Being a yoga teacher doesn’t mean I’m “doing yoga” all of the time. As a matter of fact, it can be put at the end of my to-do list, especially when I’ve committed myself to many classes (like when I somehow have twice the number of classes scheduled than usual!).

When I took my training, I knew this could happen. Instructors told me that they didn’t practice as much as they would like. This happens in other professions. Doctors who skip their physicals, massage therapists who work through their muscle pain, accountants who miss their own tax deadlines… you get the idea. It’s not just the workplace; we do this at home, too. Parents who have the best advice for their kids may forget to follow it (“Do as I do, not as I say,” anyone?)

Because of this, I have made a commitment to myself to show up for myself at the BARE MINIMUM. One class a week, at least. At least one hour where I am guided, where I can leave my teacher brain behind and give myself the benefits of the practice that I believe in so much, I left behind my career of over two decades to do!

I deserve to be guided. And supported. And allowed to practice SELF-care.

I NEVER regret taking time for myself (especially a yoga class– I’ve NEVER regretted showing up on my mat).

The “irony” is this. Showing up for myself is the only way I can continue to show up for others. We know this, right? We’ve heard, “you can’t fill others from an empty cup,” and the like.

Not only that, the “bare minimum” gets the self-care ball rolling! Like with so many things, the hardest thing to do is to begin. Once you know you can show up, showing up the next time gets a bit easier.

Last week, I went to a workshop at the Ponderosa Ranch that included a yoga practice followed by a sound healing. It was magical. For the sound healing, I set myself up in a comfy restorative pose wrapped up in a blanket. I was subtly aware of my body releasing into the rest and digest mode as the gongs, sound bowls, and ocean drum were played. (I'll share more about the sound healer soon, as she will be at my next retreat.)

What a relief to have nothing to do. Nothing to focus on. Nothing that required my attention. I was allowed to just BE.

After, all of the attendees met at the main cabin onsite for lunch and conversation. Everyone seemed to reiterate the same message they were given: I NEEDED this.

For me, it was enough of a spark to recalibrate my “bare minimum.” It’s no longer weekly. It’s daily. Not a full hour, but at least 15 minutes. Each morning last week, I was guided by someone else in either a yin yoga practice or a meditation or both. Throughout the week, my focus and attitude were both so much better than they had been. And during the times I did feel stress, I was able to work with it more effectively.

What is something you could offer yourself that you already offer to others? How will you practice what YOU preach?