The Seasons of Practice: Honoring Change on the Mat
There’s a rhythm to everything — to nature, to breath, and to our own evolution. Over the years, I’ve learned that our yoga practice is no different. It has its seasons — of strength and softness, expansion and retreat, consistency and stillness.
Recently, I found myself in an unexpected season: recovery. After ankle surgery, my usual flows and grounded movements were no longer possible. The mat that once felt like a playground of expression became a quiet space of patience.
At first, I resisted it. I wanted to move as I had before — to feel the familiar fire in my muscles, the flow of breath meeting motion. But yoga, in its infinite wisdom, teaches us to release attachment — to let go of what was and find grace in what is.
This season of stillness reminded me that showing up is the true practice.
Even if it’s just to sit, breathe, and feel gratitude for the body that’s healing.
The Shifting Cycles of Practice
Our yoga journey mirrors nature’s cycles:
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Spring – when we begin again, curious and open.
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Summer – when energy and strength bloom.
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Autumn – when we soften and let go.
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Winter – when rest, stillness, and deep reflection are the practice.
Each phase holds value. None is more “advanced” than the other. Whether we are flowing through vinyasa or meditating in stillness, the soul work remains the same: presence, compassion, and remembering who we are beneath the doing.
The Practice Beneath the Practice
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali writes that “Abhyasa” — consistent practice — is the key to steadiness of mind. But consistency doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means doing less with more awareness.
Right now, my yoga looks like gentle stretches in bed, breathwork while watching the sunrise, or seated meditation with a warm cup of tea. It looks like grace for myself when I can’t move the way I used to.
And somehow, this season has become one of the most profound.
Because when everything else is stripped away, I can finally see what remains — the essence of yoga itself: union, surrender, love.
The Magic of Simply Showing Up
When we meet ourselves on the mat — exactly as we are — something softens. The layers of expectation begin to fall away, and what’s left is truth.
Whether you are in a season of growth, stillness, or uncertainty, remember:
You are still practicing.
Showing up to the mat, even in limitation, is an act of devotion.
The mat becomes a mirror — not for how far you can stretch, but for how deeply you can listen.
Ram Dass once said, “We’re all just walking each other home.”
For me, yoga has been that homecoming — again and again, no matter how many times I have to start over.
Reflection for Your Own Season
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What season of practice are you in right now — growth, stillness, renewal, or rest?
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How can you honor your body and mind in this phase?
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What does showing up look like for you today?
Take a deep breath. Place your hands on your heart.
And remember — the practice is always enough, because you are always enough.
