Showing Up for Yourself

Have you ever registered for a class and then cancelled at the last minute because you had a bad day, were tired, it was too cold/icy/snowy/hot, you decided the couch/a good show/dinner with friends/whatever was a better idea? Did you ever feel intimidated by other students or like you weren’t flexible enough or couldn’t possibly be still and quiet during the opening centering or relaxation?

There are so many reasons not to show up. And some are valid, of course, like illness, injury, or supporting a loved one.
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Showing up for yourself is a deeper commitment than just physical presence. It's an act of self-respect and awareness. It means acknowledging your needs – physical, mental, and emotional – and consciously choosing  to honor them, even when it's difficult, inconvenient, or goes against the grain of external demands.

On the Mat: More Than Just Movement
Your yoga mat can be a powerful laboratory for practicing this commitment. Showing up for yourself on your mat might look like:

• Listening Intently: Tuning in to your body's signals. Choosing Child's Pose when you need rest, even if the class is moving into a challenging inversion. Modifying a pose not out of avoidance, but out of respect for your current energy levels or physical limitations.
• Breathing Through Discomfort: Staying present with your breath when a pose feels challenging, rather than holding your breath or mentally checking out. This teaches resilience and mindful presence.
• Practicing Non-Judgment: Accepting where you are today without comparing yourself to others, or even to yourself on a different day. Showing up means meeting yourself with kindness, exactly as you are.
• Honoring Stillness: Embracing Savasana not just as the end of class, but as a vital moment to integrate, rest, and simply be. Resisting the urge to fidget or mentally plan the rest of your day is a way of showing up for your need for quiet integration.

Off the Mat: Integrating the Practice
The true power of yoga unfolds when we take these lessons off the mat and into our daily lives. Showing up for yourself beyond the studio walls can manifest in countless ways:

• Setting Boundaries: Saying "no" to commitments that drain you or "yes" to activities that nourish you, even if it disappoints someone else.
• Prioritizing Rest: Recognizing fatigue not as weakness, but as a signal. Allowing yourself adequate sleep and downtime.
• Mindful Choices: Choosing foods that make you feel good, moving your body in ways you enjoy, and engaging in activities that align with your values.
• Self-Compassion: Speaking to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend, especially during difficult times.
• Checking In: Regularly pausing throughout your day to ask, "What do I need right now?" and then acting on that inner wisdom.

A Continuous Journey
Showing up for yourself isn't a one-time act; it's a continuous practice, much like yoga itself. Some days it will feel easy and natural, while other days it will require conscious effort and courage. There will be times you stumble. That's okay. The practice is simply to notice, forgive yourself, and begin again.
Each time you choose to listen to your inner voice, honor your limits, nourish your body, or protect your peace, you are reinforcing the message that you matter. You are cultivating a deeper relationship with yourself built on trust and respect.
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This week, we invite you to reflect: In what small way can you show up for yourself today, both on and off the mat? Remember, every conscious choice, no matter how small, is a powerful step on your journey.