Nosara, Costa Rica - Blue Spirit Retreat DEC 24

Welcome to SlowForm Living where l nestle into reflections on life inspired by slow living on the water, my love 4 movement, all with a touch of Aussie ease. Expect inspiring reflections, journalling prompts and movement and meditation practices to help you find your laid back vibe

It’s been a while since we last met. Much has changed, many reflections, big changes, and deeper insights have all been a theme for me since DEC 24. A real turning point for me, not just in terms of change, but in alignment—body, mind, and spirit in the way that they began to speak the same language, so l listened.

During this transitional time, l took my cues from being on the water, watching and being more presence with the ebb and flow of the current, the current of change and cycles. Appreciating the ride of the past, but also on the look out for the next big wave to surf and the pauses in between to listen.

As I grow older, I find myself reflecting more on the experiences I've lived, the influences that shaped me, and the inspirations I've acted upon—all of which have led me to this moment, l realise.

I’m grateful to have lived my dreams and accomplished far more than I ever imagined, even when faced with seemingly impossible odds. I take pride in my journey—from training and teaching the London circuit, to traveling the world, leading retreats and events.

Filming with online platform Grokker.

On Retreat in Morocco

On Retreat in Morocco

Teaching on the top of the EMI Music building in LONDON (one of my regular and favourite gigs.

Teaching at The Shard - London

Teaching at The Shard - London

Eventually, leading me to find a home at the original TriYoga London, where I served as a resident teacher for over a decade.

Working alongside the incredible Elena Brower since 2015 sparked another phase of profound growth, both professionally and personally. My teaching style and vibe have since been featured in amazing publications, podcasts, platforms, events, and collaborations.

Teaching at the YOGA SHOW - London

Teaching at Lululemon, Kings Road, Chelsea - London

Then, Covid hit.

In the second wave of the pandemic, I found myself questioning if I would ever reconnect with the person I once was—my style, my vibe, which somehow seemed lost. On top of that, navigating through perimenopause, I realised that I needed a profound change, both mentally and physically. With the unwavering support of my partner, I began to make progress. The universe, in its mysterious way, conspired to bring forced changes and unexpected opportunities, manifesting through chance encounters and meaningful connections. Slowly but surely, I was finding my way again.

Returning almost full cycle in the process, as l found myself drawn to practicing pilates again, which is where l first started a transformation. Back in the day one of my teachers and friends, was a pilates and yoga teacher and l can’t tell you how much learn’t from her - invaluable. As l practiced more, l was observing all the time, from the hands on adjusts to her cueing and eventually became her assistant in her yoga classes. While l had never thought then about becoming a Pilates teacher and l had thought and with her encouragement to study and become a yoga teacher, which l went on to achieve. All my training to date had given me access to some amazing well respected global teachers who continue to inspire me and fuel my passion for functional and creative movement as well as practices in philosophy and meditation for my exploring mind.

Teaching part-time while working l eventually gave up my main career (which was a good one at British Airways) l took a leap of faith and set up my own business teaching and coaching in London (which was hugely successful by the way!)

Reminding me that when one door closes, another opens……

Movement is a form of not only functional but creative expression.

Returning home to this form - pilates, this time around has been and is different. Pilates helped me realise that it is ok not to have the same form/body and what l could do with it before. So l set out on another journey of self discovery towards building longevity, strength and resilience gracefully in a different way through a different lens, it’s taken a while but this is what happened to me along the way.

At the beginning of the year while restarting a regular Mat Pilates practice, l started going to Reformer Pilates and absolutely loved it. Why? Because it was something new but also at the same time it reminded me of my early days learning Iyengar Yoga. From Iyengar’s hands on adjust to the cueing, l began to see a lot of similarities between Iyengar and Joseph Pilates so l was curious. The more l practiced the more l could see and feel that this is what my body needed in this cycle of my life and l am eternally grateful to Paula who was my very first reformer teacher for showing me the ropes (so to speak!). Deciding to retrain in another modality Mat Pilates back in May, was one of the best decisions l made this year, which was to become a catalyst.

The journey continuing with another amazing teacher Naomi De Fabio later in June this time training in Reformer Pilates in London. Being back in South London and around Chelsea, Camden and Primose Hill really brought back a lot of happy memories of the life l had in London, before l moved just before the pandemic hit.

Seeing some familiar faces along the way, coupled with being able to go the launch of HOME in Primose Hill, a new pilates and yoga studio opened by the formidable Jonathan Sattin (the original owner of TRIYOGA). Opening on the original site of the old TriYoga Primose Hill some fifteen years earlier, it was quite emotional to come home to where it all started, where l got my first big break onto the London and global scene.

Now as l move forward along this new pathway, l am working with Barre Body in Byron Bay, in Australia in the Art of REFORMER YIN with the incredible Sam Sales, which l’m looking forward to sharing some insights with you as we move through the next few months online and in person.

On the path……

Always having been one with many creative ideas, carving out my own vibe and style as l’ve gone along life’s path. l was on the look out to find a new home for my style, my vibe- the authentic me, to teach without having to be put in a box, so to speak and being told what to teach and how to look?

Enter The Ness Club…..

A reach out on social media, instigated a conversation, instigated a meeting, instigated an amazing offer with support and respect for my experience and who l was.

I was being seen again.

An older teacher, one that doesn’t conform to stereotypes.

But knows who and what she is and relishes in that energy.

How refreshing.

The real reset has begun.

And more importantly, it helped me remember why l started……

What a blessing.

Returning to my authentic self this time around has meant fully embracing my laid-back vibe and style, deeply influenced by my travels, especially in Australia. The Aussie ease of living and being—my true element—has shaped the way I live. Although the weather here in Cambridge may not quite match the sunny shores, I've managed to recreate that same connection to water. It’s where I choose to live—by, next to, and on the water.

SlowForm Living with Salema Veliu is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.