#YogaEveryDamnWeek – Fights and Flows

#YogaEveryDamnWeek – Fights and Flows

I do adore the fall, but moreover, I adore the start of a new month. It’s not always easy to begin again, but it can be a welcome respite in times of crisis and despair. It’s also a good time to practice an aspect of life that can be challenging for many of us (especially me): releasing the need for perfection.


Your #YogaEveryDamnWeek-ly Mantra:

No fight. All flow.

Perfection is such a pervasive epidemic but it can be conquered, if only temporarily. The best example of this reckoning for me was a moment I had on the mat this past Monday. I started a new at-home hourlong yoga practice I’d wanted to try out for a while. In an effort to go from my mid-intermediate level to advanced(ish)-intermediate, this streamed workout seemed like the perfect way to push my practice further. As the workout progressed, however, I noticed how tight my body began to feel. Instead of taking it easy on myself, I fought through the advanced poses, twisting myself into positions my body wasn’t prepared to do.

After the first thirty minutes or so, I was sweating my frustrated ass off. The poses weren’t ‘perfect’, Goddess forbid! I was deep in self-judgment mode, whispering to myself, ‘Come on, Kel. Get it together!’ – a nasty habit of mine whenever the internal quest for perfection takes over me. Just then, the instructor said something that shifted me: “Don’t fight the pose.” Whoa.

True, this was a pre-recorded streamed workout so I know this woman wasn’t speaking directly to me…but that statement spoke to me in a real way. I carried that message not only throughout the remainder of that workout but in every subsequent yoga practice I’ve done throughout the week. Even off the mat, I realized we have to understand that challenges in life present you with two choices: fight it of flow with it. There are urgent times in life where you absolutely have to fight the good fight, no doubt. More often than not, though, flow is what’s needed for survival. Carry the mantra No fight. All flow. during those moments. I promise I’ll be flowing right along with you!


New Month, New Goals: My October Vision Board

It might be the season for ghouls and goblins, but October for me is all about getting grounded in my goals.

This month’s vision board holds several highlights for me. My wedding anniversary (which is TODAY, please applaud for us!), grad school midterms, and emceeing my first poetry slam are all going down in October. The overarching message that pulls my month together is also on the vision board: Trust the process. Just like I mentioned above about fight versus flow, I’m using the month to remind me to remain open and allow what may come.


Are You Doing The #OctDailyFlowChallenge?

Speaking of flow, this month’s yoga challenge kicked off yesterday, but no worries! It’s not too late to join in on the fun (and it’s hella simple!):

  • Check the calendar.
  • Do the pose.
  • Take a pic.
  • Post it under the #OctDailyFlowChallenge hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.

That’s all I got for this week. Hit me in the comments below or in the DMs on the socials to let me know how you plan to fight less and flow more (and don’t forget to tag #OctDailyFlowChallenge – I can’t wait to see your poses!)

See you on the mat next week!
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