Yoga Pathways

Balance. It’s one of those words you hear everywhere — in yoga classes, in self-help books, at the doctor’s surgery. But for a long time, it was just a concept that didn’t mean much to me and it may or may not mean much to you either.

I remember the exact moment that changed. I was watching my dad try to get himself out of a chair and what I saw frightened and upset me in equal balance (😂) He was was weak, shaky and seriously unstable. I was bombarded immediately with a flood of worst-case scenarios. That’s when I saw clearly: balance isn’t something we “find” like a treasure—it’s something we must create. It’s imperative. At that moment, I saw in vivid detail how much we rely on balance just to get through even the everyday movements of life. It’s physical, yes — but it’s so much more.

Fast forward to these last few weeks. With plenty of personal challenges (my daughter Sash is unwell again, and as a parent, that brings a storm of worry and fear), I’ve found myself returning to the tools I know best: yoga and meditation. This time, I discovered a different kind of balance. Not the kind you build in your muscles (the kind my dad had lost) but the inner steadiness that helps you stay anchored when life’s winds howl. It’s never easy, and it will always be painful, but through practice, I can now meet these moments without being swept away by panic or dragged by the undercurrents of emotion. (a lot of the time). Please don’t think I’m setting myself up as some kind of guru who has it all worked out and can always be the quiet observer of my thoughts and feelings, I am just sharing the things that help me when life gets difficult.

This month marks a first for me personally when it comes to the challenge of creating balance: I cancelled something. Yes. Something I was very excited about and had been planning with my friend and artist Liz Cooke for some time. Our 7 -Series Chakra and Art workshops. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it became clear that in order to truly help me to stay centred, I needed to balance my own energy and attention more consciously. This decision came from a place of deep awareness—something meditation and yoga have gifted me over time. It’s a reminder that balance isn’t just about what we do in class or on the mat; it’s also about listening to ourselves, setting boundaries, and making space for rest and renewal. In this way, I’m practicing the very wisdom I share with you all, embracing both the challenges and the grace of this ongoing journey.

So all through November, we’re exploring balance together in every sense. Here’s what that means and how it shows up, both on and off the mat:

• Physical balance: Yes, we’ll work with classic poses like Tree and Warrior III (get ready for some wobbles and giggles!), but we’ll also pay attention to how grounding through the feet and steadying the breath can transform even the most ordinary postures.
• Breath balance: Ever noticed how your inhale and exhale can get out of sync when you’re stressed or scared? We’ll practice evening out the breath to regulate the mind and body — nothing fancy, but oh so effective.
• Mindful balance: Meditation isn’t about banishing thoughts but learning to stay centred amid them. This month, we’ll use mindfulness to catch ourselves when we’re pulled off-centre by life’s surprises.
• Effort and ease: Perhaps my favorite lesson. In every pose, and in every moment of life, there’s a dance between trying and letting go. What would it mean for you to find that sweet spot — just enough effort, but not too much?
• Emotional balance: Using our practice as a safe space to meet whatever arises, with compassion. This is the real work — learning to hold space for ourselves, especially when life feels overwhelming.

Why does this matter? Because balance is about more than standing on one leg — it teaches us how to meet chaos with calm, how to find our footing when things feel uncertain, and how to soften into joy and community when opportunity arises.

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