OVERCOMING
As soon as the pandemic crept up on our shores, I noticed parallels with how we in the cancer community feel on an everyday basis - the ever present fear of recurrence, facing our mortality, the anxiety of the unknown, the roller coaster of constantly changing landscapes, the loss of a sense of control - I saw many people experience this for the first time.
We all find different ways of coping with challenges - some sink into chaos or depression, some go into denial, some get angry, some want to help and some find growth in the face of adversity.
All of these are trauma responses and are completely normal. But it doesn’t mean it’s easy and it doesn’t mean it doesn’t leave scars - lasting effects on the human psyche.
Yes, we can treat physical symptoms of illness, we can try to prevent getting sick with healthy food, exercise and vitamins.
But what about our emotional health?
There’s no denying there's also a mental health pandemic happening right now.
To heal something you have to go through it, not over or around it. I know this from experience, so I've created something from my heart to yours.
Healing doesn't have to be boring or 'woo woo', so neither are my offerings.
I hope I can help you find your way home.
MY STORY
Yogi. Sailor. Mischief Maker.
As well as sharing my passion for yoga, I also work on the ocean as part of a small Yacht Delivery Crew, moving beautiful sail boats across the Mediterranean - often from France to Turkey - and occasionally all the way across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.
The peace and solitude of being miles offshore with no internet, often alone on the flybridge while other crew members sleep, is the purest form of meditation I've experienced.
Surrounded only by nature, at one with the wind and waves. The clearest starry nights revealing vast galaxies, the sound of twin hulls moving gracefully through the water, sails billowing in the wind, the warmth of sun-warmed deck beneath bare feet. At sunrise and sunset, playful pods of dolphins ride the wake like rapturous surfers with not a care in the world but to enjoy their freedom and innate connection to each other.
When I'm at sea, all I feel is magic.
... Unless of course, the crackle of an incoming storm permeates the air - that unwelcome gatecrasher of silence. The present moment snaps into sharp focus, that fragile sense of security whipped like a loaded tablecloth from under you. No choice but to accept, adapt and make life-savings decisions, one minute at a time.
I see it as a metaphor for life - one minute you're sailing along blissfully unaware when suddenly something happens that turn your world upside-down.
The ebbs and flows of life - to survive we must pay attention, face our fears, find ways to metamorphosise into new levels of awareness and acceptance. And of course, ask for help when we need it.
Survival is a team sport.
"With life as short as a half taken breath, don't plant anything but love."
Rumi
TEACHER BIO
LAURA SIMONE OWENS - 400RYT
Training & Qualifications
200-Hour Sivananda Hatha Teacher Training - Ashram Bahamas - 2015
200-Hour Hatha Vinyasa Teacher Training (Modern Biomechanics) - Yoga Shala Institute - El Palmar - 2017
Continued Education
The Silva Ultramind System - Mindvalley - 2022
The Art of Astral Projection - Mindvalley - 2022
Mastering Flow States Diploma - Centre of Excellence - 2021
Chair Yoga for Seniors - Yoga Vista Academy - 2020
Reiki Level 1 - Yogi Kaivalyananda - Spain - 2019
Acro Yoga - BaseAcro - 2018
Children's Yoga - Cosmic Kids - 2018
Teaching Private Yoga - Absolute Yoga Academy - 2017
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga - Yoga Mandala Project - Greece Refugee Camp - 2016
iRest Yoga Nidra - Warriors at Ease - 2016
