Yoga was my first love and so I wanted to do everything right. I tied myself with belts and lay on hard, wood blocks. I hung from the walls and twisted over chairs. I chased the dream of the perfect backbend.
This led where you might expect it–injuries and pain.
And as I healed, I learned a lot.
Bendy bodies (and older bodies) don’t need more flexibility.
They need strength. Stability. Proprioception.
I discovered Pilates. I integrated my mindfulness practices into my physical practices. My yoga practice became kinder, more holistic. Healthy movement became more important than fancy backbends.
As soon as I had that figured out, things got complicated again. I developed chronic fatigue, digestive issues, lots of inflammation, and near constant stress.
I learned about the complex relationship to invisible illness. The masking and hiding. The shame. The desire to not be “that person” who always needs accommodations, who always counts her spoons, who always seems to have something she complains about.
For the moment, I’m feeling better but my experiences taught me a lot.
Now I understand the importance of cultivating both fluid, stable movement and a calm mind. And even more importantly, I understand on a visceral level that healing the physical body is not enough. You have to heal mind, body, and spirit to fully feel whole again.
I bring this practice to my classes. Into yoga, I mix Pilates, mindfulness practices, and sometimes unexpected surprises.
Physically you grow strong. Emotionally you become more grounded.
And you have fun. Bodies are interesting. Let’s enjoy them.
I have a passion project newsletter about somatics, the body-mind experience, and living with deep wellbeing. Click here for more information about Embodied Living.