I am pretty good at saying “no.” I wasn’t always, but — even though I’m a big old people pleaser — I’ve come to understand that it’s important to acknowledge when I am only doing something because I think I should. Or because it’s politic.
But what about saying YES!?
What experiences do we allow to pass us by because we’re nervous about trying something new? Are we missing opportunities or relationships? Adventures or art? An AI-generated fantasy ice cream sundae!?
Monday : Setting Intention
Very often, we judge opportunities that arise. Whether it’s a job, a potential relationship or a restaurant recommendation, we all say no to things without any thought. I’m essentially an introvert, so if you ever ask me if I “feel like” doing something, the answer is almost always no.
But every now and then I remember my own advice: when something sounds a little scary or dangerous or out of my comfort zone, I say yes anyway. And nine-times-out-of-ten, it pays off.
What can you say “yes” to this week? Let me know how it goes!
Tuesday : Slow Flow
In the spirit of trying new things and welcoming in new adventures, this week we’re going to tinker with standing on our heads. I think when most yoga “muggles” think of yoga, they picture someone on their heads. It can be scary, but it’s not actually all that difficult. In this slower flow, we’ll take some time to prepare by practicing Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana) as an opportunity to get used to having some weight on our heads. From there, floating into a headstand (on Friday!) is not the big deal it may seem like.
Wednesday : Meditation
In today’s meditation prompt, we’ll reflect on something we find intimidating. From the safety of your cushion / chair / floor, call to mind a setting or task that is daunting to you. It doesn’t have to be anything major — like jumping out of an airplane or climbing Mount Everest. I find this meditation most useful for social situations that might overwhelm me or auditions. By allowing ourselves to experience the anxiety in a controlled environment, we can also practice calming the breath and coming back into “control.” Then the next time you’re in this situation, you’ll have your tools sharp and at the ready!
Thursday : Mindful Hack
Box breathing is a known way to calm that “fight or flight” response. I’ve had teachers introduce a few versions of this exercise before, but this one is a little different and — for me at least — much more effective. It’s as simple as breathing in and out on even counts (e.g. inhale for a count of 4 / exhale for a count of 4), then holding at the bottom for twice as long (in this case … a count of 8). As you get more experienced, you can extend the counts, but in my opinion, just counting the breath at all is enough. It is, at the very least, a great reminder that we can return to calm any time we want to!
Friday : Athletic Flow
It’s headstand time!! Two quick disclaimers: First, it’s okay if you never ever stand on your head. The world will go on turning, and you’ll lead a very rich and full life. Second, you can always stop anywhere along the way. Inversions — usually incorporated near the end of a class — are an important part of yoga asana practice because they reverse the blood flow after what has usually been a long series of standing poses.
Saturday : Meditation
As we wind down our week on “The Power of Yes,” let’s take a moment of reflection for regret. I don’t like regret. It is usually not very constructive. However, if we find ourselves hesitating around things we want to do (like going to that party, attending a conference or asking for a raise), it’s handy to imagine our future selves looking back on the opportunity we’re reluctant to pursue. By placing yourself in a future where you said “no,” you can consider whether you have regret around missing out on something. This can be tricky because the old ego can get in the way, so I suggest simply grounding in the image of you on the other side of the event/opportunity and then returning attention to the breath. The answer will come clear.
Sunday : Reflection
When I think “Say Yes” I think of the Liza with a Z song “Yes,” performed (of course) by the legendary Liza Minnelli and written for her by John Kander & Fred Ebb. The whole song is worth a listen (it’s on YouTube here) — it’s Ms. Minnelli at her peak — but this quote really hits me.
When opportunity comes your way
You can’t start wonderin’ what to say
You’ll never win if you never play
Say, “Yes.”
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.
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