Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing little glimpses of Back to Rhythm, the 12-week programme I'm reopening this September after a complete rebuild.
If you're ready to stop chasing conflicting advice and build a steadier relationship with food, stress and your body, the Back to Rhythm Interest List is now open.
Join the list to receive:
• First access before enrolment opens publicly
• Invitations to the early Q&A sessions
• Behind-the-scenes updates as the programme continues to take shape
This week took an unexpected turn. Yesterday, my mother fell. She's 86.
She was badly bruised, and she cut some skin, but thankfully nothing was broken. Even though she hit her head, she didn't have a headache or feel nauseous, so she didn't want to go to the hospital.
We stayed at home, used cold compresses, and kept an eye on her. By the end of the evening, she was already feeling much better. Once the initial shock had settled, she recovered surprisingly quickly.
It reminded me of my mother-in-law, she used to fall frequently and often looked very dramatic, yet she rarely needed significant medical treatment.
It made me think about what these two women had in common.
Both grew up in a time when life was physically demanding. They worked hard every day. They ate regular meals, cooked everything from scratch, kept a steady daily rhythm, got up early and stayed physically active throughout their lives.
Over decades, they built resilience.
Of course, they experienced illnesses and challenges like everyone else. Yet the foundation they had created seemed to help them recover remarkably well, whether from physical knocks or difficult life circumstances.
Perhaps resilience is built quietly over many years through the ordinary things we do every day. A life of rhythm, regular meals, movement and simple routines may become something we draw upon later, when our body and mind need it most.
Watching my mother recover reminded me how much of our resilience is built long before we ever need it.
This also relates to this week's blog post where I talk about the Manipura chakra as the centre of purposeful action.
This Week's Blog Post/Podcast
Read how lasting strength rarely comes from one big effort. It grows through the small choices we return to each day.
On Friday, I made a simple pasta salad that was perfect for the hot weather.
I started with a generous dressing of extra virgin olive oil, herb vinegar, sea salt and black pepper and dried oregano. Then I added tomatoes with the seeds removed, sliced olives.
I waited until just before we ate to mix the pasta into the marinated tomatoes and dressing with the addition of plenty of fresh herbs from the garden: parsley, chives, basil, dill, lemon balm and fresh mozzarella. That kept the salad beautifully juicy and moist, with every piece of pasta coated in the flavours.
If you have them, vine-ripened garden tomatoes are wonderful for this. They tend to have a much thinner skin and a sweeter flavour than many shop-bought tomatoes.
In Ayurveda, tomatoes are considered heating and acidic. Removing the seeds helps reduce some of that heat, while the olive oil, fresh herbs and mozzarella bring a little more balance to the dish. The pasta also plays its part. Its naturally sweet taste and nourishing quality help soften the sharpness of the tomatoes.
If Pitta is already running high or tomatoes often leave you with acid reflux, digestive discomfort or skin issues, cooked tomatoes are usually the easier choice or if they still don't suit you, simply leave them out for now.
I avoided tomatoes for years and I am still careful. One thing I noticed this year though, is that I'm digesting tomatoes much better. It's a lovely reminder that digestion isn't fixed. As it becomes stronger and steadier, the body often tolerates foods differently too.
From my Practice this Week...
This week I've been exploring Warrior I and Tree Pose after some nerve irritation in my left leg.
I noticed that when I actively press the foot into the ground and engage the muscles around the leg, everything feels more supported and settled.
Sometimes the body responds beautifully when we create stability before asking for movement.
Glimpse into Sacred Pause
quiet path - sacred pause
One thing Helen and I (and Tarka) kept noticing as we walked around the venue was how naturally the landscape slows your pace.
Nobody was rushing.
The paths encouraged wandering rather than arriving.
It reminded us that sometimes the environment supports the rhythm we're trying to create.
That's something we're hoping everyone experiences next June.
One of the biggest changes I've made while rebuilding Back to Rhythm has nothing to do with adding more content.
It's about creating more space.
The original programme ran over eight weeks. This new version unfolds over twelve. At first glance, that might sound like a longer course. For me it feels steadier now.
There's an Arrival Week before we begin, where everyone takes stock of where they are, notices their current patterns and sets an intention for the journey ahead.
Halfway through, there's an Integration Week. No new lessons. Just space to reflect, ask questions and notice what's already changing.
Ayurveda teaches that lasting change grows through understanding, practice and repetition.
The programme now follows that same rhythm.
Learning.
Applying.
Pausing.
Then building again.
It's a small change to the structure, yet it says something important about how I want people to experience Back to Rhythm. Real transformation needs room to breathe.
🌿 Pause & Reflect
Looking back, which everyday habit has supported you through life's more difficult moments?
If this Sunday Read might be helpful for someone, you’re very welcome to share it with someone who might enjoy it.
💭 If you have a question, or there’s something you’d love me to explore in a future Sunday Read, you’re always welcome to let me know.
Here’s to carrying a little more calm and ease into your days,
Much of what I share here is explored more deeply in my When Rest Isn’t Enough live workshop — a simple starting point to help you build a rhythm that truly supports you.
A quiet Sunday morning in your inbox. Every Sunday, I share one seasonal reflection, practical yoga and Ayurveda guidance, and one simple idea to help you feel calmer, steadier and more like yourself.