I continue to learn so much as I guide people through yoga poses. I love this because I originally took my Yoga Teacher Training not to become a yoga teacher but to understand better why the asanas helped me feel more at peace in my life.

Throughout my own yoga journey, I’ve been blessed with instructors who met me where I was at that moment in time. I’ve never felt shamed for not creating a shape that looks the same as someone else’s. Instead, I was challenged to find ways to make it work for me.

When my yoga teacher status comes up with a new person, they will often build up an unnecessary wall: “Oh, I can’t do yoga; I’m not flexible enough, etc.”

This wall is unnecessary because 1) Just because I teach yoga doesn’t mean you need to practice yoga. 2) If you want to do yoga, you don’t have to “be” anything but yourself.

While this may seem like small talk, it demonstrates how we gravitate toward the struggle, even when we haven’t accepted any challenge.

So, this is why my permission slip is to find ease and support. Your worth is not a reflection of how hard you work or that you’ve checked off accomplishments from someone else’s list. Your worth is.

It just IS.

So today, allow yourself to take the gentle route. In your mind, have a soft focus as you make your way through things that you’ve believed should cause you anxiety. In your body, take a moment to notice your breath and celebrate that it continues to support you. Even when you are not paying attention.