Yoga on your own terms, in your own time... that feels like love to me. If yoga is one way you heal, too, from the terrible things you've been through, read these notes. Whatever you're healing from, you can learn to love better, right here, even after everything. Even in the middle of everything. That's... everything.

8 Yoga Lessons That Double as Life Lessons

1. It's all a practice.

Anything worth doing takes time and dedication. Yoga is called a “practice” for a reason. You don't need to stand on your head to practice: it's all part of the practice. Even the simplest poses. Even simplicity is an art.

My yoga practice has kept me grounded and reminds me every day that life is a practice. We can't get everything done in one day, and that's very much okay.

“That’s exactly how it is in yoga. The places where you have the most resistance are actually the places that are going to be the areas of the greatest liberation.” – Rodney Yee

2. Patience can be built.

Mastering physical yoga poses takes patience. Meditation instills patience. Stillness, dreams, and relationships all thrive with patience. And thank heavens, patience is something we can learn.

“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is what you learn on the way down.” – Jigar Gor

3. Sometimes, the impossible is possible.

If you devote enough energy, patience, and passion into something, it might just be possible. It's like... you don't go into yoga thinking you're flexible (I didn't). You start to see how flexible you can become. Keep your heart open to what's possible, and to what *seems* impossible.

4. Your body is always communicating with you. Listen.

If your lower back is weak today, or if your neck is riddled with tension, listen to that. Your body is asking you to take it easy, to be easy with yourself. There’s a deeper message, calling you to look at how you can better help yourself today. How can you give your own self a break, some grace, mercy?

5. You're here. So be here.

You won't feel like being here, in this moment or on this earth, all of the time. That's human. But you're also part stardust, part other world... and the whole universe conspired to bring you here, in its own way. Know this: your being here is full of purpose.

If you can't love yourself until you feel love-able, when will you ever love?

6. Slow down (sometimes).

There are four seasons in the natural world. There's time for activity and time for calm, time to work and time to rest. Slowing down is, sometimes, just what you need. Be in this season of your life. Embrace every speed and phase. It's all a practice.

7. Trust your truths.

What do you believe? What do you think matters most in this world? What do you think is possible, true, good for you? Trust those things that feel right in your heart. Trust where love takes you. It's your truth. And it's also okay if your truths evolve as you do. Or if what's possible expands as you become more flexible.

8. You're enough, just as you are.

Whatever your goals, lists, mistakes, imperfections, dreams, past, clothes, bank account, opinions, you are enough. No matter how difficult it is to step onto your mat or into your day, you'll always be enough as you are. It's one truth you don't have to grow into, one you don't have to worry about growing out of.

. . .

Tell me:

Which of these lessons resonate most with you right now?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I’d love to know!

With love,

Jen

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P.S. Never forget how far you’ve come, how much potential you have, how essential you are... no matter how flexible you are. Go visit my shop to find the (im)perfect poetry print that celebrates you in your fullness, in your mess and magic and everything in between.