Tag Archives: #yoga

Stop waiting …

Very often in my life when I found myself in a difficult situation I waited for something to happen, someone to save me from it, instead of facing it. Life has a way of pulling our attention into the future, enticing us with the allure of “someday.” We often tell ourselves that things will change, that happiness will come, that life will truly begin—on Monday, next month, or at the start of a new year. We wait for the perfect conditions, for someone to save us, for the right circumstances to align. But what if that “someday” never comes?

Yoga teaches us that life is not a distant horizon but the ground beneath our feet, the breath we take, the moment we live right now. Living in the present moment is not just a practice; it is a powerful realisation that waiting holds us back from experiencing the fullness of life.

Stop Waiting for the Right Time

“I’ll start on Monday.” “Next year will be my year.” How often do we delay our actions to some arbitrary point in the future? We postpone joy, growth, and change as if the perfect time is a tangible thing waiting just around the corner. But life does not pause while we wait. The right time is not coming because it is already here. Take action now—however imperfect or small—and step into the present moment, because tomorrow may never happen.

Stop Waiting for Someone Else to Save You

When I was young, I had a phase when I read hundreds of romantic stories, and in every single one of them a secret to a happily ever after was to marry a prince. Subconsciously, that’s what I was waiting for, to meet someone who will save me from my problems and take them away. And even though I met a person I love, I understood that the rubbish in my mind is for me to deal with and it’s nobody else’s responsibility.  It’s comforting to think someone might come along to rescue us from our struggles, to provide clarity, or to bring happiness. But the truth is, no one else can live our lives for us. You are your own greatest teacher and healer. Yoga reminds us that all the tools we need to thrive are within us. Trust yourself to be the hero of your own story.

Stop Wanting to Be Somewhere or Someone Else

“If only I were there, then I’d be happy.” “If I could be like them, life would be easier.” These thoughts lead us away from gratitude and self-acceptance. Everything in our lives—the challenges, the triumphs, the mundane—is part of our journey and a lesson waiting to unfold. By resisting the present, we miss the beauty of where we are and who we are becoming.

Embrace the Power of Now

The present moment is all we ever truly have. Yoga teaches us to anchor ourselves in the here and now through breath, movement, and mindfulness. The richness of life exists in the pauses, the sensations, the connection to our own inner being. When we stop waiting, we open ourselves to the freedom of living fully, with awareness and intention.

Start small. Take a deep breath and feel its fullness. Look around and notice the colours, textures, and sounds of your world. Take one step toward the life you envision, not tomorrow but today. Stop waiting for the right moment, the right person, or the right place—they’re already within you.
Life is happening now. Stop waiting. Start living.

Change

Change Part 1
I think as human beings we love to create our safety bubble and stay safe there. But life is not like that. Life challenges us and tries to show us the life outside the bubble.
Change is an inherent part of life. It’s a constant force that shapes our experiences, challenges our perceptions, and moves us forward. Whether we like it or not, change is always on the horizon, and learning how to cope with it is an essential life skill. Look outside, nature changes every day. Even our bodies change every second and every seven years all our cells are completely renewed, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of existence. Change is the driving force behind personal growth and evolution. It can be both exciting and daunting, often simultaneously. The way we approach and handle change can determine our overall well-being and success in life. Here’s a roadmap to help you not only cope with change but also embrace it:
 
1. Breaking Big Change into Small Steps
The prospect of a significant life change, such as moving to a new city or starting a new job, can be overwhelming. To make it more manageable, break it down into smaller, more digestible steps. Think of these steps as building blocks towards the bigger change. For instance, if you’re moving to a new city, start by researching the area, then find housing, and finally plan the move itself. By focusing on one step at a time, you’ll reduce anxiety and build confidence.
 
2. Breaking the Patterns of Habits
Habits are powerful forces that can resist change. To embrace change, you might need to break some of your established routines. This doesn’t mean discarding all your habits; it’s about identifying which ones no longer serve you or align with your new goals. Once you’ve identified them, replace them with new, positive habits that support your desired changes. This might require patience and persistence, but it’s essential for growth.
 
