So, I wanted to share something that was very powerful to me in my practice. For a variety of reasons that I won't go into detail about here, I had to stop going to yoga several months ago. Once I worked through those things and was ready and able to return, the journey back was incredibly intimidating. I have heard that this is a common feeling once you've stepped away for a while.

I started talking about how I was going to go back to yoga a few months ago. I just started back on Saturday.

Here are some of my reflections.

We all need to be gentle with ourselves and honor our journey and intentions, even if they take us longer than what we originally wanted because when it is time, it is really the right time.

Letting go of our fragile egos can be harder than it looks. I was once very well seasoned in my practice, having gone daily for 6 weeks. Returning after nine months scared me. I am heavier than the community had seen me when I left, I'm not in top condition, and I was struggling against my own perceptions and insecurities to return.

When you find and connect to a strong and supportive community, your return is both welcomed and supported- not judged for the time you were away.

And the last one that I just got...

Part of your practice is understanding that some days our best is really good, some days our best is a struggle- and it doesn't matter if you go every day or take a hiatus- that is simply part of the constant reconnecting of the body and mind, healing of the spirit and soul, and a reminder that these things extend beyond our yoga practice.

Going back was the hardest part. Yes, I have to start over. Yes, I am sore. But my body is thanking me and my energy is starting to climb.