Practice in Real Life: Hannele
Updated: Oct 15
Keeping the practice in a full life
Hannele is a mother and grandmother whose life is rarely short of things to do. Alongside work, studies and hobbies, there always seems to be something happening in the calendar.
She first started practising Ashtanga in 2011. It wasn't love at first sight, but she kept going — and eventually discovered that she didn't really want to stop.
In autumn 2021, a friend introduced her to my online classes. Since then, online Mysore has become a regular part of her life.
These days, Hannele practises two or three times a week, mainly with the online group. “I've stopped trying to do more,” she says. This rhythm gives her enough to maintain mobility and strength and, just as importantly, to stay connected to the practice, while leaving room for everything else that matters in her life. She also joins retreats during the summer and tries to attend one or two workshop weekends each year.
For Hannele, practising online makes this rhythm possible. Her nearest Ashtanga shala is about 25 kilometres away, and there are no weekday morning classes in her area. Practising at home saves time and the hassle of travelling, and allows her to get on the mat before the rest of the day begins.
It also makes it easier to practise when time is limited.
“I can join an online class even when I only have time for a short practice. You wouldn't go all the way to a shala just to do a little bit.”
I love this reminder that practice doesn't have to be all or nothing. Sometimes, making room for it means letting go of the idea that every practice needs to be long or complete.
Hannele's understanding of Ashtanga has also evolved over the years. Before joining the online group, she thought physical adjustments were an essential part of the practice. Over time, she discovered that verbal guidance alone could work very well.
Practising at home has also helped her stay focused on her own mat and listen more closely to her body.
And then there's the community. Even though the people in the group may be physically far apart, the feeling of practising together remains strong.
“The group gives my practice structure and good energy, even through the screen.”
For Hannele, this is one of the things that makes online practice so valuable, particularly for people with busy lives or those who don't have a shala nearby.
Her three words
Kynnyksetön · salliva · syvä
Welcoming · accepting · deep
A small reflection
Hannele's story reminds me that consistency doesn't necessarily mean doing more.
Sometimes, it means finding a way to return that fits the life you're actually living.
Two or three times a week. A short practice when that's what the day allows. A mat in the living room, ready when you are.
The practice doesn't have to take over your life to have a meaningful place in it.
Curious about practising with us?
Explore my small-group online and in-person Mysore classes.
Or, if you're looking for a longer-term container:
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