Meet Our Guest Blogger
Mickey, a seasoned Wellbeing Coach, excels at maximising the potential of her students. Her innovative and forward-thinking approach to health results in heightened productivity and creativity, impacting all facets of life. With a rich background spanning over three decades, Mickey specialises in wellness, focusing on enhancing happiness, well-being, and the management of stress and anxiety.
As a Yoga Alliance certified instructor in both Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, a Macrobiotic Kushi Institute Practitioner, and an advanced Pranic Healer, Mickey’s commitment to her craft has culminated in a distinctive teaching style that is both dynamic and profoundly suited to contemporary lifestyles.
Mickey embodies the essence of holistic living. With a life that knows no boundaries, she’s not only a proud mother of three grown sons but also an advocate for embracing age gracefully. Rekindling her passion for modelling at 51 after a 25-year hiatus, Mickey once graced the covers of renowned magazines like i-D, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and the final edition of the 80s’ iconic Honey magazine. Today, she represents the essence of women over 50. Her impressive portfolio includes appearances in commercials for renowned brands such as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, and Schwarzkopf, among others.
In an era marked by relentless pursuits and mounting stressors, yoga emerges as a sanctuary, uniting the intricacies of mind, body, and spirit. This ancient discipline, steeped in rich tradition, offers more than just physical postures; it presents a holistic approach to human well-being and performance optimisation. Let’s delve deeper into the manifold benefits of yoga and understand why it has, for centuries, remained a beacon for those seeking a life of balance, health, and purpose.
“I’ve reached the heights in my career, I have a beautiful house, car, loving partner and family, financial stability, everything anyone could ask for…. I have worked so hard to get to here.
BUT….
Why am I not happy, why do I feel a lack of fulfilment? I can’t talk to my friends or partner about it because to them I am the embodiment of success. Inside I feel worried, anxious and apprehensive for the future”.
Sound familiar? It is natural to question our happiness and fulfilment even when we have achieved societal markers of success.
In the pursuit of these goals, we often fall into the trap of believing that external achievements hold the key to our happiness. Material possessions and worldly achievements may provide temporary pleasure, of course they do, but they do not guarantee lasting contentment or fulfilment. Equating success with the accumulation of stuff, money, social recognition is a ‘normal’ path in the modern world of materialism and commercialisation.
This blog post aims to explore the dichotomy between worldly success and genuine happiness from a yogic perspective.
Yoga encourages us to move away from the societal expectations and comparisons that fuel our dissatisfaction. It reminds us that each individual’s journey is unique. Rather than measuring our success against others and society’s norms, we are encouraged to focus on personal growth, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of inner peace.
A yogic lifestyle involves more than just practising physical postures on a mat. It encompasses a holistic approach to life, incorporating principles such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and compassion. By adopting these practices, we can develop a deeper understanding of our own desires, motivations, and vulnerabilities, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and authenticity.
The yogic principle of Santosha, or contentment, emphasises finding happiness in the present moment, appreciating what we already have. It teaches us that contentment is not contingent upon future accomplishments but rather on our ability to cultivate gratitude and acceptance for the present.
Through practices such as yoga, meditation and inner reflection, we can shift our focus from the external world and turn inward, realising the path to true happiness begins within ourselves. By listening to our inner voice and aligning our actions with our values, we can find true fulfilment and create a life that resonates with our authentic selves.
In times of inner turmoil and unhappiness, it is essential to seek support and guidance. Surrounding ourselves with a community that shares our values and beliefs can provide solace and inspiration on our journey towards inner fulfilment.
Whether it is through attending yoga classes, or retreats, connecting with others who understand our struggles can be immensely transformative.
In essence, yoga is a commitment to oneself. It’s an ongoing journey, not a destination – a journey where every pose, every breath, and every moment of stillness brings the practitioner closer to their most authentic self. Whether one is drawn to yoga for physical agility, mental clarity, emotional balance, or spiritual growth, its benefits are holistic and expansive. In a professional context, this translates to improved productivity, creativity, and interpersonal relations. As a personal endeavour, it promises a life of health, purpose, and equanimity. Embracing yoga is, in many ways, choosing a path of continuous growth, discovery, and harmony.
Find out more about the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with Mickey. You can contact Mickey by emailing connect@thelifestylefixer.com. We would be delighted to provide an introduction.
