Grow With: Christine Wu
Three words to describe how you’re feeling right now:
Peaceful. Connected. Open
How are you being mindful of your health in this season?
I start the day with a slow-breathing meditation (anywhere from 5-20mins) to help set the tone for the day. To feel grounded and relaxed in the evenings, I’ll lead myself in a practice of yin yoga, ending with a self-massage of sound vibrations from my Himalayan healing bowls.
When strong emotions arise, I use the “90-second rule” from Jill Bolte Taylor, neuroanatomist and author. I welcome myself to fully feel the feels, sit with them without judging whether they’re “good” or “bad”.
How have you and your circle been impacted by COVID-19?
I really miss the freedom to see friends and family in person and its energetic exchange. In the yoga community, I’m seeing lots of teachers making the quick shift to prepare online classes, and studios adapting as best as they can to remain connected with their yoga families, while maintaining intact as a business. There’s a great collection of free/by-donation yoga and meditation online right now, encouraging those who are new to the practice, to try it in the comfort of their own homes.
How has your work-education-life been affected so far?
It’s brought me so much joy to share IG Live classes with friends from all over the globe. I was teaching yoga in both corporate and community settings, which can limit who has access. There’s something absolutely beautiful about sharing a practice in-person and feeling the energy of everyone in the room, so I’m very grateful to still feel a sense of connection through a live practice.
When you’ve been outside, what’s your experience been like?
Grateful for my pup, Ritchie Valens, who keeps me venturing outside for daily walks. Being mindful to maintain a healthy distance, while offering an understanding smile. I’ve been fortunate so far, to experience polite encounters. It’s been quite disheartening to see videos of people disrespected and/or physically harmed, based on appearances and skin tones.
What’s keeping you in a positive state of mind in this uncertain time?
A practice of gratitude. Everyday, I list at least 3 things I’m grateful for, and as the word implies, the more I “practice,” the easier it becomes to draw upon my day, these moments of appreciation.
How are you channelling your creativity in this season?
I’ve recently moved into a new space which gave me the opportunity to design a peaceful and serene home...one which I’d want to retreat to. Fortunately, this prepared the plant-happy backdrop to my current online practice.
This unique time has invited me to step into my courage, and put myself in front of the camera lens, as I much prefer taking photos instead. I’ve been exploring collaborations with different artists to compliment the yoga and meditation experience. I hope to bring more connection between different disciplines to make the practice accessible and approachable to diverse circles. With a background in playing piano, violin and dabbling in drums as a teenager, I’ve started by reaching out to musicians to play during the end of practice or “savasana”, where the goal is to relax and melt.
What are you grateful for in this season?
The balance of technology and nature. All the different platforms available for keeping us connected. Trees, trails, green spaces and the privilege to access clean air.
What world are you moving towards in this season?
Moving towards a world of authentic connection, courage and compassion.
For people staying at home right now, any suggestions?
Listen to: Your breath! Its quality and pace can give you clues to how you’re actually feeling. I’ve also created a playlist, here.
Watch: Follow your favourite musicians/artists/writers on socials...many are hosting live performances, q+a’s, or workshops from their living rooms!
Read: ‘The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere’, by Pico Iyer; ‘When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times’, by Pema Chodron; ‘Know My Name: a memoir’, by Chanel Miller.
