I have heard that Pattabhi Jois and Sharath say taking care of a family is a yoga practice in itself. In the midst of the "Family yoga" I am trying to continue with my Asana and Pranayama practices. My back is weaker for having barely got on the mat in the last three weeks. The … Continue reading The state of my yoga
Author: natasha devalia
Author Poetry and Art books: ‘Tears and Grape Seeds’ 2025, ‘one touch of the rope’, 2024 and ‘Unseen Veins’, 2023
Zambian of South Asian descent, living in Thailand.
I write poetry, perform, and I’m currently an MFA (painting) student. The themes of my art whether expressed through movement, poetry, painting or as interdisciplinary forms include identity, belonging, mental health and family life.
On jet-lag and time zones
We've been back three days from our trip to Paris and London. The trip back was relatively easier because we had the short flight to Amsterdam first, then the long one when the children normally sleep. They woke up as we landed at two pm. Probably due to fatigue L fell right into her Chinese … Continue reading On jet-lag and time zones
Boxes
Jiddo aka diddo and Teta, L and R's paternal grandfather and grandmother took us shopping in Paris a couple of weeks ago.The children needed shoes. We returned to the hotel with sandals that looked nice and fit well. They came in cute little shoe boxes. Maher's friends offered L and R clothes that were elegantly … Continue reading Boxes
One day
Meg and Eoin drove from Chengdu to Cape town. This is a four-minute video of some of the smiles along the way. I still can't believe they did it! Catch the little boy running back and forth under Meg's back bend.
Healing on the island of Samui
This is an update I wrote over a week ago, a couple of days before we left for Paris. It is interestng how it relates to the post about parks in Paris, and also to a comment about the same post. --- In February over the Chinese New Year break, we spent about ten days … Continue reading Healing on the island of Samui
The parks in Paris. A real privilege.
The trip was no joke. Chengdu- Amsterdam- Paris. Not enough sleep, a lot of luggage. The hard part is the hand luggage, especially with two sleeping babies and no gate service for strollers in Paris (At least for internal flights. I don't know about interntional ones). We got to Paris at a time of day … Continue reading The parks in Paris. A real privilege.
Floor art
"Olive greens and purple, with no one around." Non-washable colour crayons, on beige ceramic floor tiles Created by Rahul. May 2011
Happy birthday Nanu in song mode
Here goes: Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear NANU, Happy birthday to you...!
Vande Gurunaam…Reggae version
The "One day Gurunaam..." version of the Ashtanga opening mantra (chanted before every practice) is an old joke now. I've heard many teachers make it. No idea who started it though. Madonna has her Shanti-Ashtangi dance version. Here is our Bob Marley inspired one: Everyday Gurunaam "One day Gu-ru-naam To-day Gu-ru-naam To-morrow Gu-ru-naam E-ve-ry-day Gu-ru-naam … Continue reading Vande Gurunaam…Reggae version
Mat moments
L and R watching an interview of Richard Freeman on my computer screen. They were engrossed. L singing "nummmm" and R "Ohhhhh" after they heard Richard chanting Om. L pointing at a photo of David Swenson saying "papa". M reading a story to L after a run, in Pigeon pose. R trying to feed M … Continue reading Mat moments
Natasha Devalia 