Martial Arts, Movement

Focused Training

Today, in Haidong Gumdo training, we covered several ways to practise and refine a single (diagonal) sword cut. After that, in Taekwondo class, we got to spend most of our time on practising a single kick. I loved it. Time flew by. Focus. Depth. Concentration. Action. Observation. Feedback. Adaptation. Re-focus. The power of Repetition. Of… Read More Focused Training

Movement, Strength

A Gentle Approach

It’s the strong hand, not the weak one, that must learn to be gentle. Today was a day for gentleness. In all things practise, instead of an ‘all or nothing’ approach, sometimes the best way forward is to take a small (or considerable!) step back. To go deeper instead. In strength training for instance, ‘off… Read More A Gentle Approach

Books

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook

If you are interested in learning more about Myofascial trigger points (and/or would like to add Foam rolling and/or Foot reflexology to your self-care routine) be sure to check out The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair and Amber Davies. An extensive, clear, practical and useful resource. Makes great points (ha!)

Flexibility, Movement

Happy Feet

Our feet – incredibly important, ingenious, complex and beautiful movement makers. They contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments each. Naturally, taking care of them well benefits us in many ways, including increased strength and flexibility throughout the body. I love using a foot roller – my favourite is… Read More Happy Feet

Inspiration, Movement

All the Journals

Believe it or not, I have reduced my number of journals for 2019.. to 5. 🙂 Less(ish) is more. Right? I do like having different places for recording/finding different kinds of ideas, so I still use a few. These are the ones currently in rotation: Dancers Day Planner – By Cera Byer. I use the quarter-year… Read More All the Journals

Movement, Nature

Goals for Life

For life and love. In 2019 I‘d like to keep the momentum going of: Enjoying the moment, completely, consciously, at least once a day Breathing deeply Spending time in the forest – at least 1-2 times a week Reading books and articles about trees, and nature in general Contemplating the Clouds Enjoying sunsets (and sunrises!)… Read More Goals for Life

Dance, Movement

Dance Goals for 2019

So many possibilities, and some lovely projects already in the works to look forward to. The New Year is wide open. These are my dance goals for 2019: For Ballet Dare to finally try a pirouette on pointes, on both sides 🙂 Dance (and survive) a full choreo en pointe at this year’s(!) recital. Work… Read More Dance Goals for 2019

Books, Movement

Better than Before

By mindfully choosing our habits, we harness the power of mindlessness as a sweeping force for serenity, energy, and growth. A great way to prepare ourselves mindfully and consciously for the New Year is to gain insight into our habits. The little things we do (and think!) every day end up shaping our lives by… Read More Better than Before