Embracing Radical Acceptance: Yoga Practice Through Injury and Exhaustion

We all experience times in our lives when we are injured, sick or unable to perform physically. As a yoga teacher who has spent the past winter recovering from a knee injury, I've come to deeply understand the transformative power of yoga in times of physical and emotional challenge. Injuries, exhaustion, and moments of feeling broken are not just physical states; they are opportunities for profound growth and self-discovery on the mat.

One concept that has been particularly instrumental in my healing journey is radical acceptance. Radical acceptance invites us to acknowledge and embrace our current reality without judgment or resistance. It's about making peace with where we are, even when it's not where we want to be.

"True acceptance means no resistance, nothing to correct, nothing to fix, in that consciousness everything rebalances itself."

When faced with an injury or overwhelming fatigue, it can be tempting to push through the pain or berate ourselves for not being able to practice at our usual level. However, radical acceptance teaches us to listen to our bodies with compassion and to adjust our practice accordingly. It's not about forcing ourselves into poses that exacerbate our injury or drain our energy, but rather about honoring our limitations and finding new ways to move and breathe that support our healing process.

For me, this meant letting go of my attachment to advanced poses and embracing a more gentle and restorative practice. It meant modifying poses to accommodate my knee and being okay with sitting out certain sequences altogether. It meant recognizing that my worth as a yogi was not defined by the depth of my stretches or the strength of my asanas, but by my willingness to show up on the mat with an open heart and a compassionate spirit.

Through radical acceptance, I discovered that yoga is not just about physical exertion; it's about cultivating presence, mindfulness, and self-love. It's about learning to be gentle with ourselves, especially when our bodies are hurting or our spirits are weary. It's about finding beauty and grace in the simplest of movements and the quietest of moments.

As a yoga teacher, I strive to share this message of radical acceptance with my students, especially those who are navigating their own injuries or periods of exhaustion. I encourage them to listen to their bodies with kindness and to honor their unique needs and limitations. I remind them that there is no shame in taking a step back or modifying their practice, and that true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness.

In that spirit, I invite all yogis, regardless of experience or ability, to come to beginner classes to refresh their practice. Beginner classes offer a safe and supportive environment where students can explore the foundational principles of yoga at a slower pace. They provide an opportunity to reconnect with the basics, to refine alignment, and to cultivate a sense of ease and relaxation in the body and mind.

So whether you're recovering from an injury, feeling depleted from the demands of daily life, or simply seeking a gentle and nourishing practice, I encourage you to embrace radical acceptance and join me on the mat. Together, let's honor our bodies, honor our journey, and honor the healing power of yoga.