Recently we have moved from the UK and are on our way to live in Australia. My Husband Al and I decided to have a stopover for a couple of weeks in Thailand on the way. We’ve been here a few times and love the vibe and the people. It’s a perfect place to gather ourselves and rejuvenate.

We arrived in Bangkok in a comfortable 27 degree heat and wandered from a local train station to our apartment, just about avoiding getting run over by passing cars, bikes and tuk tuks. It’s a very busy city and one that you have to look three times to each side before moving anywhere.

We’ve had a lazy couple of days to be honest as we were exhausted from all our emotional goodbyes from the UK. Hence just getting around to writing my first blog. Today has been an interesting day. Our time so far, of course, has been sampling some seriously tasty food. For those who know me it is no surprise that this has been my first meeting with Bangkok.

The food here is so exceptional, even the street food. I decided to do a detox for the first few days which is really easy as there are very few gluten food products, lots of fresh fruit which you buy on the street, loads of vegetarian food and fresh coconut water straight from the coconut (see the pic).

As we are about to transition over to a whole new life in Australia, I wanted to have some time to gentle ease into the changes. Thailand is an opportunity for Al and I to catch up with each other as well.

So part of my plan in this process is to have lots of massages. If you have ever been to Thailand you will know their beauty treatments and massages are top class. They take pride on their work and the products they use are fresh and usually exceptionally high standard.

The Thai people are guided by the Gods and Goddesses that they give offerings too on a daily basis. Their devotion is shown in their offerings of food, flowers and drinks. It is fascinating to see. I know the Thai people, in general, do their best in everything they do. You may see where this is heading….I had a massage today which was challenging, to say the least!! The techniques I’m sure worked but the way it was delivered did not suit me at all. It was painful and I didn’t feel the lady listened to my shots of pain and anguish. I did feel good afterwards physically however my emotions were pretty shot at. I felt a little ‘wrestled with’ even though I’m sure this was not the masseuse’s intentions.

It got me thinking that good health and wellbeing is the goal for many people who try out yoga. However the way that people experience Yoga is even more important. It’s important that students feel comfortable and safe. It’s important that students feel confident in the way the teacher teaches and ultimately that they can connect to their deeper nature in their practice.

I realise this is really important in how I deliver my teaching and it is the way we get to our inner peace that is so important. I like to teach in a gentle and kind way. There are options to choose to practice stronger yoga but, ultimately, it is the students’ choice not mine.