I don’t think I’ve ever been on a yoga teacher training where I’ve felt like I belonged. Not once.

Remember the 90s? The Spice Girls were on repeat, Friends ruled TV, and yoga… well, yoga was a very different world. Back then, if you were serious about yoga, you didn’t just show up to class once or twice a week. Nope. You were expected to roll out your mat at home. Every. Single. Day.

For years, I dreamed of hosting a retreat that felt truly special. A space where we could step away from the noise, immerse in nature, and return home deeply restored. But finding the right location? That was another story.

Image: @rose.grace.studios

With just two weeks to go until Term 1 begins, I wanted to share something personal that’s been on my mind—and might just resonate with you.

As the new year unfolds (and with it, the rain!), I’ve been reflecting on something both incredibly simple and deeply profound: habits.

As we inch closer to the new year, the pressure seems to intensify, doesn’t it? Everywhere you look, someone’s telling you how to change your life. “This is the diet,” “That is the path,” “You need this to be whole.” The messages are relentless—and profitable.

I had my first-ever session with my new strength coach, Gav, this week, and it sparked some serious reflections on movement, yoga, and everything in between.

I’ve been caught up in some DIY—getting my hands dirty with a much-needed reno. For years, I thought hubby and I could never tackle such a renovation together—he’s too much of a perfectionist, and me? It’s just not my bag. But once I shifted my mindset (and let’s be real, saving tens of thousands of dollars didn’t hurt!), everything changed. Now, I’m actually loving my trips to Bunnings, covered in paint, feeling like a cast member of The Block.

A few of you have asked for my thoughts on a recent Compass episode, "Yoga is Medicine," (ABC iView) featuring a yoga teacher and her students. Like me, this teacher has roots in both the Iyengar and Ashtanga traditions. And like many of you, I had some reactions to her intense adjustments—things I no longer do in my classes. But the episode sparked a deeper reflection for me, one that I thought I'd share.

Sometimes, even as a yoga teacher, I don’t respond to life the way I’d like to. Changing something as simple as our studio schedule can send me into a spiral of anxiety, overthinking, and stress. I find myself worrying about how every little change will affect you, our beautiful community, and how I can make it all work seamlessly.

Back in 2020, when the world shut down, many of us took a collective sigh of relief. At the time, I was teaching half the classes I am now, to triple the number of students, in a vastly smaller space—without a class plan in sight. I was exhausted.

What a week! Last night, after kicking some serious goals (you guys are on fire!), I heard some heartfelt comments from two of our dedicated students that truly highlight the unique experience we offer.

During our unexpected trip to Melbourne, I had the chance to reconnect with my very first yoga teacher, Greg. Over 25 years ago, his Ashtanga classes were a lifeline for me. Although I no longer practice Ashtanga, Greg's guidance back then was pivotal in helping me find peace and purpose, overcome self-destructive tendencies, and build a new life. Visiting him was emotional and reminded me of how transformative yoga can be.

I want to share some reflections on a practice that has profoundly influenced my life and my teaching: meditation. Many of you might not know this, but meditation is a core part of what I share at Sadie Wells Yoga, and I want to take a moment to explain why.

As I sit down to write this, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. Over the past few weeks, I've experienced a profound shift in how I view my role as a yoga teacher and the essence of Sadie Wells Yoga. I want to share this heartfelt realisation with you, and let you in on the journey I’m embarking on.

I hope this message finds you well rested during our brief hiatus. I wanted to share some reflections on our very first Closing Circle, held last Friday night, which was beyond anything I could have imagined.

"Don't you want to show up at your absolute best?"

Earlier this year, my GP advised me to drastically change my lifestyle or my job. After discussing this with my family, closing the studio almost became our reality.

As we reach the midpoint of our term at SWY, it's a great time to pause and reflect on our journey together. Today, I want to share some thoughts on a topic that's critical yet often overlooked—trusting your own intuition in the wellness space.

Thank you to everyone who reached out after my last post. Your stories and questions underscore the need for open, informed discussions about menopause. I'm committed to responding to each of you individually as quickly as possible.

As we deepen our practice this season at SWY, we continue to embrace our holistic approach to wellness—focusing on body, mind, and spirit. This week, I want to open up about something deeply personal and universally relevant—navigating menopause.