Welcome to my February newsletter. As winter has held us in its grip - and the recession has bitten deeper - feeling optimistic might have become harder! It takes discipline to be happy, especially when circumstances are challenging all the things we thought were our foundation and security. But even in the face of uncertainty, it is possible to find the core stability within us and find we can feel safe even when everything is uncertain.

In sport, being strong in the core means that you are balanced and can run stronger for longer - you can stay balancing on a surfboard (if you choose to surf!) in the roughest of seas - most of the time! And this reflects in life: core strength, internal balance, means that however big the waves and the turbulence of our lives, we can surf them and stay standing (mostly too!). But even if we fall occasionally we have the strength to get up again, and most importantly get up more often than we fall!

In sport, working on the core has beneficial effects at a psychological as well as a physical level. The strength and improved posture generates greater confidence, a feeling of inner power and reminds you to pay attention to your body, which is after all your vehicle to take you through life.

The core stability that comes from self knowledge means that whatever happens you don't wobble. That you know the polestar within you, the real you, away from the chatter of mind. Our mind is a great tool, but allow it to be undisciplined and our lives become confusing and tense as we run the risk of becoming addicted to worry and repetitious negativity.

'Core stability' - in terms of becoming conscious and taking responsibility for what we think, means that even when we are losing all that we thought we needed to be secure, we can still carry on, we can start again, we can support one another and we can be happy despite and within the challenges.

Happiness is a choice rather than a feeling and lies in taking actions that contribute to that state. Make a choice and your life changes, moment by moment. Easier said than done, I recognise!

So this month we explore self management and self awareness from multiple perspectives, through the wisdom of the body, the power of the group, through uncovering our own unconscious, through movement in sport and in yoga.

The dynamic Yoga practice that Mark (body page) teaches, works on self awareness and core strength through a physical practice. It focuses on being in the body - in that moment - stretching to be more, do more, without pushing, and so becoming more open and aware and stronger through the practice. He is running a workshop  with me in Eastbourne in mid to late July, as we have been discussing  the crossover of my Ultra running, yoga and life and how the body holds so many of our answers - if we listen. How the breath is a barometer that we can tune into anytime and release the tension that is building. Mark and I have worked together before and are looking forward to creating a day that will be fun and focused! Details will be on both of our websites shortly.

Once you take responsibility on a physical level, you tend to notice how much you expect your body to be there for you. And if you look after it and listen to its messages well, it will be there for you and help direct you on every level.

Everything happens within us. It is not what happens to us that is so important but how we respond to what happens to us. We can't always control the cards we are dealt - but we have a choice as to how we play them. Our reality is simply a reflection of our inner processes and this all starts in the body, we feel our reactions and pain in our body - and so it is our choice. Every moment we have a chance to change our story by starting to learn about our reactions and responses, and becoming interested and aware of the possibility that we can change them and so write a different story for ourselves.

Our future is up to us, whatever is going on. Each day we can turn to the real self and find the strength and the creativity to keep taking the next step.

I wish you good things and send love