Essentialism
A small book filled to the brim with great advice. Essentialism by Greg McKeown Also check out this related Podcast Interview by Tim Ferris. Enjoy!
Tarns, Cairns and a Scramble
One of the greatest joys of traveling (even in, or perhaps even especially in the UK, as I’m not a native English speaker) are the unexpected expansions in vocabulary. Last year’s walking vacation in the UK lake district (where the rescued Alpacas play) taught us many things. Such as: Cairns, meres, waters, becks and tarns will be… Read More Tarns, Cairns and a Scramble
Fan (Veil) Wrangling
A while ago, I wrote a blog post on working with Silk Fan Veils (one of my favorite belly dance fantasy/fusion props!) for ZeOT magazine. One of the many movement arts where flexible fingers, adequate wrist mobility and grip strength come in hand(ha!)y. I’ve just released a free(!) 50-minute Fan Veil FUN-damentals tutorial, so it feels like… Read More Fan (Veil) Wrangling
— Martial Arts, Movement —
The Martial Matrix
One of the unexpected side-effects of studying TaeKwonDo is that it has become nearly impossible to watch a Martial Arts scene in a film without shouting out the techniques that are being employed. And.. judging them. Even when – or, perhaps, especially when – the movements are ones I am still very much struggling with… Read More The Martial Matrix
Getting a Grip
Grip strength. What’s it for? Well, everything, apparently – as it translates into full body strength and overall health. It also relates to gentleness. Check out this great article by Nerd Fitness on improving grip strength, wrist mobility and hand flexibility. Interestingly, and partially relatedly, check out this Post by Bulletproof Musician on a simple grip-related trick… Read More Getting a Grip
Radical Acceptance
A lovely book, deeply comforting, moving, and enlightening. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. PS: Check out this page for a treasure trove of free(!) guided meditations by Tara.
— Flexibility, Movement —
Stacey Nemour’s Dance! Flexibility Makeover Power Pack – Part 1
This is part one of a series of 13(!) posts about my experiences in working with the Dance! Flexibility Makeover Power Pack online course series by the fantastic Stacey Nemour. A brand new series of posts about Stacey’s Beginner’s Ultimate Flexibility Makeover Guide can be found here. Check out this post for a great seat… Read More Stacey Nemour’s Dance! Flexibility Makeover Power Pack – Part 1
— Inspiration, Movement —
Taking a Moment
Relaxing during the evening with a cup of tea – either alone or together – has long been a tradition in House Bech. This year I wanted to take it a step deeper, and delve into the world of tea ceremony. The picture below shows a very simple matcha tea (ie finely ground green tea, often… Read More Taking a Moment
Walking in the Rain
This Saturday it was rainy, grey, and chilly outside. Perfect weather for a woodland walk. I love the forest when it rains. Hearing the raindrops on the branches, on the leaves, and on your head. Stepping in puddles on the paths. The forest floor feels more alive. Everything looks cleaner, clearer (at least when it… Read More Walking in the Rain
Back to Basics
Today‘s ballet class was amazing. Tuesdays are traditionally dedicated to basics (for pointes as well as ‘regular’ ballet and floorbarre) so it was the perfect way for us students to kick (or grand battement?) the new year into gear, dance-wise. I do my best to take several classes a week when I am not traveling,… Read More Back to Basics