A Few Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

Eloise Handleigh
Jul 10
3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

Hey everyone,

It's been a while since the last blog, so there's lots to catch up on!

Here are the past few themes and intentions:

Play

As adults, we often forget how liberating it can be to move without agenda or judgement. Encouraging play in a yoga class means trying different variations or giggling if you wobble in a pose. It reminds us that the mat can be a place of discovery rather than perfection.

Intention: I welcome play into my practice and life.

Listening

Out of all my themes, I think this is the one I encourage most in class. Living with fibromyalgia, it's so important for me to constantly check in with my body and listen to what it needs.

If a variation of a pose doesn't feel good, back off and honour your body's energy levels, which can change from week to week. Listening helps us connect with ourselves more deeply and notice where we can be kinder.

Intention: I listen with an open heart.

Time

Time is always moving, yet yoga allows us to pause and be present. I often find myself rushing around, but sometimes simply stopping to take a deep breath is exactly what's needed to reconnect with myself. Time reminds us to let go of what has passed and soften into what is unfolding.

Intention: I allow myself to slow down.

I joined a club!

A few weeks ago, I was reading in Loughton Library when I noticed a group of people enjoying tea and cake together. The lovely gentleman who worked there saw me smile and offered me a cup of tea. Instead, I asked if I could join them.

It turns out it's a community social that happens every Friday. I spent hours chatting and getting to know everyone and their stories. It was one of the nicest afternoons I've had in a long time. I think it was the spontaneity of it all, and I just love connecting with people.

They invited me back the following week, and I've been going ever since.

Halfway through Couch to 5K!

I am so happy to be back running! 🏃‍♀️

As a teenager, I LOVED running—I even won a 1500m race once! But after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2022, when I wasn't even able to walk, let alone run, I never thought this would be possible again.

Last year, my GP suggested I start running to help manage my pain, and after recovering from two injuries, I'm now halfway through the Couch to 5K programme.

Tomorrow is Week 5 Run 3: 20 minutes of continuous running. It's a big jump, but I've built up my fitness, and I know I can do it.

More than anything, I'm just so proud of my body.

I also treated myself to a Garmin watch, which has been amazing, especially when it reminds me to slow down and recover after busy days.

Life lately

My nephew, August, turned two! We celebrated with a family picnic in Queen's Park, and I still can't believe how quickly he's growing. He is such a kind and clever little man. He's currently obsessed with the Hulk; it's super cute!

I also spent last weekend in Norfolk with my besties at my parents' place in Salthouse. We had lovely dinners, played card games, went to the beach, and even had our own Pride party after missing London Pride. I LOVE, LOVE! 🌈🫶

I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the wonderful people in my life.

As always, thank you for being here and sharing this little corner of the internet with me.