the lesson I didn’t expect

walking this afternoon, doing errands before the break

When I write to you, I don’t think “what will grab their attention”, nor “what will get more sales” (eugh).

Maybe I should!!

When I sit and write to you, usually at the end of another week and in the quiet of a late night, I write what feels helpful to share with you, in the here and now.

For tonight, sitting on my sofa as we near the longest night of the year (in the northern hemisphere), I definitely want to wish each of you – A Merry Christmas – whatever your faith or none – the sentiment of hope. I also wish for you that you get some nourishing time, whether you are living alone, with someone, or family.

So let’s now consider that all said…

I won’t share my musings on 2025 – as I have too many.

But here’s something that struck me, as my lesson from this year.

It may surprise you.

‘Divya, you must listen to your inner voice’.

You might well wonder, well, as a long time yoga practitioner and student of spiritual teaching, I would have known this already, and for some time.

The thing is, yes, I’ve ‘known’ about this idea, and like it and agree with it, but it’s taken me until now to realise

… I haven’t let myself listen to that inner voice as an ultimate authority.

Usually I haven’t followed through on it because of:

Being responsible.

I think Being responsible is a very good thing.

And I still think: if it comes down to being responsible versus impulsive or selfish, the former is much better.

However…

Sometimes, what I’ve thought was me being responsible was also a cover up for fear of consequences.

Whether it’s because I’ve hit the mid century wicket (aka 50), past menopause (yep, through it), or that it just naturally takes time for us adults to trust our own needs and wishes, (or all three)- I realise I need to listen to my inner voice more, and heed it.

Not that you have to take any lesson here. I think this is a general reminder that:

It takes time to see things and really understand them, in ourselves.

Especially when we are talking about patterns wrapped into our very being, from a young age.

Well. That’s a bit heavy!

Thanks to you all, for being you, and being part of this effort to not only look after ourselves, but to do so with integrity.

Divya

*appreciate Christmas can be hard, see PS below.

PS

I know Christmas is brilliant and fun for many – and for others it can be hard, lonely or difficult, especially if there have been losses or challenges this year.

If you feel the latter, for whatever it might be worth, please feel free to email over the Christmas/New year break.

I am not a counsellor or anything like that. But if it helps to know there is an empathic listener for you, or you just want to chat yoga, do message. I’m on Retreat for a week, then revisiting a cabin in Devon that feels like ‘my spiritual home’ – but I have access to emails.

PPS

I have access to a benevolent Spirit. It is not exclusive access. This Spirit is like Willow O’ the Wisp (sorry, if you’re under 40 this may mean nothing to you! Willow is a cartoon character from the 80s. Willow appeared to the main characters whenever they felt alone or didn’t know where to turn). Willow is out there for you. Maybe under a different name, or no name. And you don’t have to be over 40 to have their companionship 🙂

Divya Kohli

yoga mindfulness meditation

the lesson I didn’t expect

When I write to you, I don’t think “what will grab their attention”, nor “what will get more sales” (eugh).

Maybe I should!!

When I sit and write to you, usually at the end of another week and in the quiet of a late night, I write what feels helpful to share with you, in the here and now.

So let’s now consider that all said…

I won’t share my musings on 2025 – as I have too many.

But here’s something that struck me, as my lesson from this year.

It may surprise you.

‘Divya, you must listen to your inner voice’.

You might well wonder, well, as a long time yoga practitioner and student of spiritual teaching, I would have known this already, and for some time.

The thing is, yes, I’ve ‘known’ about this idea, and like it and agree with it, but it’s taken me until now to realise

… I haven’t let myself listen to that inner voice as an ultimate authority.

Usually I haven’t followed through on it because of:

Being responsible.

I think Being responsible is a very good thing.

And I still think: if it comes down to being responsible versus impulsive or selfish, the former is much better.

However…

Sometimes, what I’ve thought was me being responsible was also a cover up for fear of consequences.

Whether it’s because I’ve hit the mid century wicket (aka 50), past menopause (yep, through it), or that it just naturally takes time for us adults to trust our own needs and wishes, (or all three)- I realise I need to listen to my inner voice more, and heed it.

Not that you have to take any lesson here. I think this is a general reminder that:

It takes time to see things and really understand them, in ourselves.

Especially when we are talking about patterns wrapped into our very being, from a young age.

Well. That’s a bit heavy!

Thanks to you all, for being you, and being part of this effort to not only look after ourselves, but to do so with integrity.

Divya

*appreciate Christmas can be hard, see PS below.

PS

I know Christmas is brilliant and fun for many – and for others it can be hard, lonely or difficult, especially if there have been losses or challenges this year.

If you feel the latter, for whatever it might be worth, please feel free to email over the Christmas/New year break.

I am not a counsellor or anything like that. But if it helps to know there is an empathic listener for you, or you just want to chat yoga, do message. I’m on Retreat for a week, then revisiting a cabin in Devon that feels like ‘my spiritual home’ – but I have access to emails.

PPS

the lesson I didn’t expect

When I write to you, I don’t think “what will grab their attention”, nor “what will get more sales” (eugh).

Maybe I should!!

When I sit and write to you, usually at the end of another week and in the quiet of a late night, I write what feels helpful to share with you, in the here and now.

So let’s now consider that all said…

I won’t share my musings on 2025 – as I have too many.

But here’s something that struck me, as my lesson from this year.

It may surprise you.

‘Divya, you must listen to your inner voice’.

You might well wonder, well, as a long time yoga practitioner and student of spiritual teaching, I would have known this already, and for some time.

The thing is, yes, I’ve ‘known’ about this idea, and like it and agree with it, but it’s taken me until now to realise

… I haven’t let myself listen to that inner voice as an ultimate authority.

Usually I haven’t followed through on it because of:

Being responsible.

I think Being responsible is a very good thing.

And I still think: if it comes down to being responsible versus impulsive or selfish, the former is much better.

However…

Sometimes, what I’ve thought was me being responsible was also a cover up for fear of consequences.

Whether it’s because I’ve hit the mid century wicket (aka 50), past menopause (yep, through it), or that it just naturally takes time for us adults to trust our own needs and wishes, (or all three)- I realise I need to listen to my inner voice more, and heed it.

Not that you have to take any lesson here. I think this is a general reminder that:

It takes time to see things and really understand them, in ourselves.

Especially when we are talking about patterns wrapped into our very being, from a young age.

Well. That’s a bit heavy!

Thanks to you all, for being you, and being part of this effort to not only look after ourselves, but to do so with integrity.

Divya

*appreciate Christmas can be hard, see PS below.

PS I know Christmas is brilliant and fun for many – and for others it can be hard, lonely or difficult, especially if there have been losses or challenges this year.

If you feel the latter, for whatever it might be worth, please feel free to email over the Christmas/New year break.

I am not a counsellor or anything like that. But if it helps to know there is an empathic listener for you, or you just want to chat yoga, do message. I’m on Retreat for a week, then revisiting a cabin in Devon that feels like ‘my spiritual home’ – but I have access to emails.

PPS

PS

I know Christmas is brilliant and fun for many – and for others it can be hard, lonely or difficult, especially if there have been losses or challenges this year.