Taught: 0
I took a rare week off to holiday with my family in Nopigia, Crete. It was quiet, rustic, and unspoiled. I missed teaching yoga, and because it was so hot, I didn't manage much more than a little bit of Yin while away.
Going away for a while gives me the distance and space to reassess. Being removed from my daily routine allows me to see things with fresh eyes. Back at home, the constant whirl of teaching, lesson planning, and even the lovely familiar faces in my classes can blur the edges of my perspective. A break lets me regain clarity on what's truly important in my yoga practice, both for myself and the students I guide.
This time, away from my yoga mat, I found myself drawn to the simple beauty of Nopigia. The long, lazy lunches under olive trees, the rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore – these everyday moments became a different kind of practice, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the present.
There's also a sense of renewal that comes with stepping away. Even though I missed teaching, the break gave my body and mind a chance to recharge. I returned feeling more energised and excited to share my passion for yoga with my students. In a way, it's like hitting the reset button - a chance to return with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh perspective to share.
Readings, Resources and Inspiration
One Day by David Nicholls - a gift I had been saving for the holiday. It did not disappoint!
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell - I bought this out of desperation after I binge-read One Day. I finished it in one sitting!
The Spiritual Tourist by Mick Brown - a recommendation from my Yoga Philosophy course. Fascinating and amusing, I am still reading this one slowly to take it all in.
Writing this at home on 17th July, the English sun (a rare treat in itself!) warms my face. It's a stark contrast to the Aegean heat, but it inspires me in a different way. The long summer evenings here promise outdoor yoga sessions in the garden, a chance to practice under the open sky.
Bringing those holiday epiphanies back to the reality of the everyday is always a challenge. But this time, I feel excited about weaving the serenity of Nopigia and the simple joys of summer into my practice.
More than anything, I'm reminded that yoga isn't confined to the studio walls. It's a practice that can be integrated into every aspect of life, from the way we move to how we appreciate the world around us. And that's what I want to share with my students – the idea that yoga is a journey, not a destination, and that inspiration can be found everywhere.
I look forward to seeing you in class soon.
Vicki x
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