I enjoyed an incredible restorative walk in the woods yesterday after missing our long walks for three weeks. The girls (Mini and Piccalilli) have had their lady time! The sunshine on the Autumnal landscape was beautiful and I was stunned by the sudden change from the last walk, nature is preparing for Winter. It made me think about how we balance preparing for the future whilst enjoying the moment. I think that part of the answer lies in being present in the moment and not living on autopilot – we should turn off the phone, computer and social media as soon as we have finished the task for which we have deployed these tools, those things are vacuums of time, and energy. Then we can sit up and look around, look at the people, our surroundings, notice the smells, the sounds and feel the energy and atmosphere. Take a break and go outside (wrap up warmly and dress accordingly, no excuses) a few minutes of fresh air and movement does wonders for our mental and physical being, it reboots our mind and body. The digital world has been shown to damage our mental health (brain waves, type of light, social isolation, mood, relationships) and the inactivity caused by sitting and looking at screens affects our physical health (posture, mobility, digestion and metabolism, respiration, organ function etc.). It’s not the equipment that’s the problem its how we use it and it’s addictive. I have found social media really helpful to reconnect with friends and make new ones, stay in touch, find out about trainings, courses, research etc. but I have also fallen in to the time trap – here’s an interesting link (I implore you to watch)…
I believe that spending some time making exciting plans (plus the necessary less exciting ones) and creating the strategies to achieve them is also important. Designing a compelling future inspires us to push on and the more inspiring it is, the easier it is to maintain forward momentum, thus preventing procrastination, avoidance and looping it also assists us to be time efficient (the digital world can help or hinder here). Be the designer of your own story rather than a bit player in someone else’s. I think we can be the star of our own show and appear in others allowing them to be the star of theirs.
If we are always looking back how can we see where we are going, The odd glance back over our shoulder helps us learn form mistakes and successes, living in the moment is where we can thrive and looking to the future can give us hope and purpose.
My personal moto is to “Live each day as if it were my last and look after my health as if I am to live forever”
I also love “Today is called the present because it is a gift”
So to the week ahead…
Firstly please do remember we value your requests, questions and feedback. We love to have the opportunity to tailor the classes/one to one services to meet your needs and preferences. It’s what sets us apart for other dance, health and fitness providers – we can be respond, be flexible and adapt really quickly to your requests.
I’m ‘totally loving’ all our classes, the music, the vibe and choreography – much of that is due to you and the attitude you bring, thank you.
Ski Fitness
If you are going skiing this season or simply love the fabulous slide, step and conditioning workout our Ski Fit class provides and the fitness benefits we gain in terms of core, legs, butt and more then let me know. I propose we have a Ski season ‘Ski Fit’ class on Wednesdays 6.30-7.15pm let me know if you are interested in this, or any other, time.
Barre Fit
I’m hearing great feedback regarding Daisy’s Barre Fit classes, (Wednesdays, 7.30pm). She shines a fabulous light on each movement, which adds another level of effectiveness. Plus she is adorable and funny! BTW Daisy is loving teaching you all too.
Thursday 24 October,
6.15-7.25pm, Award winning Mind Body guru, Monica Linford will be giving her ‘Restore and Release’ guest class. There are a few spaces left and I will be sharing with my professional colleagues and giving them the opportunity to attend so message me a.s.a.p. if you want me to reserve you a place. Please bring your tennis balls, bands etc.
7.30pm, Daisy West is another award winner and will teache a special easy to learn and wonderful to dance Modern Lyrical class. We welcome everyone to experience the opportunity to dance with such a talented chorographer, dancer and teacher – tell anyone who you think will love the class.
NO FREESTYLE FITNESS YOGA CLASS ON THE 25 OCTOBER.
Monday 28 October
6.30pm Boogie Fit for Beginners and Returners
7.45pm Middle Bit
7.45pm Cardio Dance (more experienced Dance Fitness fans)
…will be taught by leading Fitness professional, teacher trainer and presenter Teresa Wheatley who is a fantastically skilled teacher, you will have a fabulous time with an all round wonderful woman!
I feel truly honoured to have such talented, inspiring and highly regarded women work along side me as part of our DYBO teaching Faculty.
Freestyle Fitness Yoga course
Commences on the 1 November and runs until the 13 December.
This is an incredibly popular class so book early to secure your place.
Red Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup
This soup recipe is vegan, but check the ingredients of the Thai Red Curry paste, as some brands contain dried shrimp.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil 2 tsp
- Thai red curry paste 2 tbsp
- Onion 1, finely chopped
- Coriander a small bunch, stalks finely chopped, leaves roughly chopped
- Ginger a thumb-sized piece, finely grated
- Garlic 1 clove, sliced
- Red chilli 1, finely chopped
- Butternut squash 750g, peeled and cut into 2cm dice
- Vegetable stock 5 litres, hot
- Lime 1, juiced
Method
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over a medium heat and add the curry paste. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and then cook for 10 minutes until translucent. Add the coriander stalks, ginger, garlic and ½ the chilli, and then cook for 2 minutes. Tip in the butternut squash, stock and a little more seasoning, and simmer for 30 minutes until the squash is very tender. Add the limejuice, and then use a hand blender to whizz until completely smooth. Divide between bowls, then top with the coriander leaves and remaining chopped chilli.
Thank youDYBO member Denise White, who has given me some small size Butternut Squash’s from her allotment which, I think, will make perfect serving bowls for the soup, so we will scoop out the flesh make the soup and serve back in the bowls, I will let you know how we get on!
Have a funtabulous week
Love ya,
Helen x
