Jennifer Russo

Like the colder weather coming in and changing the landscape we see, I have found myself experiencing a lot of change in my personal environment. I’ll be the first to admit that I am extremely uncomfortable with change … OK …I loathe it, and the last couple of months have been extremely trying. Work is tense, life is busy, and we have two major holidays coming up that I am simply not ready for.

This is all a lesson in flexibility, I think. How flexible are we, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally, as well? Can we navigate transitions in our life with ease, or are we struggling to bend to life’s new course? Becoming more adaptable to new ideas, expectations and a changing environment may be a learning experience for some of us.

Vinyasa yoga is a wonderful, flowy representation of how we can mirror this in a physical way. Not only is it a great workout that steadily increases heart rate, but it also gives us flexibility and strength. When we are stressed, we are less flexible because we tense our muscles and tend to hunch our bodies, actually increasing the risk of injury. And though this may seem purely physical, it actually decreases our confidence levels to stay in that posture for any length of time.

Practicing heart-opening poses (like reverse warrior pose or camel pose) also allows us to be open to the offerings of the universe, and pairing that with breathing and meditation helps us to open our mind and release stress. Focusing on our breathing throughout a yoga practice – or even at any point during our day – calms our nervous system, which is necessary in those moments where the stress of change might make our breath irregular.

If we take a different approach to change, we may find that there are opportunities within that we may not have noticed otherwise. Stepping out of our comfort zone, even if not of our own accord, may prove to be a good thing if we are flexible enough to go with the flow. If anything, it would certainly be less painful.

The pure light in me honors the pure light in you. Namaste.