Yesterday morning, I woke up with every intention of going to karate class. My uniform was ready, and I planned to go in early to warm up and train—I love this quiet before-class space. Mentally, I was prepared (and looking forward to) pushing myself.
But when I got out of bed, my body felt very tired and that made me pause. My first instinct was to shake it off and go anyway. I’ve always believed in showing up when I’ve committed, in pushing through when things feel hard. But something made me stop and reflect: Is my body asking for something different today?
I opted for yoga instead. I spent 90 minutes moving my body in ways that were both strong and soft, challenging yet deeply nourishing.
The theme of the class was finding pleasure in your practice. And as I moved through the poses, I realized that this was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t about choosing the “easy” option (it was a very demanding class…) But about choosing the right option in that moment.
Finding Your Edge—On the Mat and in Life
In yoga, we often talk about “finding your edge.” It’s that place where you feel a stretch, a challenge, maybe even discomfort—but not pain. It’s a balance between effort and ease, between pushing forward and pausing.
Off the mat, we face the same dilemma. There’s value in stepping out of your comfort zone, in testing your limits. But there’s also wisdom in knowing when to pause. When to choose rest over action, and when to say no instead of forcing a yes.
So how do you know which choice is the right one?
✔ Check in with your body.
Is this a challenge that will strengthen you, or are you pushing past a boundary that should be honoured? What is your gut telling you?
✔ Notice your mindset.
Are you avoiding something out of fear, or is your intuition telling you to slow down?
✔ Remember that growth isn’t always about pushing harder.
Sometimes, stepping back is progress.
A Practice for You
The next time you step on your mat (or face a decision in daily life), try this:
- Pause and notice. Where is your edge today? What does your body need? What does your mind crave?
- Soften or deepen? Can you lean into the challenge in a way that feels good? Or would backing off be the more powerful choice?
- Find pleasure in what you choose. Whether it’s a strong pose or a gentle one. Choosing to push through boldly or step back gracefully. Notice what feels good—and let that guide you with confidence.
Have you ever had to decide between pushing forward and stepping back? How did you know what was right? It’s something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you’re looking for more ways to bring intention into your yoga practice, check out Pose & Purpose—30 ready-to-use class intentions to help you (and your students) find meaning in every movement.