Ping

I would like to introduce you to a lady whose life and mine have been linked for a long time but not necessarily connected. Ping is a wonderful free spirit with an amazing family who goes through life with so much positivity as you can see from her story below. She reminded me of something I read ages ago by Aadil Palkhivala:

‘True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga does not care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for this purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embraced’

I really do not need to add more. Read for yourself. Here is Ping:

‘How things influence and guide you through life. That ebb and flow, cause and effect, kind of thing. From childhood muddy boots, riverbanks, woods and running wild to family infused bed of art, theatre and wilderness.

In my teens I had an introduction to meditation from one brother, who’s mindfulness and kindness had a great effect on me.

It was in my early 20s, having finished an art degree, that I first tried yoga. It’s been a thread that sits within my life’s tapestry, sometimes used more than other times, things like yoga never stray far from me, always playing a part in the choices I might make. My art is the same in a sense, pulling on experience, knowledge and curiosity.

I work using freehand machine embroidery alongside a friend. Our work often stems from something we made for a friend or loved one.

My latest work, done within lockdown, has been wholly inspired by the positive personal responses I’ve witnessed, an act of kindness, word of reassurance or humour to lift our spirits, reaching out to our fellow human beings. I do see the hurt and actions fuelled by fear but I’m trying hard to respond positively, in my own way and yoga, will of course have had a part in how I react, one of life‘s tools to draw on.

What positive words spring to your mind from this wholly unusual place we find ourselves in? I’d love to know!

You can find me on Facebook or Instagram as part of “Ping and Lily” or our website, https://pingandlily.co.uk/