Meeting Ourselves: How do I feel now?

I begin this by acknowledging that all of us may share a different relationship with yoga or any form of exercise. Our bodies may allow for a certain range of movement, and we are allowed to respect, offer kindness to our bodies, in all their capacities.

I am acutely aware of my privilege in that my body allows me to navigate yoga postures and I have continued to practise this over the years. It is a gentle reminder to hold space for that privilege, in doing so we liberate those we love from having to stick to a workout routine or a certain kind of workout that may not work for them.

This piece stems from an observation. My body felt particularly sore after a long weekday and I decided to try a yoga routine in an attempt to ease my body into relief. I do believe it is important to check in with the form of self-care you practise and if you have the space, energy to do so on any given day. Our practises of self-care are based on the premise that we try to nourish ourselves with as much compassion as we can afford at the moment.

My yoga routine began and I followed the instructor’s words. I realised how they emphasized how each posture had so many variations. If I could not touch my feet, I could touch my calves or my thighs, or perhaps, try to bend forward. When I found it difficult to work into a posture, I was offered a variation that was easier on my body.

‘I cannot do this.’
‘Do you have the space to do this? Perhaps, you could work through it, like this? ’

Did the routine help ease the soreness I experienced? Yes, it did. However, it was through that practise I learnt how we are allowed to meet ourselves wherever we are. And that when we learn to respect the space (mental, physical, emotional and even, financial) we have, we are allowed to seek possibilities that respect that space we are in too.

Wherever you are today as you read this, however, you are feeling, I hope you hold space to acknowledge that experience, it is valid and allowed. May you feel heard, seen and valued by yourself, too.

Manah Wellness is an employee engagement and wellbeing brand that provides innovative tools and professional support to businesses of all sizes. Founded by wellbeing experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, the company has an experienced team of psychologists and professionals who support individuals and teams with preventive, proactive, and personalized solutions for emotional and mental health, wellness, and professional growth. Manah empowers employees to track, assess, and understand their wellbeing, and how it changes over time. It also enables leaders to make more informed decisions with aggregated and anonymous data.

Manah has supported employees at more than 50 organizations with high levels of employee engagement, and positive feedback from employees on their improved wellbeing. Whether your goal is to lend wellness support to specific team members or to build a company culture that promotes emotional well-being, Manah Wellness has the virtual tools and expertise to support your journey. Get in touch with our team of qualified mental health professionals to discuss your organizational goals, and be part of a growing workplace wellbeing community with Manah."

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