I haven’t been able to make it to the studio much these past couple of weeks. The reason being that my routine has shifted considerably from the regular, making it quite difficult to show up for class. It started with a house sitting gig that has had me living a good 30 minutes from the studio with the added responsibility of a dog to care for. My situation is further complicated by having to get stitches that have limited my ability to flow and catching a cold. Needless to say, my routine is no more.

At first, I resisted and was quite determined to figure out a way to make this all work, but when my health was factored in, I knew I had to take a step back and rest. And you know what? It sure feels good.

As much as I enjoy my yoga practice, it takes a lot out of me in the best of ways. I get into a weekly rhythm of going back and forth to the studio that I start to crave when I’m away for too long. This time is different, though. Recently, I had been noticing increased muscle pain but continued to push through. Giving myself permission to rest as a result of external factors outside of my control has allowed the pain to subside and given me a new angle to explore my practice from.

During class last week while asking for modifications I could work with, Nancy told me to pay extra attention to my body and that I would learn to get in tune with it in a different way. It’s amazing how such a small wound gave me a reason to notice my practice and how my body works in a completely new way.

I can also draw a parallel to a book I’m currently reading called One Thing by Gary Keller. One of the chapters approaches the concept of “balance” in our lives. He argues that we shouldn’t strive for a work-life balance, since we’re not fully focusing on one or the other. We can’t expect to do all the things all the time. Instead, we need to counterbalance. Put focused energy into work and then counterbalance it by putting focused energy into life. On that note, you could say that I’m counterbalancing my yoga practice by fully committing myself to healing and resting.

So with this, I ask you: In what ways can you counterbalance your life and your practice? Where do you need more awareness and where do you need to take a break? You might be surprised by the answers.