What does different, mean to you? Whether it’s trying different foods, embracing others' differences, creating a different routine or sometimes being forced to do something different, the concept of ‘different’ is an interesting one.  I believe that there’s a side of ‘different’ that allows us t... Read More »

In my article, Be a Rebel and Love Yourself, in the June 2022 issue of OM Yoga & Lifestyle Magazine, I talked about 8 ways we can love ourself and why it’s important. I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback (thank you!) but one thing that has come up a few times is people wanting to learn how to do s... Read More »

Here's a statement that I'm sure you can identify with: You were dumped into a world that you were not prepared for starting in 2020 and these last couple years have been tough. But the good news? You are here to talk about it!! You figured out Zoom/Google Meet/Microsoft Teams. You figured out h... Read More »

The 5 day, 5 Minutes of Rest to De-Stress challenge has kicked off today!! This challenge is near and dear to me because I know how much stress can kick my butt when I let it overwhelm me. I’ve found that by taking short, yet consistent, breaks can really help me reduce the weight of stress on my... Read More »

Recently I’ve been noticing that stress levels are going up (mine included!). Maybe due to world events, maybe it’s the change of season, or maybe it’s just a coincidence. But for what ever the reason may be, I want to help! I’m hosting a FREE 5-day yoga challenge next week and I would love for ... Read More »

I’m sitting outside on my terrace writing this. The skies are blue and the sun is warm! I can really feel that we’re turning the page and entering warmer months. That’s not to say that our weather will be sunny from here on out… it’s Asturias, which means you never know whether the sun or the rai... Read More »

I had two goals for March: 1) hold a 5-minute meditation every day on Instagram Live, and 2) get some of my writing published. I accomplished both! And I am incredibly proud of myself. It's been a long time since I wrote anything for a professional publication and I wasn't entirely sure what I s... Read More »

Last night my husband and I finished the second season of Bridgerton. Have you seen it? If so, what did you think? I have an observation about it that I want to share (and don’t worry, no spoilers involved!). The two main characters in this second season struggle with feeling as though they hav... Read More »

Many of us come to meditation because someone, somewhere—perhaps a family member, friend, or possibly even a professional—told us, “you should really try meditation.” And your first thought is probably, “Eh… I’m good.” If that wasn’t your first thought, it was certainly my first thought! I was in... Read More »

Did you know that meditation can not only help us de-stress and find focus, but it can also reduce anxiety and feel more empowered. Through a consistent meditation practice—key word is consistent not long—studies have shown that we can even rewire our brain. It’s pretty incredible stuff. There’s... Read More »

Spring is always such a great season to check in with yourself and notice all you’ve accomplished. It’s like the flowers start opening and showing off their colorful petals and I start feeling like I should be doing the same. Look at how far I’ve come, look at what I’ve done! It’s so easy to get ... Read More »

Do you give yourself the time and space you need to allow whatever emotions that are popping up, to pop up? I know I struggle with this, especially when I feel like I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to keep communicating with yourself. We need to keep those communication lines open, so we’r... Read More »

I was recently talking to a good friend and student of mine who apologized to me for not showing up for her own self care and said she was really upset with herself that she hadn’t been doing anything. If you are feeling the same know you’re not alone. And, please never apologize! Things happen... Read More »

I had Omicron last week. My symptoms were pretty light: snotty nose, congested, achy body and fatigued. It wasn’t too bad, thankfully. And, I am very fortunate to have had a warm, comfortable place to rest, recover and be out of contact with anyone. Having Omicron got me thinking about rest. Be... Read More »

It’s My Turn I’m always amazed by plants. I’m amazed by their ability to decide — It’s my turn! It’s my turn to grow. It’s my turn to bloom. It’s my turn to show off my colors. It’s my turn to step back. It’s my turn to let go. It’s my turn to rest. And I rest. ... Read More »

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Do they work for you? I’ve never been good at making and keeping New Year’s resolutions. Why? Because I often feel overwhelmed by Near Year’s resolutions, don’t know where to start, so I give up before I even begin. Sound familiar? Goals, however I think are ... Read More »

When I’m feeling frazzled I’ve found the best thing for myself is to take a couple of minutes to connect with myself with a short meditation. I get comments all the time that people struggle with meditation. I understand. It’s normal to get distracted in meditation. I wrote a whole article about ... Read More »

It’s easy to forget with all the joyous ruckus of the holiday season that we need to move our bodies. Sure, if you’re like me, there’s a lot of time on your feet playing with nieces and nephews that you rarely get to see. Or running to the shop to get last minute gifts or bits and bobs for food ... Read More »

Without breath, we are literally nothing. For as simple and mundane as breathing seems, it is truly a marvel that each and every one of us holds in our breast. It is our superpower. Not all of us breathe with the same ease, not all of us can breathe without support. But all of us do breathe. If w... Read More »

The holiday season can bring so much light and beauty to a dreary backdrop of winter… but the holiday season can also bring chaos, disconnect and discord. It’s easy to get saturated with all the holiday hub-bub: lights; decorations; constant onslaught of Christmas carols; present buying, present ... Read More »

