Hey It’s Jenny, your home yoga hype girl!
Welcome to my weekly newsletter where I share insights from my personal practice & the best online yoga resources, handpicked just for you.
Today’s newsletter is the 7th in a series of themed issues about change. To read previous issues, check out the Monthly Theme Archive
I’ve undergone numerous personal transformations in my adult life, many of which I’ve shared here. Some changes were made long before I wrote the first issue of Root&Rise, like giving up alcohol and establishing a daily yoga practice. Others are happening in real time, like my struggle to overcome a phone addiction.
The first issue of 2024 dealt with my desire to reign in my digital impulses. I discussed failed resolutions, lessons learned from them and my plans to try again - with more realistic expectations. Fast forward four months and i’ve made some progress, not as much as I would have hoped.
Reflect. Regroup. Recharge.
It takes me a long time to implement change. The process is slow and unfolds incrementally, with a gazillion tiny adjustments that build towards one, monumental shift.
As I reflect on all the major changes I’ve made, a pattern emerges.
There’s a rhythm to it that makes it feels like a familiar path, worn smooth by repetition. The pattern comprises a series of predictable steps. No matter what the problem, my trajectory towards change is always the same.
Here’s how it plays out,
You’ll notice that between every step involving big energy or action, there’s a pause. These pauses might appear to slow momentum, but they actually fuel it. Here’s why…
The pauses functions as an incubation period - where I step back, reflect and regroup. They give me space to evaluate the situation, identify what’s working and what’s not. When I’m ready, I can advance with clarity and renewed vigor.
The pauses make the process lengthy, but they also make it thorough…and successful. Rushing won’t get me anywhere if i’m headed in the wrong direction.
Taking the time to pause, reassess, and make necessary adjustments is crucial.
Let’s revisit the chart, this time with the details of “operation phone freedom” plugged in, to see how this plays out.
As you can see, there’s more to those pauses than meets the eye. Some periods of pause are necessary to work through denial and resistance, others are brimming with potential. Some pauses provided much needed respite from constant striving, while others are full of calculations and eager preparations for the next move.
Every pause serves an important purpose and plays a role in shaping the inevitable outcome of the process. Ultimately, these pauses keep me moving forward, even if it is at a snail’s pace.
It’s absolutely essential to stop once in a while, rest and take stock. Otherwise a whole lot of time and energy will be wasted, spinning in circles and getting no where.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Yoga For Being in The Moment | Black Yogi Nico Marie
20 minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly
Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is stop and tune in to the present moment.
This gentle flow from Nico ends with a generous, guided savasana, providing plenty of space to reflect. It’s a nice class for anytime, but will come in especially handy in those moments of necessary pause.
Annamaya Kosha Yoga Nidra | Ally Boothroyd
37 Minutes | All Levels
I have fallen in love with this Yoga Nidra class. It has been my go to practice all week, reminding me why I love Yoga Nidra so much.
Ally Boothroyd’s takes her time with this extended body scan, covering every part of the body with careful attention. This practice truly feels like the most refreshing pause. It’s also energetically aligned with the moment we are in: Taurus season.
Taurus season is all about being in your body and giving yourself permission to indulge in healthy ways that make you feel pampered and fulfilled. At 37 minutes, this practice fits that criteria perfectly!
Load up this juicy Yoga Nidra class to get aligned with the energy of late spring and pause in the most productive way.
I hope you get the chance to spend some time with the mothers in your life today. It’s such a beautiful opportunity to give, receive and surround ourselves with love. Let’s all soak up every drop of it!!
Have a wonderful week and please consider sharing Root&Rise with the people in your life. Sharing supports my work and helps others discover the newsletter.
Thank You!!
Hi Jenny, thank you for sharing your thoughts, I enjoy your perspective and often during my day I reflect on something you've written about and how it relates to situations that I go through. I believe that The Power of Pause is EXTREMLY important and started really incorporating that very useful "tool" into my life about 2 years ago when I came across a Tara Brach podcast focusing on dealing with anxiety. She used the acronym RAIN; recognize, allow, investigate and nurture....it is a mindfulness way to be with what is going on in the moment, I recommend googling it. I also use a "tool" from a 12-step program; pause, pray and proceed with the serenity prayer when I find my mind and emotions have gotten "hijacked". I pause when things feel out of control, and I am reacting to life out of fear. I use breath techniques and meditation. On the flip side I also pause and slow down when life is good and I just want to be more in the moment...the presence is a gift! I am grateful to the many resources available that allow for healing. Peace to you and this community, Namaste'