Some things that made me smile in… January 2025
Including gut-health goodness, winter walks and Jamaican patties
If you’re a regular here, welcome back! If you’re new, this is my round up of some of the things that have made me smile over the past month. Please feel free to share in the comments anything that’s brought you joy too, whether big or small! Are you currently a free subscriber but would like to upgrade? You can do that here.
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How has your start to 2025 been?
To combat the effects of anticyclonic gloom, I’ve been determined to find pockets of joy in each day, whether it’s wrapping up and getting outside for a walk in the park, indulging in the most recent series of The Traitors UK or enjoying a catch-up with a friend.
Here are just a few things that have made me smile this month.
Brunch the The Wolseley
When my friend suggested grabbing a bite to eat after the visiting the Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael exhibition at The Royal Academy, I was very happy to find out she’d booked us a table at The Wolseley. It kind of added to the decadent feeling of taking a day off on the very day most of London was returning to work and school after Christmas.
We’d both been to The Wolseley before, but not for several years and I’d forgotten that I quite like it there. Situated right next door to The Ritz and Green Park tube station, The Wolseley is worth knowing about if you’re in town and fancy a little treat. With a gorgeous interior and classic European menu, it’s pleasingly unpretentious and the service is great too.
It is advisable to book, though there’s usually some space for walk-ins.
Find The Wolseley at 160 Piccadilly, W1 9EB
Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael exhibition is on at The Royal Academy until 16 February 2025
A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga: How to create a more authentic practice
My current read is this new book, beautifully written by Nikita Desai.
Whether you’re a novice who thinks you’re ‘not flexible enough to do yoga’ or have been a yoga practitioner for years, then this book is for you.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga has just come out today (30 January) as I type this, though I was fortunate to receive a copy just before the official publication via Bloomsbury (who also published my book).
I’m really enjoying Nikita’s writing and perspective as someone of Hindu heritage who grew up with yoga. I am also relating to many aspects such as the lack of diversity in modern yoga – I have my own experiences and a number of stores to tell as a Black teacher in a larger body.
If you want to understand more about yoga beyond the asanas (physical poses), explore key yogic texts and teachings and so much more, do get yourself copy.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga (Green Tree, Bloomsbury Publishing) is out now.
Bakers Dozen – Patty perfection
Nestled at the edge of Brixton is a hidden gem (or not quite so hidden if you’re in the know).
Baker (Paul Anthony Williams) has been making Jamaican patties since he was a teenager and has been based in Brixton since 2018.
If, like me, you’re partial to a patty there’s over 21 flavours available. From oxtail and curried goat to callaloo and even lobster you’re bound to find one (or several!) that you like. The next one on my list to try is jerk plantain.
They even featured on the local news here earlier this month here.
If you’re ever in the SW2 area, you can find Bakers Dozen Bakery at 40 New Park Road
And in the name of balance, this month I’ve also really enjoyed these fermented gut friendly drinks from Agua de Madre gifted to me by very good friends!
Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake with Marianne Jean-Baptiste
The premise of the Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake podcast is, if you could plan out your perfect death, what would it look like? Kathy Burke chats to guests about their ideal final day, which usually leads to some rather revealing, funny and moving moments. (There’s also a fair bit of swearing along the way, so if you’re offended by rude words, this might not be for you!)
I’ve listened before, but I was excited to see that a recent guest – for the 100th episode – was Marianne Jean-Baptiste, whose work I’m a fan of.
She stars in the new Mike Leigh film, Hard Truths (alongside Michele Austin) as Pansy, a woman who appears to be angry at the world but is in fact, depressed and fearful.
One reason I particularly enjoyed this conversation is that is between real friends – Kathy and Marianne have known each other for over 30 years and they share some great stories, like the time Marianne unexpectedly ended up at Prince’s house.
You can listen to Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake here:
Hard Truths is out now:
Last but not least, this month’s kitchen dance track is a classic that’s helped to brighten my mood on days working from home:
Over to you:
How has the start of 2025 been for you?
What’s made you smile this month?
A cause you might wish to support here
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE YOGA WITH ME:
In-Person:
Rest + Restore, Saturday 15 February 3.30-5pm at Embody Wellness, Vauxhall. Find full details and book here.
Hatha Flow, Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am at Yoga Point, Brixton. Book here.
Wake-Up Hatha Flow, Thursdays 9.30-10.30am at MIND Yoga & Pilates, Forest Hill. Book here.
Online:
Not able to join me in-person? There’s now almost two years’ worth of yoga and meditation practices from me here on Substack in The Reset and A Peaceful Pause.
Try my latest on-demand class available on the YogaEasy (formerly EkhartYoga) platform here.
I eased my way into January, and when the sun shone, I wrapped up warm and went for a walk. The things that made me smile were smiles from strangers, and listening to nature. And reminding myself, that what I do is enough.