Adventures in Athens

Hello everyone,

This week’s theme is Listening. Listening helps us connect deeply with ourselves, recognising our needs and emotions. Yoga teaches us to move in ways that feel good and to accept that our bodies and energy levels change each time we step onto the mat.

We are all our own best teachers. In class, I offer different options so you can find what feels right for your body. Some days you might want to challenge yourself; other days you might move gently. The most important thing is showing up for yourself.

Yoga poses should never be painful, though they may feel uncomfortable. It is up to you to listen to your body and recognise your personal edge. If something hurts, gently exit the pose and rest.

This week’s affirmation: I listen deeply to my body, my mind and the world around me. 

My Trip to Athens 🏛️

Last Friday, my best friend Emilie and I flew to Athens. I have visited many Greek islands before and even studied in Palairos, but I had never been to the capital. Over five days, we walked 28 miles! I am so proud of my body for allowing me to explore, especially during a flare-up.

Early in the trip, we realised we both walk quickly, so “Stroll” became our reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

We visited the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, where the view from the top was breathtaking. I have always loved Greek history and mythology, and it was amazing to see how much of our modern world was shaped by the ancient Greeks. We also visited the Ancient Agora, once the centre of Athenian life.

In the spirit of listening, we balanced our busy days with some calm evenings spent reading, doing facemasks, and resting our tired legs up the wall after all the walking.

We ate plenty of Greek salads and delicious chicken souvlaki. After being vegetarian for ten years, reintroducing meat into my diet has made me feel stronger and helped my fibromyalgia, which has been a really positive change.

Thank you to everyone who sent us recommendations for Athens. We visited so many wonderful places and ate plenty of baklava🍯

My Greek Family💙

One day, we took the tram to Glyfada, a seaside town about forty minutes from central Athens, to visit my Greek grandad, Kostas.

My family met Kostas and his wife, Pitsa, years ago in Kefalonia, where they owned both the villa we stayed in and the one above ours. We quickly became close, and they now feel like family. Kostas even calls my dad his Greek son.

I had not seen him for two years, so it was lovely to reconnect. He treated us to dinner by the beach, and we spent hours reminiscing. Sadly, Pitsa is unwell and in a nursing home, and I am sending her all my love. After dinner, we went to Kostas’ favourite ice cream shop, which was such a joyful end to the evening. I am so grateful for this special bond.

Best Friend Appreciation!

Emilie and I met six years ago on an international Girl Guiding trip to Croatia, Slovenia, and Venice. We barely spoke at the time, but reconnected during lockdown and became close friends.

Since then, we’ve travelled to Cardiff, Berlin, Norfolk, and now Athens. Emilie is one of the kindest and most supportive people I know. She’s always mindful of my fibromyalgia and makes me feel safe and understood. She’s one of the few people I can truly recharge around, and we both love spending quiet time reading together.

Next Week’s Theme: The Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra is the energy centre of intuition, insight, and self-expression💙

How do you practice listening to your body on and off the mat?

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See you on the mat next week,

Eloise x