Yin, Yang & The Mothership: Life Lessons from the Yoga Mat
Yoga has been a constant companion throughout my adult life, though our relationship has shifted and evolved over the years. It’s not just a physical practice but a deeply personal journey that has taught me resilience, self-awareness, and balance. Here are some reflections on what I’ve learned along the way.
The Rise and Fall of Ashtanga
For years, I practiced Ashtanga yoga with dedication. I loved the structure, the physical challenge, and the meditative flow of moving through a sequence. It gave me a sense of strength and discipline, both physically and mentally. Then, life threw me a curveball—I tore my meniscus (a rupture in the fibrocartilage strips of the knee).
Although eventually the injury did force me to stop practising entirely, I did initially soldier on, as the idea of not being able to do something I loved was devastating. Yet, the dynamic moves and repetitive twists were just too much and I spent many a practice fighting back the pain and tears, as my knee buckled beneath me. The frustration grew and I became increasingly disconnected from my body and then quickly with yoga as a whole.
I was left feeling angry and sad, with seemingly no way of getting back to either yoga or running, both of which I had come to rely on for my physical and mental health. Instead, meditation became my salvation and I took my basic understanding from spending time in Shavasana, or Corpse Pose, and slowly built a solid daily sitting practice.
With time, I realised this break wasn’t just a pause but an opportunity to reevaluate my relationship with yoga. It wasn’t about perfecting poses or maintaining a rigorous routine; it was about listening to my body and honouring its needs, even when that meant stepping back.
Finding Yin Yoga: A Gentle Return
Years later, I found my way back to yoga, this time through being introduced to Yin whilst on a meditation retreat. It was a completely different experience—slow, introspective, and restorative. Instead of the dynamic, fast-paced flows of Ashtanga, Yin invited me to sit with stillness, breathe into discomfort, and reconnect with my body gently. It was exactly what I needed, both physically and emotionally, to rebuild my relationship with yoga and with myself.
Yin yoga taught me to embrace the power of rest and introspection. Holding poses for several minutes wasn’t always easy, but it allowed me to explore my limits with patience and compassion. It also reminded me that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder—sometimes it comes from allowing ourselves to soften.
Through this practice, I began to notice the subtle shifts within me, both on and off the mat. The stillness I cultivated in poses found its way into my daily life, helping me navigate challenges with greater ease. I learned to listen more deeply—to my body, my emotions, and the spaces in between. Yin became more than just a form of movement; it became a sanctuary, a place where I could simply be, without expectation or judgement.
Discovering Hot Pod Yoga: Yin and Yang in Harmony
Over the past year, I’ve found a new love in Hot Pod Yoga. Practising in a heated, immersive space combines the best of both worlds: the active, dynamic yang energy of flowing sequences and the calm, restorative yin energy of stretching and stillness.
Hot Pod Yoga has been transformative, offering the perfect balance my body and mind crave. The heat challenges me to push myself, but it also encourages me to stay present and mindful, especially when the practice becomes intense. The blend of movement and stillness mirrors life’s ebb and flow, teaching me how to balance effort and ease both on and off the mat.
Over time, the Hot Pod has become more than just a space for yoga—it truly feels like coming home to the "mothership", as it’s colloquially and lovingly referred to. This comforting cocoon that I return to time and again feels like entering another world, one where the stresses of the day melt away with the heat. The dim lighting, soothing scents, and soft, enveloping warmth create a sanctuary where I can reconnect with myself. It's a space that holds me through every practice, whether I'm pushing through challenges or finding peace in stillness, reminding me that coming home to myself is the ultimate act of self-care.
Lessons from the Journey
Exploring and Sitting with Discomfort
From holding a deep stretch in Yin to enduring the heat of a challenging pose in Hot Pod Yoga, I’ve learned to meet discomfort with curiosity. These moments remind me that growth often comes when I’m willing to stay present with what feels difficult.
Knowing My Limits: When to Push and When to Rest
My torn meniscus taught me a hard but valuable lesson: pushing through pain is not a badge of honour. Yoga now helps me listen to my body and discern when to challenge myself and when to rest. This balance is essential for physical and emotional well-being.
Balance and Embracing Wobbles
Whether I’m balancing in tree pose or navigating a wobble in life, yoga has shown me that perfection isn’t the goal. Wobbles aren’t failures; they’re part of the process. Each time I lose balance, I gain insight and the courage to try again.
Every Practice, Every Day is Different
From my Ashtanga days to Yin and now Hot Pod Yoga, I’ve seen how my body and mind change daily. Some days I feel strong; other days, I feel stiff or tired. Each practice is an opportunity to meet myself where I am, without judgement.
Not Comparing Myself to Others
Yoga is deeply personal. My body is different from everyone else’s, and my practice reflects that uniqueness. Letting go of comparison has been liberating, helping me focus on my journey rather than how I measure up to others.
Closing Thoughts
My first teacher once told me that yoga wasn’t about touching your toes, it was about what you learn on the way down. At the time I wasn’t in a place to fully grasp the meaning of these words, but they have stayed with me and I am grateful for this wonderful lesson that I think truly encapsulates the essence of the yogic journey.
For me, yoga has been a journey of resilience, discovery, and growth. From the intensity of Ashtanga to the restorative stillness of Yin, and now the balanced challenge of Hot Pod Yoga, it has mirrored the cycles of my life. Each practice reminds me to honour my body, embrace imperfection, and find balance in effort and rest. Whether you’re just beginning your yoga journey or rediscovering it after time away, know that there’s no right way to practise—only your way. Every step, wobble, and pause is part of the journey, and each one has something to teach you.