There’s a funny meme that says: "My yoga teacher said I can take child’s pose anytime I need to.” The photo is of a woman in the middle of a grocery store aisle, she’s pushed her cart to the side and is exhaustedly folding into child’s pose…it’s one of my favorites.

Thing is, it’s true! Maybe not out in public but in any classes I teach? A big yes. There’s no pressure to achieve, perform or ‘get it right’. Your yoga practice belongs to you. You’re the only one who can hear your body’s story… 

Part of the beauty of practicing in a live, online class with me is that you get to have solitude and privacy on your mat. Even in all my years of teaching, I’m amazed by how much this At Home yoga practice can embolden, encourage my students to tune into themselves. I watch them grow this skill, this muscle of listening to their inner teacher. It’s always there. Work. Rest. Try. Pause. 

I always say that stepping onto a yoga mat takes courage. There’s a vulnerability and a truth that meets us right there, right then. When you’re moving through even a few deep breaths, there’s honesty and earnest effort there. Sometimes it’s scary to slow down and really listen. 

There’s also so much bravery in trying. Holding a pose for one more breath or lifting yourself up into downward dog for the first time (or the thousandth) takes effort. 

Just try. That’s it. Results? Don’t really matter…they just don’t. 

I tell my students all the time: Honor your efforts. There I go sounding like a yoga teacher again. But yeah, your efforts do count, every one of them.

Yoga is a practice that honors your body’s story. Even when the story keeps on changing! On strong days and on not-so-strong days, yoga meets us right where we are. 

I’m dreaming, planning and getting my new series ready to welcome our first group soon. I can’t wait to share Centered: Yoga for Women Over 40 with you.  

Yours in Yoga,

J

p.s.  My other favorite yoga meme is a cartoon of a fancy lady all dressed-up for a big night out. She’s winking and the word bubble says: “It’s only hot yoga ‘cause you’re in the class”.

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Learn more about Centered here.