08/12/2025
Sometimes, just sometimes, yoga is not the answer to everything.
Sometimes you get so angry/stressed/upset that doing yoga just seems like the farthest thing on your mind.
For those occasions, blasting your music on full volume and moving your body vigorously (think hill sprints and lifting some heavy Sh*t ) is far more beneficial
The music I hear on those occasions is most definitely not love and light - it’s more rage and fire and a solid dose of F-U energy.
But it is a playlist that helps me to regulate my nervous system.
It’s not tinkling bells or chilled beats. It’s cutting lyrics, swear words, gritty vocals and the occasional scream.
But it does meet me where I’m at, and that, honestly, feels so damn good.
If you’re feeling anxious or activated, a silent breath meditation or a restorative yoga practice is unlikely to be helpful. It’s probably going to make you feel much worse, and then you’re left either doubting yourself (I can’t even do yoga right!!) or doubting the efficacy of yoga (this yoga stuff doesn’t work).
Either way you’re left feeling pretty awful.
When you listen to your true needs in any given situation, you can move THROUGH it rather than AGAINST it with the quality of ‘I see you’ rather than ‘I change you’ and the pay-off is far greater.
That’s not to say that some restorative yoga or gentle breath work isn’t helpful, but meeting yourself where you are is, in my experience, the place where we need to start.
This time of year is tough for many of us, not everyone has circumstances that allow for Christmas cheer and that is ok. Make sure you look after yourself when no one is watching, judgement free, and you might be able to just find a twinkle of joy that puts a smile on your face - even if it is just for a few moments.
Be kind, not only to others, but also to YOURSELF!
