Dear Evolvers,
“Find people with whom you can be real. It is one of the ingredients for a happy life.”
Trevor Waller, Twenty Two Lessons for Now
Trevor Waller, Twenty Two Lessons for Now
A while back if not more than a year, I interviewed my friend Antonella, founder and owner of My Space Yoga, on Facebook Live. Alongside teaching at her studio, she runs yoga retreats, and during our conversation she invited me to join her next one. I said I would, and here we are in Bali. See? I do keep my promises.
On the flight over, I began reading Twenty Two Lessons for Now, a gift from my friend and colleague Sam. It’s given me plenty to sit with, notice and reflect on as I’ve been journalling my experience here.
“Keeping it real”, which is one of the chapters in the book, feels like a fitting theme. So much of yoga is about self-study and awareness, getting to know ourselves better and being honest about where we are. I’ve noticed how hard it is to detach completely from life back home. My thoughts still turn to my family, what my friends are up to and, of course, the studio and business projects. Yet when I’m in the workshops and classes, I’m there, learning and taking it all in.
I feel incredibly blessed to be here. It’s reminded me how much a lived experience can deepen the things we understand intellectually. Conversations with Antonella have also sparked a few ideas for our community, which I’d love your thoughts on below.
A little studio update
We’ve settled into a good rhythm at the studio, and there are a few Discovery Vitality updates to share, effective 1 October.
Discovery is reducing the subsidy paid to the studio per member, per class, so we’ve had to adjust our pricing accordingly. Group class bookings continue as usual, but all group classes require a minimum of three confirmed attendees to run. Please book ahead to help us plan.
If you’d like to use your Discovery group class credit as a discount towards a private session, you’ll need to pay a top-up. This top-up package is called Evolve Plus and can be purchased through the Octiv app.
Booking two Evolve One slots back to back will no longer be an option, as the reduced subsidy no longer covers our base costs.
If you need assistance with class bookings, please contact our admin team. Email is preferred
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. These adjustments help us keep offering the care and individual attention we value.
See timetable here.
Friday, 16 October | 12:00 midday SAST | Facebook Live
The one and only Joel Harris joins me this month for a conversation about the real questions we should be asking ourselves, and what we might discover when we take the time to answer honestly.
A well-known real estate agent and much-loved member of our community, Joel has been sharing reflections on Facebook that have really stayed with me. He has a way of making thoughtful ideas feel simple, relatable and relevant to everyday life.
We’ll explore how honest self-reflection can help us become clearer about our intentions and take small, practical steps towards living them. I’m looking forward to hearing what inspired Joel to start sharing his thoughts, and to bringing some of that wisdom into our conversation.
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Yoga in real life, together
While chatting with Antonella about our Yoga in Real Life course on the Keep Evolving platform, I realised how much it could benefit from becoming a series of live, in-person workshops. We could put the learning into practice, ask questions and explore together.
She also asked whether I had ever led a retreat. I haven’t, but it’s something I’d love to explore. Perhaps a mind-body retreat could be another way for us to learn, connect and take some time for ourselves.
Sharing ideas and supporting one another across our wider South African yoga community has always been part of Keep Evolving. When we support one another, we all grow. With that in mind, I’d love to hear what you’d be keen on.
What would interest you?
- In-person Yoga in Real Life workshops
- A future mind-body weekend away retreat
- Both
What would you hope to learn or experience? Reply to this newsletter with your thoughts. There’s no commitment, just a conversation about what we might create together.
Email us at community@keepevolvingsa.com.
Making space to say yes
Saying yes to this retreat wasn’t easy. There were plenty of reasons to wait, and even after deciding, I wavered. But I also recognised how much I wanted to give myself space to be a student again, to learn, practise and reconnect with this part of myself.
Perhaps that’s another part of keeping it real: allowing myself to take that space, knowing there are still things that need my attention back home. I’m here because I eventually said yes, with some of those mixed feelings coming along for the journey. I don’t need to have it all figured out to be here, learning and enjoying it.
There’s been space for good matcha and Buddha bowls too, which I’ve happily embraced. If I could send you a little takeaway from Bali, it would be a taste of the food. For now, here’s a simple bowl you can make at home and imagine you’re sharing it with me.
A little Bali in a bowl
Inspired by the Buddha bowls I’ve been enjoying. Serves 2.
You’ll need
- 1½ cups cooked rice
- 250 g firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 cups chopped vegetables of your choice
- A little oil for frying
For the sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a squeeze of lime with enough warm water to make it pourable.
To make: Pat the tofu dry and fry in a little oil until golden. Add your vegetables and stir-fry until tender. Serve over warm rice and spoon over the peanut sauce. Simple as that.
I’m looking forward to seeing you back home soon and sharing a little of the inspiration I’m bringing with me.
Here’s to keeping it real, living what we learn and making space for a little joy along the way.
With gratitude,
Hayley and the Keep Evolving team
Know yourself. Support yourself. Keep evolving.
Hayley and the Keep Evolving team
Know yourself. Support yourself. Keep evolving.
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