The Breakup That Had to Happen

Oscar Wilde famously said, “All things in moderation, including moderation.” 

I second this notion.

Similarly, I think that sometimes— for any number of reasons— we need to step away from things we love or that are good for us in order to come back to them fresh and energized.

In short, sometimes breaks are good. I was recently reminded of that fact.

A few years ago, I walked into my first yoga studio and took a class.

It rocked my world and I was hooked. 

One class per week turned into two, then three, then five or six.

I was in love, and like anyone newly in love, I wanted to shout from the rooftops. To share this amazingness with anyone who would listen.

So I began studying and training. I got my 200 hour certification. Then my 500 hour. Then I got certified to teach kids. I started specializing in various methods and styles.

It began to take over my life. At one point I was teaching 17 classes per week.

And what happened next might not surprise you. 

I began to burn out. 

Like really burn out. My body hurt, and I was simply doing way too much, running around like crazy and not taking care of myself.

And as a result, I could feel resentment popping up more and more around the yoga in my life.

There were moments I felt downright mad at yoga. Whaaaaat???? Who gets mad at yoga???

So I did what anyone who finds themselves in an unhealthy relationship might do.

I ended things. 

I broke up with yoga. 

Early this year (right before the pandemic began, as fate would have it), I rolled up my mat and put it away and went to hang out with my other loves: strength training and boxing and paddle boarding and biking and all kinds of other pursuits I’d been neglecting when yoga had been monopolizing my time.

And it was awesome. I’ve really been enjoying doing so many activities these last months.

But here’s the thing.

All those activities are physical and put stress on my body. Wonderful, healthy stress, but still stress. 

And because I’d broken up with my yoga practice, I didn’t have a good way to balance that stress.

The result?

Stiffness and pain.

We can count on a fundamental truth when it comes to our bodies: they communicate to us through sensation.

Every time.

If we’re willing to listen, our bodies are constantly letting us know what they need. 

And when we ignore the messages our body sends us, it simply sends it again. Louder this time.

It will keep yelling until we give it what it needs.

So I stopped being stubborn and decided to listen to what my stiff body was asking for. It wanted some attention and it was time for me to give it.

I dusted off my yoga mat and stepped on.

And man-oh-man…it was like coming home.

I let my body guide my practice, moving exactly how I needed to in that moment.

It felt right and so unbelievably good.

Once I started my daily practice again, both my body and my mind settled into a newfound sense of peace.

Yoga and I are back together.

But our break was good for our relationship— no more 17-classes-a-week for me. I needed that break.

Both the stepping away and the coming back were examples of me listening to my body and mind for what I needed.

2020 had been unlike anything any of us could have expected or planned for. 

It’s been a crazy ride.

Maybe you’ve needed to step back from something in order to create the space for balance.

Maybe you simply needed a break from something that has brought you pleasure and health and peace because, well, you just did.

But breaks aren’t breaks unless we come back. 

It’s okay to take a break from our healthy habits every once in a while, but don’t let those breaks turn into endings.

Come back. Come back to your health and take hold of it in whatever way feels right and good for where you are in this moment.

Hear your body telling you what it needs and let it guide you.

Movement. Mind-body connection. Breathing.

These are all free and available to you every moment. 

They are full of powerful, healing, transformative benefits that can help you live your best life.

I had to break up with yoga for a minute. 

But I’m so happy to be back on my mat again, and am finding myself in love once more.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Today is your day— get after your health. You won’t be sorry, I promise.

P.S. Did you see the new 7 Pillars small group program happening in January? It will be limited to only 6 spots and you’re not going to want to miss it, so make sure you get onto the notification list asap!