The January Marathon
I personally felt that January was less like a fresh start and more like a long marathon. I kicked off the year with a bit of a cold—nothing too serious, thankfully—which allowed me to step in for my fellow teachers who were feeling much worse. Even so, navigating that “wobble” in my own body and mind while holding space for others was a real challenge in staying present.
The Magic of the Breath
Whenever I felt my internal world start to tip, I turned to simple breathwork, and it truly worked wonders. Just the simple act of counting my breaths helped quiet the mental chatter and soothe my nervous system. It’s amazing how a few intentional inhales can gently pull you back into the beauty of the present moment.
Yoga is More Than a Mat
I’d like to remind you that it is perfectly okay to skip your physical practice when you aren’t feeling your best. Yoga is so much bigger than the poses we do on a mat, and there are many soul-filling ways to connect with your body, mind, and energy. Presence is waiting for you in the smallest moments, whether you are offering love to your body exactly as it is today, savoring the crispness of the winter air as it fills your lungs, or simply listening to the cheerful crunch of grass beneath your feet.
5 Simple Ways to Stay Present
- Count Your Breaths: If your mind is racing, try inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for four. It’s a tiny anchor for a busy soul.
- Practice Body Gratitude: Give your body a metaphorical hug. Thank it for everything it does for you, even on its “off” days.
- Waken Your Senses: Pick one thing to notice—the scent of your tea, the chill on your cheeks, or the texture of your sweater.
- Release the Guilt: If you don’t make it to your mat, don’t sweat it. Living mindfully is yoga.
- Step Back and Observe: When things feel chaotic, take a “mental step back.” Remind yourself: “I am noticing this chaos, but I am not the chaos.”
Being the Witness
When life starts to feel like a swirling whirlpool, remember that you don’t have to get pulled under by the current. You can choose to be the “witness”—the one who sits calmly on the bank, noticing the water spin without losing your way in it.
Key Takeaways
- Breath is an anchor: Counting breaths resets the nervous system instantly.
- Yoga is a state of mind: You can practice presence anywhere, not just on a mat.
- Sensory details matter: Small observations bring you back to the moment.
- Compassion is key: Accept your body’s limits during illness or fatigue.
- You are the observer: You are the stillness behind the “whirlpool” of life.