The Work is the Way

"Self-compassion is simply giving yourself the same kindness you would give to others." ~ Christopher Germer

Have you ever wanted to change something in your life, and while you acknowledged it would take work, you still felt ready? Ready to meet the challenges, stay accountable or connected with someone safe who could support you?

Then the work starts, and your mantra is “I’m ready.” Things go smoothly and you are overcoming the challenges and start to think, “This is easier than expected.” But soon, you find yourself craving the result without the work. The same steps you once approached with enthusiasm now feel exhausting. You look for shortcuts and grow irritated by the very process you were once excited to meet.

I’m moving through this now in my healing journey. Even when I feel the urge to give up and sink into despair, I can’t stay there for long. That shift from fear to disappointment to hopelessness can feel like a life sentence, but when I allow myself to sit with it, the rebound is quicker.

Returning to the Mat

A moment of insight came recently during my yoga practice. My therapist had given me several challenging exercises with some feeling more intense than the injury itself. Still, I welcomed the challenge, knowing it would help me step back onto the mat safely. My foot was growing stronger and I had nearly regained full mobility.

It was finally time to shift from a seated-only practice to something a bit more active. I set my yoga board and mat back up at the foot of my bed and felt excited to expand my daily practice. Staying mindful of my body and not pushing too hard, I chose one of my favorite asanas: Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, which calls for grounded feet and strong core engagement.

A Fall, a Breath and a Block

I meditated, warmed up and cued up my favorite song for releasing energy, Trigger Protection Mantra by Jhené Aiko. I started on my right foot. Things felt shaky but good. I could feel dormant muscles waking up in my left foot and a welcome release in my hamstrings.

Then came the other side. I gently pivoted my feet and lifted up to check my alignment before moving into the asana. The joy was short-lived. My body fell forward onto the bottom of my bed. I pushed myself up and tried again. Each time, my balance and stability grew shakier.

I sat on my mat, cycling through all the fears that come with being nearly 50 and recovering from a broken bone. But the darkness lasted only a few breaths. I consciously breathed and let it go. My eyes landed on a yoga block in the corner, with a pile of my youngest son’s Lego blocks stacked on it. Why hadn’t I thought to use it? I’ve encouraged many students who were recovering from injuries to use props to support their practice as they continued to heal.

That moment of clarity was the practice.

It wasn’t about giving up.
It was about being willing to pivot.
To use the tools.
To remain a student.
To meet both effort and ease as part of the path, without placing too much weight on either.

May this day find you embracing the work and moving powerfully forward.

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea