Sonya, Author at Sonya Kim: Now and Forever Celebrancy Services

9 July 20218 June 2023

Ice bath, anyone?

Have you heard of the Wim Hof Breathing Method? It’s really taken off, especially for men. It incorporates yogic breathing, mindful movement but its signature feature is ice baths.

There’s a good long read about a workshop in Melbourne that’s popular with tradies.

I‘m so glad there’s a way for men to embrace yoga, meditation and wellbeing in this way. Typically, yoga classes and meditation retreats are dominated by women attendees but I’d love to see a balance (and kids) as everyone can benefit from it. Moreover, I firmly believe that couples and families who yoga together stay together. There’s a lot of poses and exercises we can do to be attuned to and in support of one another in yoga and meditation. If you’re getting married and want to give couples yoga and meditation a try, I’m your celebrant!

9 July 20218 June 2023

How to ‘quiet the mind’

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

A book challenge from my friend on Facebook has been thought provoking for me all week. There are several books which have been seminal for me in terms of learning and teaching yoga and meditation.

One work of art I’ve come across that I have previously included in my mindfulness course is ‘Quiet the Mind’ by Matthew Johnstone. Matthew is an author and illustrator who draws on his lived experience of depression and meditation. His work with his wife, Ainsley Johnstone is as honest and moving as it is educational and invaluable.

It’s so important to have help and understanding when you have mental health issues. Please reach out. In Australia, Lifeline is a free telephone crisis counselling service that’s available 24-7 on 13 11 14 and online.

9 July 20218 June 2023

Yoga with Bub

Photo by Ana Tablas on Unsplash

A part of my morning routine is doing a few sun salutations with Bub watching on as he plays with his blocks. It delights me to see him light up as he watches me yoga. He giggles when I move into cobra from downward facing dog and I stick out my tongue like a lion. I look forward to doing more yoga with him over the years, in addition to the hugging meditation and forward bending poses.

Bub, as all babies are natural yogis, clearly shows me up with the ease of which he puts his feet in his mouth and Happy Baby comes naturally to him too. I can’t wait to do couples yoga with him as it’s so much fun and it’s a great way to connect through breath, laughter and to tune into one another on a deep level.

Here’s a link to a few poses (beginner, intermediate and advanced levels) you can try with your partner, mum, son or friend. Give it a go in today and let me know how you go!

26 February 20218 June 2023

The same old fights

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Have you heard of Esther Perel? She’s a psychotherapist famous for her TED talks on sex but I love her podcast about relationships, ‘Where should we begin?’

There is great reading relevant to couples having the same old fights. It turns out that the fights we have with our partners are often not about them but us.

What’s promising is that once we understand ourselves, we’re not forever bound by our patterns if we work to create new positive ones with our partners. It’s another reminder to me that relationships need work but they are so rewarding.

I’d be so happy to work with you and your partner on your wedding ceremony and help you understand the same old fights. Please let me know if you’re interested!