Hi Reader,
How has your week been?
My first week in Germany was interesting.
Before travelling, I had already decided how I wanted these weeks to feel. I planned to work for around two hours each day, leaving plenty of space for family, walks and rest.
Then life arrived.
A new round of Cook to Feel Steady began.
The broadband was painfully slow.
Small jobs took much longer than expected.
One little frustration turned into another.
None of them were particularly big, but together, they slowly pulled me away from the rhythm I had hoped to create. So after a few days I noticed something familiar. I was becoming little more impatient. More easily irritated. Those old patterns kept creeping in.
Then one afternoon I simply sat down with my journal. Writing always helps me untangle what seems muddled and come back to responding rather than reacting.
This Week's Blog Post/Podcast
Last week you might have read about the Mooladhara, the root chakra, how it creates stability and a feeling of being supported.
This week we move upwards to the Swadhisthana, the sacral chakra.
Where the root chakra gives us stability, the sacral chakra teaches us how to move with change. It is closely connected with our emotions, habits and the patterns we fall back into when life becomes busy or uncertain. For me, it was how quickly those patterns can return when our rhythm changes.
Read & Listen here
From my Kitchen this Week...
One thing my mother has always been brilliant at is planning meals. Last week, we planned it all out, did the shopping, so nobody had to ask, "What's for lunch?"
We simply got started cooking our way around the world - from very German boiled potatoes and quark with fresh herbs (super yummy), to spicy Asian stir fry, or pasta with fresh tomato sauce (not ideal for the heat in my body) and sautéed zucchini, to spicy tom yum soup with tofu and rice, and - not to be missed - pizza. Did you notice? No mung dal this week 😁.
What was your best meal this week?
From my Practice this Week...
During a week where very little went as planned, I noticed again how my yoga practice is a steady anchor.
When rest isn't enough, we need something reliable to return to. For me, that has always been my practice.
This week I was particularly drawn to standing postures. They remind me of what we explored last week through Mooladhara, the root chakra. My feet root down, my legs engage, my spine lengthens and gradually I begin to feel steadier again.
Triangle Pose added something else. It opens the side body, creates space in every direction and finishes with a gentle twist which leaves me feeling both spacious and strong.
If you'd like to explore Trikonasana a little more, you can read my guide here.
Glimpse into Sacred Pause
I want to introduce something new.
Every week I'll be sharing a small glimpse into Sacred Pause, our retreat in the Lake District next June.
Rather than only hearing about it when the booking reminders arrive, I'd love to bring pieces of the retreat into everyday life through reflections, photographs and ideas that inspired it.
This week's glimpse is a photo of Helen and me in one of those places that simply invites you to sit for a while and let it all soak in.
It made me wonder: do you have a place that helps you slow down? A favourite bench, a corner of your garden, a woodland path or simply a chair by the window?
Perhaps spend five quiet minutes there this week and simply notice what changes.
Webpage is now up and the Super Early Bird booking is open 😍
Check it out here.
This Week in Back to Rhythm
And then there is another new section I'd love to share with you.
In September, I am going to open Back to Rhythm again for the first time in three years.
Over the coming weeks I'd like to give you little glimpses into the programme. Maybe you joined the first round, or perhaps you've heard me mention it but never really knew what it involved. Over the coming weeks I'll share little glimpses behind the scenes so you can get a feel for it.
Would you like some personal support?
I'm opening three places for my eight-week Restoring Digestive Rhythm programme.
If you've been struggling with bloating, unpredictable digestion or low energy—and feel like you're constantly guessing what to eat or following the latest health trend without finding lasting answers—we'll work together to help you understand what your body needs and build a rhythm that continues supporting you long after the programme finishes.
If it feels like the right next step, you can find out more here.
🌿 Pause & Reflect
When life looks different, which one small rhythm helps you feel like yourself again?
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,