Sometimes, frustration on the mat shows us the way forward.

Clarity exists in those moments where resistance shows up. Resisting the pace, resisting the breath, the asana, resisting showing up. These are all arrows showing the way.

Yes, the mind can be loud.

“b r e a t h e – but don’t let anyone hear you.”

“Why are we holding this pose so long?”

“This class is moving too fast.”

“There is no way I’m doing that.”

“This isn’t fun anymore.”

“I hate this pose. Why does she do this every time?”

“I can’t do this anymore. Will anyone notice if I leave?”

“ I’ll just skip practice today.”

“I’m tired. Can the teacher please stop talking?”

“Surya Namaskar again?”

“I just relaxed my jaw. How did it get so tense?”

“CAN WE PLEASE MOVE TO THE NEXT POSE!!!”

And the louder the mind, the closer you get to the real practice…

The practice of observing while moving. Practice a moment of self-connection while becoming. The practice of discipline despite the feelings. Yoga is not meant to feel comfortable, easy and cosy all the time…It is meant to hold space for you to practice patience, focus, kindness, receiving and letting go.

Some days will feel less fun. Some practices may feel like you haven’t made any progress. Other days, you may wonder if this is even worth it. True yoga practice is much less glamorous than Instagram makes it out to be.

Keep showing up.

And I promise, you’ll notice that one repetitive thought change for the better just like that muscle in your arm.

You will notice yourself being kinder to yourself one day, just like the breath feels fuller in that uncomfortable pose.

You will sit in traffic and feel your glutes soften, because maybe you don’t have to hold on so tight.

There will be a moment when your discipline will carry you through something, just like you stayed in the discomfort of the pose.

Standing in a queue one day will feel less agitating, just like you learned to relax your shoulders and soften your face when the pose goes on forever.

Yoga is a practice.

For your body’s strength.

For fluidity in the muscles.

For breathing with intention.

For observing your emotions.

For evaluating your reaction.

Yoga is a practice. A journey. Not a destination.

Let the frustration, the resistance, be your arrows.

Let them show you the way.

Share your yoga journey with me…

Do you have resistance?

Share it with me, or your yoga teacher. Find the resistance, discover your way…

If you would like to combine yoga with your mental health journey,