I’ve tried a couple of times to start sending this again, but I repeatedly got sidetracked and (wannabe) perfect became the enemy of good. So I’m making this short and sharp to get back into the habit.
Initially, this led me here a few weeks back:
Then I subscribed to the newsletter sent by Stephanie Wood (author of memoir Fake, and a journalist I admire). I realised she’s writing what I rather aspire to write, though mine is with more of a yoga/movement/health bent.
Lastly, a client at the yoga studio today who returned after a long break said after class that he didn’t understand why despite knowing how good a class would make him feel, he has this resistance to coming. One thing that doing a 30-day challenge taught me was the habit of taking my arse to class no matter what was going on in my head; he said, “Ah, yes, smart feet!”
[Knowing something is good for you, but not doing it because it’s tough — is it the exact opposite to knowing something is bad for you and doing it because it’s easy?]
So, this is sort of about smart feet.
A few lists in threes, to warm up:
Three favourite (Instagram) stories-writers, each for very different reasons:
@bluemi1k
@fooderati
@moorehn
Three sort-of-professional things I’ve done since last newsletter:
2/3 of a Professional Certificate of Holistic Wellness Coaching at Nature Care College in Sydney (by distance). If you would like to be a volunteer client as I finish, let me know.
Reiki 2. Little bit hocuspocus, little bit focused meditation. I’ve shared this this Atlantic article before. Here’s a great critique of that article, too, which says:
There is nothing in the positive results reported in this study that couldn’t be easily explained by a combination of placebo effects and relaxation from lying on a table for an hour while someone pays attention to you.
If that’s all it is — okay, then. It might be just what some people need.
Advanced Yoga Training in Trauma, Mental Health and Body Image. Highly recommend, if you are already a teacher — more here.
I’m now considering this course — if you happen to have any feedback related to it or know anyone who’s done it, I’d love to hear about it.
Three personal things, ditto:
Rented a tiny house just down the road from us to renovate as home office/guesthouse. Decor inspo today is Sam Fox’s bedroom in Better Things—specifically those hot pink curtains, green glass lamps, and artworks on the walls.
Learned to ride a motorbike, and bought one, too.
Three health-related things:
Went plant-based maybe 95% of the time. Don’t reckon I could have done it without a Thermomix (best pandemic purchase along with the motorbike) and easy access to ingredients that used to be really hard to find.
Started doing sauna/cold plunge once or twice a week. Have done 7 minutes in 12 degrees—exhilarating! Lasted just 30 seconds in a 9 degree one yesterday 🥶.
Beachwalking again. Thanks doggo!
Three books:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Rereading this for the first time since high school was interesting. What a hefty book for a 13 or 14 year old to have read!
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. Watching the series, which is inspired by just a small portion of it.
Yoga by Emmanuel Carrere. The Adversary is one of my favourite books, so looking forward to diving into this.
Three shows:
Better Things. Nothing better has been done portraying parenting, ever.
Hacks. I love being the generation between the two of them.
The Staircase. Colin Firth, odious.
Till next time:
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(via @trungtphan).