Wow, I am so fortunate….
Arriving to Korea jetlagged…
I left my rucksack with the computer and all my chargers on the overhead luggage wrack on the train.
Nine hours later, I got it back with everything intact, it had not be stolen or tampered with.
It had been handed in.
As I retraced my steps back, I kept saying to myself, I am going to walk out of Seoul station with my rucksack….
And so I did, then adventure then began.
Here are my 10 biggest takeaways from South Korea:
- Chopsticks can save your life – Check out the chopstick article for a bit of a pun. By learning to do things differently, we can change how we act and behave.
- The free-diving women of Jeju Island – These women, aged 70 to 90, have been training since the age of ten (or younger) to dive to depths of up to 20 meters, holding their breath underwater for as long as 2 minutes. They rely only on their wetsuits, flippers, goggles, and weighted vests or belts—no protective equipment. It’s inspiring to think we can train our lungs and actually learn to breathe better.
- Kimchi – I love it! Gut health is everything. Pictured is bimbap, my favourite meal there.
- Embracing my inner child – The abundance of cuddly soft toys depicted everywhere in Korean society brings out the child in me.
- Litter – Korea has a striking lack of bins because people take their litter home. They genuinely care about the environment.
- Recycling and upcycling – These practices are massive here. There are so many clothing shops that focus on repurposing items.
- Movement is life – Koreans love staying active, whether it’s through walking, tai chi, Pilates, or yoga.
- Flat tummies – I think this comes from the limited consumption of wheat-based or dairy products and the daily intake of broth. Like everywhere, though, fast food, sugar, and junk food are becoming more prevalent.
- Pokémon adventure – I had an amazing time sourcing Pokémon cards for a client. It was a real adventure!
- Giving back – In society, giving back is essential. You can’t change others until you change yourself. As a small gesture, I even donated a little roof tile.
Thank you for reading!
Nisha is a certified level 3 Chek practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach specialising in Pilates and Yoga. Her journey started when a visiting Laban teacher introduced her to Pilates at Dance College in a contemporary class during her first year.
Its effects were forgotten but she then re-discovered Pilates through Michael King eleven years later whilst running her dance school.
Her background spans over 32 years with formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, tap, national choreography, stage production and theatre.
Her formation includes Pilates, Thai bodywork, Yoga, GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, Garuda and anatomical studies. Her particular interest is fascia, and the connective lines and movement patterns that allow a full moving structure rather than the isolation of bones and muscles.
Her fascination with questioning the traditions of modern medicine and fascination with searching for meaningful answers has taken her in many different directions and has offered her an abundance of opportunities gaining a wealth of knowledge. “I tried many movement modalities and extended my search after experiencing fascia, because of its connection of movement. Quickly, I noticed my own body changing, as well as the bodies of my own clients. In the last 32 years of teaching I’ve developed my own movement and lifestyle philosophy".
Throughout her studies Nisha has done numerous dissections with Julian Baker, Mel Cash and Cery Davies and has the opportunity to take lectures and courses from James de Silva, Robert Schleip, Joanne Avison, Tom Myers, Matt Wallden, Leigh Brandon, Emma Lane, Gary Carter, Paul Chek, Dan Hellman, Peter Blackaby plus many more.
Nisha's teaching method promotes reflective self-discovery and provides the requirements to integrate a shift in consciousness for attaining individual goals.
Nisha teaches in her own studios in St. Helens and Manchester, plus she also has an online following. Throughout her career she has also taught Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Cirque de Soleil, Will Young and Belinda Carlisle. She has also worked in professional football and both Rugby League and Union for over 20 years. Players she has provided a specific program for were former Manchester Citys Vincent Kompany, Everton's Steven Pinnear and goal keeper Jonas Lossi.
She maintains that an attitude of compassion, consistency and joyous humour are excellent components to growth and expanded potential.
She welcomes all level of movers from the beginner to the seasoned athlete who have a desire to increase their skill potential, also teachers and students. Her specialties include assisting post rehabilitative back pain individuals, injury prevention for athletes and spine health for everyday people.
