The Courage to Begin...

Exactly as You Are.

We sometimes fall into the trap of a belief that can stop us in our tracks, particularly with reference to the world of our own wellness. That myth is that we need to be "ready" before we start. We think we need to be more flexible before we try yoga, stronger before we try Pilates, or "calmer" before we try to meditate.

I’ve been there. I used to believe yoga wasn't for me, too "hippy-ish" and "airy-fairy." I used to think my body wasn't built for grace or lengthening, and that my mind was simply incapable of being calmed.

I was actually looking for a photo of myself in my early yoga days to share with you, but then this photo of me as a young girl on the beach leapt out at me instead. It made me smile, because it reminded me that the connection was always there. Long before I understood the concept of the tides or the alignment of a pose, I simply knew the rhythm of the sea. It’s that same innate connection that I’m bringing back to my mat today.

Where it all began, finding coastal rhythm in the 80's!

Before I "grew up" and started believing the myths about what my body "couldn't" do, I knew the ocean was my home. I am so glad I found my way back to my home and live my every day in a pure sense of who I am. Now, I have the absolute privilege to facilitate this journey for others. To give back in this way, to help unlock this way of living for other people, is what I aspire to do every day at Wave Wellness.

The ocean doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions to move; it responds to the pull of the moon and the shift of the wind, exactly as it is in that moment. At Wave Wellness, we believe the same applies to you.

Exactly as you are today is perfect.

This week, we officially opened the doors to our digital home, The Shore Studio, and today have launched our newest channel: Swell. These 30-minute Coastal Flows were designed specifically for this moment, the middle ground where we access a steady, intentional rhythm as a bridge between the dynamic Power Vinyasa Yoga and the Submerge Yin Yoga.

Over 20 years ago since I graduated with a BSc Hons Biology degree.

Whether you are finding your "wingspan" with the Albatross class or tapping into the deep, resonant breath of the Humpback Whale, these sessions are a reminder that movement isn't about perfection. It’s about the courage to simply show up on the mat. I take inspiration as I lead these classes from the creatures of the ocean. I have a degree in Biology, there is so much to be in awe about our natural world and I love exploring it and learning from our environment.

Looking back at these photos has been such a trip down memory lane. I’ve lived a lot since that graduation photo was taken, and I’m so glad I have! Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown, not just in my career, but as a person. I feel a genuine excitement every day for the growth opportunities ahead, no matter how small they may be. My aim is to keep showing up with that same curiosity and openness every single day, for as long as I live.

Life jacket on ready to cross the English Channel as the Pilot in Command!

Here's another photo I came across this week...here I am about to be the Pilot in Command of a small aircraft to cross the English Channel. I can't tell you the whole story today...more to come on that; however, what I will share is the courage I had here in my late teens was unstoppable...yet somehow I was very grounded too.

That same balance of courage and stability is what I bring to the mat today. So...if you’ve been standing on the shore, watching the water and waiting for the "right time" to dive in, this is your sign. You don’t need to be anything other than who you are right now to begin your journey. There's a no obligation 7-day free trial to get you started, come and enjoy the Sea Kin community. If you'd prefer a more personal 1:1, I've had a few enquiries...join in and make contact. I'm also looking at some in-person small group classes at a local New Brighton venue. Spaces will be limited, 8-10 per class for the pure Wave Wellness experience. If this sounds like a good option for me, please let me know so I can note down your interest.

The water is fine. You are ready now.

Dive in with our 7-Day Free Trial at www.wavewellness.co.nz/shore-studio explore our new Coastal Flows.