Fiona Fleming

Dear Mike


I was very sorry to learn just recently that life has set you on a particularly hard road.


When life reset my direction back in 1992 I found myself led to your door - or should I say yoga mat! I naively thought I was coming to somewhere where I could hide out, and literally just lie down and contemplate my navel. They do say ignorance is bliss and they also say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear - and so you did.


At my very first lesson in your Herne Bay yoga studio when you strapped me onto a bench, with my legs and the bench weighted with sandbags, and had me spill my top half onto some blankets on the floor (setu bandhasana) I was completely unprepared to find that in that moment I had wholly come home to myself. It was indeed a very sacred moment. Thank you.


Whilst I was stiff for the first four months, everywhere, could hardly wait for the weekend when I could have two days off, through your dedication, commitment, drive and passion for the discipline of yoga I found my way back to life. Through your thorough grounding I have been able to stay the course and return time and time again to the peace found within.


I believe you are still well known for your wonderful ‘phrases’ aka bad jokes, and the stand out ones for me are:


“No, that’s not pain - its just a stretch sensation” or the slightly modified version being ‘Pain… that’s just weakness leaving the body’.


“Shaking is good - its just intelligence coming into the cells”


And my all time favourite “CAN’T means WON’T!”


Mike, I do hope you continue to find within you the strength you have imparted to all who have crossed your path as you continue your journey.


May you find grace and ease along the way, as well as the love of family and also feel the love of the wider ‘family’ that are with you every step of the way wishing you every success.


With the deepest of love and thanks
Fiona ​