Yoga, Surfing and a sense of calm

I was recently asked how I became involved with yoga, and my answer was 'Surfing'. Without a doubt! I was drawn to the physical aspect of an exercise that could improve my surfing, and replace it when the weather was rubbish! However, the more I practiced yoga, and the more I surfed, the more I realised that it was more than just my body that was being toned.

For many of us, we work our bodies to create a desired look. And sometimes we forget about the feel. When I get out of the sea the last thing I think is 'how do I look'.... I know that I look like a drowned rat! But, I feel fired up, full of energy, calm and relaxed, all at the same time. Maybe its something to do with the adrenalin released when exerting energy, the sense of achievement just from managing to get to your feet, coupled with the cleansing nature of the sea?

I first began to surf in Australia, where I enjoyed a pretty intense exercise regime of running on the beach and yoga every day. It is no surprise that when I returned to England I found it a lot harder to motivate myself to get out there... perhaps something to do with howling northerly winds? Driving rain? or the fact I had to wear boots, gloves and a hood for half the year when in the water, rather than just a bikini!! I needed to find something else that could help me to remain fit, and this is where yoga came along.

The less I surfed, the more I realised that I enjoyed it not just because it made me strong and healthy, but because it gave me an immense sense of calm. I felt agitated more often, and struggled to find a release for this energy. Slowly I began to study yoga, going to a local class specially aimed at surfers. When I left the class I felt a similar blissed out feeling that I used to get at the end of a sunset surf session, when the water was rippling with oranges and blues, my eyelashes were salt encrusted and my arms aching. I was hooked. But it wasnt because I noticed I was more supple, stronger, more toned. It was because of the way I felt.

There are many people who are not as lucky as me, and have not been able to roam around freely with a surf board and a yoga mat, exploring the world. And there are many people who do not have the physical ability to pop up on a wave, or to lift their body up into a handstand. But for all of us there is a space for a moment of calm. Whether it be on a mat, a board, a bike, in a book.... the list goes on. In a world as fast paced and chaotic as ours can be, sometimes this is all we really need.

Yoga Re-Treat

I have been planning a yoga retreat in Cornwall with a couple of friends, and in doing so I have realised the true sense of the word retreat, which I wanted to share! It's a re-energizing, reviving, re-awakening treat. A way for you to take some time out to give something back to yourself, something you don't usual have, that makes you feel special, loved and cared for. A treat! And for those of you who love yoga, what better treat than to practice nothing but yoga for a few days, without the distractions of life. At the end of the retreat you are left feeling like you have a new lease of life, calm, yet energized and ready for another round of life. Able to face this next round with a little bit more clarity thanks to the time out. Time to step away from the picture, re-assess, and then come back with a whole new perspective. Or possibly the same perspective, just clearer.

With all this in mind I have decided that re-treats are a necessity, even though treats are considered a bonus,  if we're lucky and have been very very good. It is not an over indulgent way to pamper oneself. It is a way to bring back that balance which is so easily lost. To show some kindness and generosity to yourself. And in doing so to those around you, who will no doubt benefit from your improved state of mind once you have re-treated from the mayhem around you for a few days!

So whether it be a weekend of yoga in Cornwall or a week of yoga in Costa Rica, or a month of yoga in India, make sure you take the time you deserve to treat yourself. And if a few days is out of the questions, re-treat to your mat...wherever you are.