I love what I do. I love working with people. I love sharing interests with people. And I really love it when I am able to share information that makes a difference in another person’s life. And, my friend, I dearly hope that in this last year, something I have shared with you has made a differen... Read More »

As a good North American farm girl, I was raised by the phrase: “You can sleep when you’re dead.” While this phrase is great for pushing you to get ahead and get things done, the issue with it is… we NEED to rest. And I don’t mean spend our life doing nothing. I mean, learning to fit breaks into ... Read More »

Happy November! I spent this last weekend fully immersed in the beauty of autumn and nature, hiking up into the Picos de Europa (the Peaks of Europe is one of the main mountain ranges in the north of Spain), staying in a beautiful—& warm!—mountain refuge, playing in fallen autumn leaves and doing... Read More »

Last week I opened up a poll on Instagram stories to ask people what they needed going into the weekend and so many of people responded saying, “I need rest.”I hear them. I hear you. I hear myself. We’re all in need of more rest. It’s so important to build rest into our days, not just when we fee... Read More »

Shavasana is considered to be the king pose in yoga, not because it’s necessary the most physically demanding, but because it can be a perfect gateway into the ultimate goal of yoga: to strip away all the worldly layers we surround ourselves with reveal our inner truth. These are just 6 variation... Read More »

Last week I sent out an email about setting intentions, or goals you want to bring focus to in your life. And I got a couple responses saying, "That’s great Tess, but how do I make them accessible and actually implement them into my daily life? I keep trying, but then I lose focus and I just can’... Read More »

Happy Monday and Happy October! This month, and season, is all about change: change of temperatures, change of colors in the trees, change of lifestyles, and so many more. Today marks a big change for me: It's the first day in over seven years that I'm not stepping into a classroom for the new sc... Read More »

If you have ever sat down to meditation and felt as though it made your mind race more and your heart beat quicker and your breath seem shallower and you think this is all a bunch of BS, you are not alone. In fact, I’ve been there. Many. Many times. I’ve struggled with anxiety for most of my lif... Read More »

I’m sure you’ve heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again: It helps us connect with the moment we are in, slow down our breathing, calm the nervous system and release tension: physical and mental. But more than that, daily meditation can also help us find joy and happiness, even when other ... Read More »

Have you ever experienced it when you were hiking that your knees just killed you? Shin splints? Or that you kept losing your balance? If you have, I’ve got a tip for you. You may be scoffing at me right now: Why does it matter which part of my foot hits the ground first?! But, here’s the deal.... Read More »

You may have seen my social media post this morning about gratitude, more specifically 3 things I’m grateful for and I invited you—everyone—to share something they were grateful for or to write it down in your journal. I’m continuing the conversation here. It is so incredibly easy to get swallowe... Read More »

I spent the first 9 days of September in Manchester, England, visiting my husband’s family for the first time in almost 2 years. And let me tell you, after so many months of only seeing them via skype/zoom/whatsapp it was amazing to be able spend time with them in person. Give hugs and kisses. Go... Read More »

The last couple days I've received various messages asking what the platform of Roadshow Yoga in Asturias looked like and how it worked, so I thought I'd make a video for everyone who might be curious. If you were one of those people, thank you for your question and message! Click here to watchTh... Read More »

In celebration I've filmed four variations of Sun Salutations (Sanskrit: Surya Namaskar). Join me by doing three sets of each, so 12 sets in total! As a way to celebrate the longest day of the year, I'm sharing this week's Weekly Yoga Owl video with you all. To get the video, click the purple lin... Read More »

I love that it’s already May: the beautiful Spring weather (I’m currently sitting on the terrace soaking up the morning sun), the longer days, the fact that my little seedlings are growing and almost ready to be planted outside. If you join in on the weekly yoga classes, you probably already know... Read More »

It’s easy to let life, work, school, the world take over and to feel overwhelmed. But there are things we can do, small things that don’t take too much time but can make a huge difference in our mental and physical health. 1. Intentionally start your day — with awareness While still in bed: What... Read More »

It’s so easy for us to get wrapped up in our daily lives, and especially those of us who live in cities, have busy jobs, or even those who live in cold climates, we forget to go out, see the sun, see nature. If you’re anything like me, as soon as I get out of the concrete jungle and into nature, ... Read More »

I’ve been noticing more and more that many of us, myself included, are struggling lately. They aren’t aways the same struggles but I have noticed some common themes: Struggling with the long slog of work, tiptoeing or even tumbling into burnout. Struggling with injuries that are causing continuo... Read More »

The way we breathe matters. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, have you ever noticed the way you’re breathing? My guess? The breaths will be shallow and short, on the verge of hyperventilating. If not hyperventilating. We’ve all heard people say, “just breathe” when they notice someone is ... Read More »

It’s MARCH! Which is, in my not so biased opinion (read completely biased: it’s my birth month), the best month that exists. And even with the taints that March 2020 brought along, I can’t deny my love for this month. I’m dedicating this month to Life. New life, like that of which peeks out with ... Read More »