3. Start with Small Changes
Sometimes, the fear of change itself can be paralyzing. To overcome this, start with small, manageable changes. These can be as simple as altering your daily routine or trying out a new restaurant instead of your usual one. Gradually, as you become more comfortable with small changes, you’ll build the confidence to tackle more significant transitions.
 
4. Accept the Change
Acceptance is a crucial step in coping with change. Recognize that change is a natural part of life and that resisting it can lead to unnecessary stress and unhappiness. Instead of fighting change, practice embracing it. This doesn’t mean you have to love every change that comes your way, but it does mean acknowledging its presence and being open to its potential benefits.
When you allow yourself to change, miracles can happen. You’ll discover new interests, meet new people, and experience personal growth. Change can lead to unexpected opportunities and open doors you never knew existed. By embracing change, you give yourself the chance to explore uncharted territories and find hidden strengths within yourself.

Change is inevitable, and learning to cope with it is a lifelong journey. So, as you move forward in life, remember that change is not the enemy; it’s the catalyst for a brighter, more fulfilling future.

How to find your Self?

If you have found yourself asking that same question – who am I? – then fear not, for there are countless paths that can lead you to the answer you seek.

Meditation: Want to explore the magic of your inner world? Meditation is a powerful tool that helps you tune out the noise of the world and tap into your own spiritual energy. Every month we organise a free meditation evening, surrounded by like-minded people. Ask me for details if you are interested.

Yoga: Who says spirituality can’t be fun and exciting? Yoga is a practice that combines breath, movement, and mindfulness to awaken your body and spirit. Meditation, relaxation and pranayama are part of yoga, Giving you countless ways of finding what you are looking for. There are a lot of yoga classes I teach every week, please have a look at the bottom of the email.

Mindfulness: Imagine discovering a whole new world of wonder in the present moment! Mindfulness is a practice that helps you appreciate life’s simple pleasures, from the beauty of nature to the joy of being alive.

Gratitude: Ready to feel the love and abundance of the universe? Cultivating gratitude is like opening up a treasure chest of positive energy and blessings that can fill your heart and soul.

Nature: Have you ever felt the power of nature lift your spirits and awaken your senses? Exploring the great outdoors is a thrilling way to connect with the natural world and tap into the energy of the universe.

Service: Helping others is a powerful way to discover your purpose and make a positive impact on the world. Volunteering your time and energy can also help you cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion for others.

Self-reflection: What if you could unlock the mysteries of your own mind and soul? Taking time for self-reflection is like going on a journey of self-discovery that can help you better understand yourself and your place in the world.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the key is to try new things and discover what resonates with you personally. So why not start exploring and see where your spiritual journey takes you?

#annasmithers#creweyoga#yogacheshire#yogacrewe#nantwich#nantwichyoga#WhoAmI

We are the universe

As a 5-year-old child, I had a secret way to travel the universe. All I had to do was lie on my front, rest my closed eyes on my forearms, and boom – I was flying among the stars! The galaxies were my playground, and I could see the planets dancing in front of me, swirling in a cosmic ballet. The milky way was my highway, and I was free from any labels or limitations, just soaring in blissful freedom. No concepts or expectations could touch me there – I was pure, wild joy, untethered and alive. It was like having a magic ticket to explore the universe, and I treasured every moment of it. As a kid, I felt this deep knowing that I was part of something much bigger than myself, that there was magic and wonder to be found within. But as I grew up, the noise of the world drowned out that inner voice, and I started to believe that the universe was something “out there,” beyond my reach. The school taught me to rely on my brain to understand the world, but it left me feeling empty and disconnected. It was like living in a colourless, flat world, missing out on the vibrant, pulsing energy of the universe. But deep down, I knew there was more, and I was determined to find it.
The memory of that childhood freedom never left me, and I searched for it in every corner of my life, hungry for the answers that would set me free.