Growing up, we're constantly told 'practice makes perfect'.  It's a mantra that we find ourselves repeating even into adulthood; work hard at something and you'll reap the rewards. For many aspects of our lives, this may well be true.  We focus our attention on getting better, on the final outcome and the sense of fulfilment we achieve when we reach that point.  The education system in this country is one that constantly measures and tracks improvement, turning young people into a piece of data rather than recognising them as the wonderful individuals they are (ok, as an ex-teacher don't get me started on that - I could rant for hours...). When it comes to yoga however, it doesn't matter how much you practise, I'm afraid you'll never 'complete' yoga or become 'yoga perfect'.  Why? Because yoga isn't about the destination. Sorry folks, but as cliched as it may sound, it's about the journey! Ok, thats probably simulata...

It's been quite a while since I posted about running and in all honesty, I think it's because I didn't have any races in the pipeline so I was feeling like I'd lost my running mojo. I was still running but instead of going out 3 or 4 times a week and following a strict plan, I was just running as and when I felt like it.  I have to say, I am definitely one of those people who needs a goal or something to focus on.  I really like have a training plan as it means that I can quite literally tick off my training and get a sense of accomplishment from that...I do love a list! After all the marathon training, I was genuinely worried that I might lose my love for running.  I had heard horror stories of other marathoners who, after accomplishing the marathon, just completely fell out of love with running and stopped completely. I went out on the Sunday after the marathon to run the 3.7 miles for Matt Campbell, the man who sadly died in this year's London Marathon. ...

It's easy to look at social media and make the assumption that everyone else is literally 'living their best life' and that you are somehow lacking because in comparison, your life doesn't look so shiny and perfect. However, this is simply not the case.  Social media is a filter; we generally only share the things we are proud of, or that we know will paint us in a certain kind of light. With my job, there comes an expectation that I am superfit, am always doing deep and meaningful things like meditating, eating healthily, smashing out complex yoga poses in awesome locations etc. etc.  The reality is that yes, I do do most of these things, but it is very much within reason!  I do eat healthily but I like a doughnut or chocolate; I go to the gym, run or do yoga 6 days a week if I can because it keeps me balanced; I meditate most days but sometimes I forget; and I do sometimes do a random yoga pose but it's very rarely somewhere cool! Most importantly thoug...