The yoga pause

14/06/2026

First yoga retreat in 10 years and I cried five times. Five! Mainly the silent, gentle release type but once a surprisingly angry perimenopausal outburst. Luckily that was underground in a healing yoni cave (in picture 6).

It wasn't all tears though 😂 there was so much joy and laughter. Exquisite food and the most beautiful surroundings. Music, singing and dancing round a camp fire. And of course, the most wonderful yoga.

This was a precious gift and much needed opportunity to reconnect with myself, nature and the philosophy of yoga.

Thank you Bridget Woods Kramer and Tofte Manor you are both exceptional.

I'm just sad I missed getting a cheesy snap with Bridget and the majestic great dane Magic 🪄 ✨

11/06/2026

I did this in the car park before my job interview last week. It's my go-to when I'm feeling anxious and works every time!

Alternate nostril breath. Balancing the two sides of your brain it levels your energy, enhances mental clarity, and promotes emotional stability.

You can do it anywhere, anytime, with just a couple of minutes to spare.

Give it a go and let me know how you go with it. 💛

09/06/2026

Life has a funny way of pulling you through doesn't it. It's nearly been a month since I posted about Izzy and our Move For Tourettes challenge and a lot has happened.

Firstly, loads of you showed up for us, reaching out and chipping in. It's been incredible and meant the world to us, turning what has been a pretty tough time into a really positive one so thank you for all being so wonderful!

I got made redundant. Gulp. And have been on the job hunting slog ever since (hang in there anyone else facing this) but am super excited to say I've got a new, dare I say, better one hurrah!

I broke my phone and was phoneless for three weeks which was honestly more of a pain than freeing.

And saving the best till last... I became OBSESSED with Off Campus. If you know, you know. And if you haven't heard of it yet... you're welcome 😉

14/05/2026

My daughter Izzy has Tourettes. She was only diagnosed with it last November, and we have been on a crash course of learning what that means ever since.

She tics all the time - rolling her eyes, scrunching her face, squeaking, and bending her body in an impossibly painful way.

It's exhausting for her. But the toughest part has been having to educate people around her about what it is and manage the easy-target bullying that comes with it.

Tourettes Action have been a lifeline for us and we're coming together as a family to do their challenge. Find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/e-macdonald-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Donations to help Izzy reach her ridiculously high goal would be amazing but I'm posting here as I'd really love people to check out Tourettes Action and, if you've not already, watch the BAFTA winning film "I Swear" to get a better picture of how this affects people.

More about Tourettes
- You tic: moving, making sounds or saying things you don't want to.
- It's a genetic neurological condition.
- It affects 1% of all school children and 300,000 people in the UK have it.
- It is more common among boys.
- Other conditions like ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety often sit alongside Tourettes.
- People with Tourettes are 4x more likely to die by su***de.
- There is no cure.

08/05/2026

Fridays are a good day to pause and ask yourself… 👇

What made your heart sing this week? I got asked this in a training recently and it really stayed with me.

This week has had its ups and downs - honestly, hasn't everyone's? But when I sit with that question, I'm instantly reminded of the things that matter most to me.

I think that's what yoga has taught me more than anything - not to bypass the hard stuff, but find a way through it and focus my energy on the positives.

So tell me: what made your heart sing this week? Drop it in the comments. I'd love to know 🤍

p.s. please tell me I'm not alone on the third pic 😅
p.p.s. I know the last picture is only for East Sussex folk, but I do have an online class on a friday too https://www.theyogapause.com/online-classes/

05/05/2026

Gah. Why are some mornings so stressful? After a lovely Bank Holiday the wheels came off! Lost keys, rushed school run, mum guilt for snapping...

Sound familiar ever? And then you're supposed to just get on with your day?!

This looks wild but totally works and was so needed for me today.

Literally 2 mins of “Ha” breathing and you’ll shift your energy and be ready to conquer your day.

Save this for your next manic morning 💚

18/04/2026

This made my heart absolutely sing. Three hour arm balance workshop with and my mini ninja nailed her crow. Mega proud mum moment!

This was the equivalent of a 'bring your child to work day' for me but so much fun! Great teaching and life lessons. Thank you from us both.

07/03/2026

Thrilled to share news of my new class in Lewes. Monday evenings 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Come join me if you're local OR join online if you're not!

Just taught a couple of classes here this morning, and one lady said she was 'floating on air' after all the lovely hip work we'd done. Dreamy!

Join me for a flowing vinyasa session that sets you up for the week ahead.

I make no promises but who knows, you may feel like you're floating on air too after.

06/01/2026

31/07/2025

Another class done - and the new hair tied up! I think this was my fifth class here and felt just as dreamy as the last. It is such a lovely space and always a wonderful group. Do pop in if you're in or around Lewes!