shouldn’t have had that extra slice of pizza last night. These are the thoughts that occupy my mind as I lay on the cool, hardwood floor of a yoga studio nestled in the heart of downtown.  The instructor’s voice, soft and calming, wafts through the air, guiding us to visualize a tranquil beach. As I close my eyes and breathe deeply, I can almost feel the coarse sand under my feet, the gentle warmth of the sun on my skin, and the rhythmic lull of the waves crashing against the shore. But I’m not on a beach. I’m in a yoga studio, grappling with my thoughts and pondering over the inevitability of death. Suddenly, a memory from September 2007 resurfaces – a minor incident that now seems trivial yet still manages to induce a cringe. The memory serves as a stark reminder of my mortality, oddly providing a sense of relief. A strange sense of gratitude washes over me as I reflect upon the impermanence of life and the transient nature of our worries and regrets. As I continue this introspective journey during my yoga session, I can’t help but contemplate my choices. Perhaps a new haircut is in order to shake things up a bit. Maybe I should have exercised self-kindness by not indulging in that extra slice of pizza last night.  Resilience is a quality often emphasized in yoga, and it’s during these moments of deep introspection that its importance truly comes to light. It’s about bouncing back from life’s little embarrassments and big disappointments. It’s about forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes and moving forward with grace and courage. Yoga isn’t just about physical flexibility; it’s also about mental resilience and emotional self-care. It’s about acknowledging our thoughts without judgment, accepting our fears and anxieties, and learning to let go. It’s about cultivating self-kindness, understanding that we are all works in progress, and that it’s okay to not be perfect.  As a nurse, I’ve come to realize the importance of self-care and hobbies in maintaining mental health. The demanding nature of my profession often leaves little room for personal time or self-reflection. However, yoga has provided an oasis of calm amidst the chaos, offering me a space to breathe, reflect, and simply be. The yoga studio may not be a beach, but it offers something equally valuable – a safe space for introspection and self-discovery. As I lay on the floor, eyes closed, breathing in sync with the rhythm of an imaginary ocean, I’m not just performing yoga poses; I’m embarking on a journey of self-exploration. As my session draws to a close, I open my eyes with renewed clarity and peace. My thoughts about death and past embarrassments seem less daunting now. The prospect of a new haircut seems exciting rather than intimidating. The guilt from that extra slice of pizza has been replaced with understanding and forgiveness. Yoga isn’t just about stretching your body; it’s about stretching your mind. It’s about embracing imperfections, cultivating resilience, and practicing self-kindness. It’s about finding your own beach amidst the hustle and bustle of life – a place where you can breathe deeply, let go, and just be. So here I am, lying on the floor in a yoga studio. I may not be on a beach, but in my mind’s eye, I have found my own tranquil oasis where I can retreat to whenever life gets overwhelming. Because at the end of the day, self-care isn’t just about taking care of our bodies; it’s about taking care of our minds too.

Until next time,

Koi Monkeys