Ahem Prema

It is 10:53PM on Friday night. I am sat at my uni home in Falmouth, listening to the sound of my fingers typing, envisioning myself sourrounded by the ocean and all its magic. I am reminissing on summer days, snorkelling with jellyfish and searching for seals. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my freckly skin. Eyes bright. Sparkly, glittering at the idea of forever. The possibilities yet to come.

I am quite content with my own company this evening. I need headspace. Time to think. Time to unwind. Time to process. I expect most of the uni is out filling their precious bodies with alcohol, but that's not my cuppa. Not tonight anyway. Tonight my body is my temple. I would much rather be cosy and inside on this uber chilly, uber wintery night. The radiator is firing away and I've got a nice chai latte in my hand and a lovely warm blanket.

I went to a yoga class tonight with a wonderful teacher, Kyla Flegg . I will be photographing Kyla soon and interviewing her so everyone can get to know a bit about her. Those of you who live in Falmouth or the sourrounding area can try out one of her classes if you fancy.

This class felt much needed and so goood to stretch and unwind. However the aftermath was not what I expected.

Expect nothing, appreciate everything. A quote I recently came across on pinterest and one I have saved on my computer. How can you expect nothing I ask myself? Well.. stop thinking so much and as someone once used to say to me' let it go'.

So .. recalling these wise words, I voiced this to myself expressing my appreciation to the yoga class and all the goodness it has done to my mental and phsyical state. I appreciate the long walk there and back from class. Even though it was raining and rather cold, I was still able to clear my mind of all the fog its been feeling and realise sincerely what I want. The weather didn't change this factor!

Lately I've been practicing lots of yoga & meditating almost every evening. I will commit to my matt everyday. It does not matter what time. If I can make time in the morning I will do so. If I am feeling overley fatigued, I will try and regain energy for some yoga in the later afternoon. Something is always better than nothing. When I promise myself something and stick to it, it feels great because essentially, I am being true to myself and my word.

For it is the little things in life which make the biggest difference. I have always believed this and think I always will. My mama always says this to me too, which makes it 100X more significant to me and my principles.

My mantra for the next few days is 'Aham Prema' meaning 'I am love.'

As Deepak Chopra says, faith connects us heart to heart. And as Rachel Brathen (also known as yoga girl) says it is important to live with your heart wide open. Something I find extremely challenging, every day reminding myself of these words.

Find a sympathy of the heart which feels right. Connect with your intuition. Risk becoming hurt. Risk feeling the pain twice over if you have once felt betrayal or suffering.

A vital aspect of daily life to remember is to live in the present and not the past, something also tricky.

Photographing inspiring individuals for my project has been incredibly encouraging & positive for me as it reminds me of the goodness of living life unconventionally and totally freely.

Everyone is different of course, but for me I believe Yoga may be my salvation to sanity.

When being so far away from home, It can sometimes feel very strange as there is no 'back up.' It is just you left to face daily challenges. Little as they may appear to be in the bigger picture, I will not belittle these because they affect everyone, not just me and can feel almost like a jolt passing straight through you.

I want to thank Kyla Flegg, Keren Cooksey & Nayomi Webb for truly giving me faith and motivation in continuing my yogi journey & not giving in. Thank you for allowing me to take photographs for my work and welcoming me into your lives. For your genuine integrity. I feel I am making such unique friends. Immersing myself in a community which sourrounds me with positive vibes is endearing and I am eternally grateful.

Third year in and I have had so many adventures and what feels like candid experience. I feel much wiser than the timid girl who used to teared up so easily. I am stronger. Braver. Little by little, I will achieve my goals!

I am now in my last year of University and feeling strange in terms of whats to come / the space I am in at the moment with people in my life.

Whenever I feel as though something is not going the way I had wished for it, I will say these words. Ahem Prema. I am love. I open my heart to love. I live with my heart wiiiiide open.

I also live with a strong gut feeling I always listen to - Intuition.

The core to my soul, to what makes me, me.

If I do not like something, I will escape it.

I give love,

I accept love,

I believe in love,

I extend love,

I am always becoming love. - Love everything. But mainly love yourself first.

I am working continously toward this one.

For now Namaste friends!