Embracing Your Space: Lessons from Yoga for Everyday Life
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Chapter 1: The Yoga Journey
Each Wednesday morning, I find myself at a hot yoga studio, ready to challenge my body and quiet my thoughts. This practice serves a dual purpose: it pushes my physical limits while providing mental tranquility. In yoga, the only requirement is to move and breathe—just exist.
It’s during these sessions that I often have my most profound reflections. I can't help but draw parallels between yoga and life itself. Perhaps I’m missing the essence of yoga by overthinking, but this introspection works for me.
As we approach the end of class, we typically focus on balance poses like eagle's nest, tree, and dancer. For those unfamiliar, these are one-legged poses that test our equilibrium.
Take the tree pose, for instance. It's a fundamental balance position where you stand on one leg and lift the other to your calf or thigh. Everyone starts with this basic pose.
In tree pose, you have the freedom to express yourself as you wish. You might keep your hands at heart center, extend them wide, or find a middle ground.
I tend to fully extend my arms, taking up significant space, yet I often notice that I’m one of the few who chooses to do so. While some may simply be tired, I can’t help but wonder if others are hesitant to occupy space.
Taking Up Space
What does it mean to truly take up space? For me, it signifies a fearless declaration: “Here I am! Don’t overlook me!” But it encompasses even more than that.
Taking up space entails embracing your authentic self, whether among loved ones or strangers, like in a yoga class. It means allowing yourself to express that deep, audible sigh when prompted by the instructor or spreading your arms into the space of those around you. You honor your needs and your body without concern for how others may perceive you.
Taking up space also involves voicing your truth. Sometimes, this truth may mean keeping your hands close to your heart rather than stretching them wide. You have the right to occupy the space that feels comfortable to you.
How It Relates to Life
The idea of occupying space extends to various aspects of our lives. It influences how we express our opinions in meetings with more experienced colleagues, how we interact in close relationships, and even how we choose to dress each day.
I don’t believe that taking up space equates to being loud or disruptive; rather, it should reflect who you are and your comfort level in sharing your true self with the world. While I might prefer vibrant colors and bold patterns in a sea of neutral attire, perhaps you feel more comfortable in all black amidst a colorful crowd.
Are you truly honoring who you are in all aspects of your life? It's common to feel authentic around friends but hide parts of ourselves in professional settings. I know I’ve been guilty of this. I encourage you to explore all facets of your life and reflect on where you feel at ease taking up space and where you hold back.
Consider asking yourself questions like:
- Why do I struggle to feel confident in this situation?
- Is this relationship or career helping me grow into my authentic self?
- Am I living a life that fulfills my desires or one that meets others' expectations?
Take some time to journal your thoughts and see what emerges.
Finding Comfort in Occupying Space
I believe that stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for growth. We need to engage in activities that challenge us. Remaining in a safe cocoon prevents us from experiencing the world outside of it. Often, fear keeps us in that cocoon, not a desire to stay there.
What’s one thing that terrifies you, yet you’ve always wanted to do? Go for it!
For me, moving across the country to a completely new environment was daunting. Leaving behind my family and friends was scary, but I’m grateful I took that leap. I discovered more about myself than I ever would have if I had stayed in the same town.
Taking a scary step doesn’t have to be as drastic as relocating. It might simply involve expressing that deep sigh in your yoga class that you've been hesitant to release. I assure you, it will feel invigorating to breathe deeply and do so without inhibition.
It could also mean counting to three and voicing an opinion you’ve been too afraid to share in a meeting. What’s the worst that could happen? They might listen, and you finally get to express your thoughts on a project that’s been bothering you.
Speaking your mind and being true to yourself, despite your fears, is the only way to grow comfortable with occupying more space. It’s akin to building a muscle; the more you practice, the stronger and more confident you become.
Conclusion
Whether you're a devoted yogi or not, there are valuable lessons to glean from yoga. Observe your actions in the studio and how they mirror your life outside those four walls. Are you hesitant to fall out of a pose? You might also fear failure in life. Do you rush through poses before the instructor calls the next one? This could indicate that you’re speeding through life’s meaningful moments.
If you’ve never tried yoga, I challenge you to attend a class. Observe your behavior—what poses you attempt, the sounds you make, and the thoughts that arise. Just one class can offer insights that rival hours of therapy if you remain open to the experience.
In the video "Why do I not feel allowed to take up space?," the speaker delves into the psychological barriers that often prevent us from embracing our full selves. It’s a reflection on the importance of recognizing and overcoming these limitations to live authentically.
The second video, "Don't be afraid to take up space," encourages viewers to confidently express themselves and occupy their rightful place in the world. It emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and the freedom that comes with claiming your space.