What do we really need to be happy?
As we move into a different season and energy shifts it affects us more than we think.
I was so impressed with all those who came out to class on Tuesday. There had been a quite a few days of rain it was starting to go dark even at 6.30pm, and to be quite honest it would have been so easy to stay at home and feel a bit S.A.D.
But NO - quite a lot of my lovely yogi family dug deep and came to practice. We worked hard and definitely shifted some of that negative energy.
This makes me feel happy - to share this experience with other like minded folk. Because at the end of the day it's all down to us.
You may be aware that I've been drawn to Scandinavian culture and lifestyle for some time. I feel we have a lot to learn. In the World Happiness Report 2024 all Nordic countries are listed in the top 10. (The U.K. is 20). It seems their life balance is better. They leave work on time. Things are much more geared up to support families. They pay more taxes for better social and medical care. But pay a lot less, even NO higher education fees.
They burn more candles (even in the day time) and spend a lot more time in nature.
One thing that has struck me more than a lot of things is that they really TRUST each other.
I feel that this is such an important quality in overall happiness and working out who and what you can really trust.
I was lucky enough to visit Copenhagen earlier this year with my daughters, which did not disappoint in any way. (See previous blog). We were so impressed at how nice everyone was. We even visited a self serve charity shop, which was unstaffed.
As you probably know I also went to Norway at the beginning of August to check out this wonderful yoga centre. Norway has the same kind of vibe.
There is a sense of calm, even in the cities. Oslo's population is 717,000. The whole of Norway is 5 and a half million, half the size of London.
It seems these countries have a much better relationship with being outdoors even in adverse conditions. In Norway it's no wonder with such an abundance of jaw dropping scenery, even a short trip out of capital the city.
So as we move into Autumn it's a good time to reset and appreciate the little things which make us happy. Maybe leaning into the Autumn/Winter vibes more.
For me finding the best cinnamon bun in London along with a treat of a really great coffee is high up there. As well (of course) as a yoga class with your yoga buddies where we can draw upon each others energy. I also really love a rainy walk in my waterproof raincoat and boots. Raincoat is from Rains by the way, which is designed in Denmark.
I hope to bring more of this vibe not only to my Norway Retreat next year as we will embrace the outdoors, nature and the connection with ourselves. But will also share more of this inspiration in my other classes and workshops too over the next few months.
Why not light a candle in the daytime? Or treat yourself to a Cinnamon Bun as apparently it's Cinnamon Bun day.
Namaste
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