Life is a Highway

What happens when the wheels fall off?

Engage with every moment as if you chose it. Work with it. Not against it.

- Eckhart Tolle

I’ve been writing this newsletter for over a year now, with change emerging as a recurring theme. I’ve dedicated entire issues, and even months, to the inevitability of change. I’ve explored the process of both intentional and unexpected shifts, and examined how change unfolds in life.

What I have not covered is life altering, traumatic change. The kind that feels like walking down a beautiful, sunlit path when suddenly a bus comes out of nowhere and takes you out.

This type of change blindsides us. Nothing we did caused it, yet we’re left with the fallout. Suddenly, we’re broken, lost, and staring at a future that looks nothing like the one we had envisioned for ourselves. In these moments we feel helpless, like our world is collapsing and we have no power to stop it. We wonder why this happened, feeling like collateral damage in circumstances beyond our control.

These traumatic events can stem from many sources. Some examples include the sudden loss of a spouse or child, natural disasters, betrayal, abandonment, illness/injury, or senseless acts of violence.

Unfortunately, we may never understand why these things happen to us, and that uncertainty is at the heart of our trauma. Our bodies and minds become hyper-vigilant, attempting to protect us from further harm— a futile and exhausting effort when we don’t even fully grasp what hurt us in the first place. In trying to make sense of the experience, we often become trapped in endless loops of rumination, replaying fragments of what we do know, searching for meaning.

In this vulnerable state, even the smallest reminder can trigger a full-blown fight-or-flight response, overwhelming us with waves of shame, blame, fear, and panic. In the early days, these triggers can feel relentless and inescapable. Without healthy coping mechanisms, we risk becoming trapped in this cycle, sinking further into the grip of our trauma.

The Road to Recovery

When our nervous system experiences a destabilizing shock, recovery can take time.

In the interim, it’s natural to feel lost—like all you want is to go home, only to realize the home you knew no longer exists. These situations force us into an unfamiliar reality we didn’t choose and don’t want.

There is profound value in sitting with the destruction—allowing ourselves to feel each wave of grief and confusion, to process what has happened. It’s a time to honor our emotions without rushing, to accept that it’s okay not to be okay.

Eventually, though, we must find the strength to stand up and step out of the ashes. When we’re ready, we can gather the salvageable pieces and rebuild. Not as a perfect replica of what once was, but as something new, something that reflects the person we’re becoming through this experience.

In the Eye of the Storm

Normally, when I share personal experiences, I write from a place of reflection—a bird’s-eye view shaped by time, healing, and growth. But this time is different. Recently, my world was rocked by an event I wasn’t prepared for. The past three weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. I have never slept so little, cried so much, or felt the weight of grief so profoundly.

I’m still here. I feel diminished in many ways, but I’m in a season of healing. I trust that, with time, I will find my way back to wholeness.

For now, I find comfort in the glimpses of resilience that have surfaced within me and small insights that offer hope even in the midst of this pain.

Most of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. I talk a lot about the principles and practices I use to navigate life. They ground me and enhance my average, everyday routines. This experience has revealed their deeper power. Yoga Nidra, in particular, has become an indispensable refuge—a sacred space to rest when the weight of it all feels unbearable. My practice has become a compassionate container, holding space for the darkness and pain with love and tenderness.

I’m a big believer that our pain is our purpose in life. We survive hardship so we can learn, grow and serve from the strength we gain. I also know that the only way out is through. So we’re going all the way through this— together.

Let’s start with some of the practice I’ve been using to support myself in this difficult time.

Yoga Nidra for Cutting Cords & Deep Release | Ayla Nova | Yoga Nidra & Beyond

56 Minutes | All Levels

I have done this Nidra almost every day for the last three weeks and it has been such a life preserver for me. When I come to this practice I know I will be held in the compassionate guidance of Ayla Nova and the sweet, stabilizing energy of Yoga Nidra.

Depending on how I’m feeling, I alternate between two Sankalpas: “I am healing” and “I am enough.”

If you’re coping with hardship right now (who isn’t?) I encourage you to set aside an hour to lie down, let go, and lighten your load. You deserve to rest.

The Path to Inner Peace: A Yoga Nidra Practice for Forgiveness | Ayla Nova

47 Minutes | All Levels

I don’t usually feature two practices from the same teacher in a single newsletter, but this week is an exception. For nearly a month, Ayla Nova has been the only Yoga Nidra teacher I’ve practiced with. There’s something about her style and energy that deeply resonates with me—her teachings feel like the exact medicine my soul needs right now.

This is a powerful practice. I’ve been using it on days when the other Nidra doesn’t quite fit my mood. If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to give yourself the gift of rest with this beautiful Nidra.

10 min Morning Yoga - Gentle Beginner Yoga (NO PROPS) | Yoga With Kassandra

11 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly

Kassandra always delivers a satisfying class. This one is perfect to practice before settling in for Nidra. I almost always move before meditating because it helps me settle into relaxation more easily. I’ve found the combination of movement and meditation especially useful lately.

If you’re thinking that the banner images seem a little dramatic, you're probably right. But, I’m in my feelings guys! The most reliable release I have found lately is crying. All out, hysterical, ugly crying. I’m to the point where I don’t even want to put my makeup on in the morning because it probably won’t last until lunch. So crying faces it is.

This was a heavy issue, I know. But I am writing from a very heavy heart, and I don’t know how to write from anywhere else. So, I hope my words help you in some way— even it’s just to feel less alone in this crazy world.

Take good care of yourselves. Do some Yoga Nidra. Cry it out. Take a nap. Talk to a friend. Whatever it takes.

I will see you next Sunday.