A Raw Journey into Spaciousness on the Yoga Mat
So, I was chatting with a new friend over coffee this week, and I found myself explaining how what I teach in class hits uncomfortably close to home—pretty much all the time. Being a yogi doesn’t come with a “get out of jail free” card, unfortunately. Trust me; I’ve wished for it more than once. But nope, yoga doesn’t work like that. Finding freedom, it’s like diving into the game of life, no shortcuts allowed.
I’ve said it many times. Yoga demands guts. It demands a warrior’s spirit, compassion, and patience. As Billy Ocean sings it, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And boy, does yoga make you tough!
But good news: we’re not alone in this journey. We’ve got centuries of wisdom at our disposal, waiting to brush us down, pick us up and support us along the way. And let me tell you, the lessons I bring to class? They’re as much for me as they are for anyone else.
Take spaciousness, for example—the theme of our upcoming classes. It’s been on my mind a lot lately, probably because I’ve been feeling the squeeze in my own life. I’ve seen yoga work its magic, reclaiming that precious inner space. But I’ve also felt the consequences of neglecting it.
The Raw Reality: Overcoming Overwhelm and Burnout
As a business owner, I’ve fallen into the trap of chasing productivity and success, often at the expense of my own well-being. Burnout? Yeah, I know it all too well. It sneaks up on you, stealing your joy and vitality when you least expect it.
But here’s the thing: there’s always an invitation waiting for us to reclaim our space and rediscover the beauty of simply being. And that’s where our practice comes in, offering a path to finding freedom, liberation and self-discovery like no other.
Cultivating Spaciousness: Finding Solace on the Yoga Mat
So, let’s talk about cultivating spaciousness on the yoga mat and beyond. It starts with stepping onto your mat and taking that deep breath. In that moment, you carve out a sacred space for yourself—a space where you can reconnect with your innermost self.
Flexibility, let’s be clear, has nothing to do with it.
In verse 2:46 of the Yoga Sutra—the final text on Yoga—we get the first instruction on how to practice asana (posture) properly. Patanjali breaks it down, explaining that the three main points of asana is to cultivate stability, spaciousness, and mental ease.
Embracing Growth: From Self-Kindness to Confidence
As you settle into your practice, notice the space between your thoughts, the stillness between your breaths. Give yourself some grace to accept where you are while still striving for growth. Some space between self-kindness and being self-driven.
Can you find space to play as often as you find space for seriousness and receive as much as you give?
And remember, it’s not about mastering a shape — it’s about finding the space steadiness and ease with the shape to embody these deeper concepts with grit, determination, and a willingness to face whatever comes your way.
So, if you’re ready to dive deep into this journey of self-discovery and transformation, I invite you to join me on the mat at Yoga Local.
Together, let’s explore the wild, messy, beautiful journey of finding freedom, one breath at a time.
With love and a whole lot of realness,
Josie Steedman Owner & Founder of Yoga Local