This has been a long time coming, several months in fact. I started the course at the beginning of the first lockdown in March. I thought, ‘eh it’ll be easy and I’ll get it done in a couple of months’. I did not. Indeed, to date this course, The Trauma-Informed Professional certified by ChildBir... Read More »

Spring has started peeking out from under her Winter veil. My early spring flowers on the terrace are just starting open, my rosemary bush is covered in little purple-blue flowers and a couple of daffodils have poked out their sweet yellow noses. I love Spring, especially the first signs of it, l... Read More »

I’m missing the snow and being able to get out of the city, as we’re locked down again like so many others around the world... So, as a way to keep my spirits up, I’m reminiscing of a few weekends ago when we went up to the foothills to have a little fun in the snow and go snowshoeing! We went w... Read More »

I’ve no doubt I’m not the only one that found 2020 wasn't the easiest year to navigate, and it was easy to lose my self-care practices because I was stressed, overwhelmed and at times scared. And, being perfectly honest, I know I’ve had it easy compared to many. We're all hoping that 2021 will of... Read More »

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“𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍; 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇; 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇.” - 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒉𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒅 𝑮𝒊𝒕𝒂 Here’s to the New Year! Winter has taken its hold on us now. The weather gods seem to be emulati... Read More »

There’s so much push this time of year to go all out and buzz about. But in the natural world, winter is a time to rest, restore, and revitalize before starting up again in the new year. So, don’t forget to take some time for yourself, pour yourself a mug of hot yumminess, maybe take a warm bath... Read More »

Why do family yoga? Click the > to find out! I Read More »

I started my relationship with yoga many years ago at university in the US. I did it as an addition the other exercises I did, mainly because I was curious about it, but it was nothing more than that: one more exercise. Little by little yoga became more part of my life. Although, I admit, it was ... Read More »

(en Español más abajo)Life can be stressful at the best of times, but lately, for most of us, the stress levels have been pretty high. Why not take some time to relax, recharge, and reset? Imagine yourself lying down, staying completely still, in a comforting and safe space. You listen to a sooth... Read More »

A beautiful and fairly easy walk through the luscious Asturian forest, is the Ruta de los Molinos del Río Profundo, or the Mill walk along the River Profundo, in Villaviciosa. The route follows the river that used to be used to power dozens of water mills, the ruins of the mills are part of the w... Read More »

Happy Autumn Equinox! I love autumn. It’s a beautiful season. And while I adore each season in its own right, I’d argue that autumn is my favorite: the ethereal change of colors in the natural world, the cool, crisp air, the crunching fallen leaves under foot, cozy nights-in with candles burning,... Read More »

𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚓𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚢 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗.This photo was taken in the small town of Taranes, Ponga. A stunning little town that sits on the side of a mountain, over looking the valley below. One of my favorite areas to go in Asturias, especially right now, is Ponga Natural Park (Parque Natural... Read More »

𝔖𝔥𝔬𝔴 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔱𝔥 𝔦𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔦𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔭𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫. 𝔄𝔫𝔶 𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔬𝔫 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔣𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱, 𝔟𝔲𝔱 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔞𝔱𝔥𝔶. This beautiful little town is called, Luanco (or Lluanco in Asturian). It’s lovely old fishing and whaling port located almost smack dab in the center of the Asturian coast and is th... Read More »

𝑻𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍.This photo was taken in eastern Asturias, on Playa de la Franca, with my wonderful husband. It's a beautiful beach with lots of caves and hidden treasures to explore. Take a headlamp with you (and a tide chart so you can experience it at low tide!) to explore the many wo... Read More »

Happy Saturday! Today’s post we travel to Castro de las Gaviotas or Islote Desfuracado, on the north eastern coast of Asturias, Spain, near the beaches La Huelga and Gulpiyuri. Leading to this beautiful rock formation, nestled in between the cliffs, is a very pretty beach that can be accessed at ... Read More »

Masks are now mandatory in public spaces in Asturias. And while they’re not the most comfortable things in the world, we need to think about others at the moment. Don’t wear it for yourself, wear it for those at high risk. Compassion and empathy are two things we all need to work on these days. P... Read More »

𝕃𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒 𝕕𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕙𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥.This is the beautiful medieval village of Bandujo (or Banduxu), in Proaza, Asturias. The village has been very well preserved, including the church in the photo, Iglesia de Santa María, and one of th... Read More »

𝐸𝓃𝒿𝑜𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒿𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓎; 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉, 𝒾𝒻 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎. From sea to mountains, Asturias has a bit of everything. In 2014, with a good friend and my husband, we climbed the tallest peak in the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountains: Torre Cerredo. Torre Ce... Read More »

This is the first post for Yoga in Asturias (@yogainasturias), an offshoot of Tytoni Yoga. The idea is to share the many beautiful places in Asturias, known as a Natural Paradise on the northern coast of Spain, plus educate about benefits of yoga.Being outside, exploring my adopted home, and doin... Read More »

[Español más abajo] “You’re pregnant! Congratulations! Are you going to yoga?” It’s become quite the trend to suggest yoga for pregnant women. Yoga for pregnancy, pre and postnatal, can be a beautiful experience and really help the mom-to-be, but it’s important for pregnant women to go to classes... Read More »