Written by Jenni Ross, Shaun's E.A. 


I imagine that at the start of 2017 many people decided to make changes to their lives, for instance embarking on a keep fit regime or reevaluating their relationships.

When people think about exercise there is often an assumption that the only 'good' type of exercise is the type which leaves you hot, sweaty and out of breath.

In recent years I have discovered the benefits of yoga, which aids longevity and wellbeing. Fortunately Brodies promotes yoga within the firm, with classes being run on a weekly basis throughout all our offices.

It has also been suggested that yoga can teach you a lot about relationship breakups.

As an EA within the Family Law team I would go further and say that there is a lot that yoga can teach you about both relationship break ups and work.

Here are what I consider to be the main similarities:

  1. To get the best from the class/your solicitor you have to be honest with them and tell them everything that is relevant to your situation. It is only then that they can provide you with the best advice and how to overcome difficulties. Accept assistance.
  2. In yoga we all have different strengths and weaknesses and, as in life, we compare ourselves to other people. The advice you are given, the way you handle challenges and the process followed when consulting a solicitor is likely to differ from one case to another. Do not compare yourself or try to match your situation with that of someone else.
  3. There are always alternatives to the different poses; find the one which suits you. Likewise in a breakup there is more than one method of dispute resolution such as collaboration or mediation.
  4. Expect to be challenged. To an outsider looking in at a class, yoga can appear easy. It is not. There are some poses like "bird in a basket" which appear almost impossible. However by tackling them one step at a time you will ultimately arrive at the stage which is best for you. Likewise, while you may be the driving force behind a break up, accept that at times you will likely find it difficult and it won't be the process you envisaged. You also have to deal with your everyday life.
  5. Finally, at the end of any class, no matter which positions have been worked on, the session ends with Savasana. This pose is reputed to be most the restorative and regenerative, and involves you lying on your back, with your eyes closed, and going into a state of mindfulness. While consulting your solicitor about a family issue may be emotionally challenging, it is usually followed by a period of reflection and introspection, which, like Savasana, can be beneficial in helping you work through the challenges you face and prepare yourself for the next chapter in your life.

Namaste - I bow to you.

Contributor

Shaun George

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