Why I Keep Coming Back to My YOGA Mat
Everything is always sweeter inside the 4 corners of my yoga mat and sometimes I forget it. More often than not, even for me, getting onto my mat is the absolute hardest part of practice. Not always, but sometimes, resistance rears it’s little head and I procrastinate or even dread getting on my mat. Which makes zero sense because I love practicing yoga, and I know that every single time I finish practice I feel at peace and blessed. I have NEVER regretted it. Which is why I wanted to write this post, because we all have our days. When, for whatever reason, the motivation is not motivating.
Some days it’s not about getting stronger, becoming more flexible or working on anything. Some days the fact that I showed up is ENOUGH, more than enough. Truth be told, it’s usually on those days I need it the most (i know I know, cliche but TRUE). And whats funny about this is that usually on these days magic happens. I’m talking magic of epic proportions. The magic that has been accumulating from all of my past efforts...like a little magic bank. Something is waiting to bloom just beneath the surface and I feel now that my resistance is almost always a sign that something great is about to happen.
For example, last summer I was in a great groove. Practicing everyday, feeling great and truly making progress physically toward my goals. One day in particular I was feeling tired, weak and generally bleh. I did not feell like getting on my mat. So I promised myself, just 10 minutes and see what version of you shows up. I put on a guided flow and started to move. As I moved through my practice I continued to feel clunky and un-coordinated and was getting quite frustrated. so I made a deal with myself in that moment, okay, this practice we are not forcing ANYTHING, we’re actually not even trying, we are just here, being. Do less, you’re here and thats enough. Make it through to the end of class and take rest at anytime (I tend to push myself very intensely). So I did, I took it easy, I dropped my knees in chataranga, I skipped some vinyasas and I frequented childs pose. Then it came time for some pike hops. Knowing how I was feeling I jokingly said to myself sure okay lets give it a go, expecting absolutely nothing. Low and behold I acheived my first pike float to handstand. SHOCKED is an understatement.
I tell you this not to brag about a physical accomplishment but to share the value of just showing up. In any form, in any mental state, no expectations required. This is one of the reasons I always return to my mat even when there is a little voice in my head is trying to deter me. Most of the time, showing up is all you need to do, and god takes the wheel for the rest of it.
I wanted to complie a list of reasons I keep showing up to my mat even when it’s hard, so that hopefully I could inspre anyone reading this to show up on their mat too. I promise, you wont regret it.
The Real Reasons I Return
It’s never just about the poses. It never was in the first place. It’s always been about remembering, connecting and returning home. Everything else is just an added bonus. I don’t come to my mat to perfect anything — I come to remember who I am.
Here’s why I keep coming back:
To connect to something greater than myself. Reminding myself that I am just a small piece of a bigger puzzle. That I am not just here alone in charge of everything, no. That we are all one, as humans, animals, nature, energy. That it’s not that serious and we are held in the love and care of spirit. My movement and breath connect me to god, letting me be more open and receptive to the beauty that surrounds me. The beauty that’s often clouded by worries, tasks, or material things. Yoga always brings me closer to the part of myself that is infinite.
To feel grounded. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, movement reminds me that I’m here, right now — present, anchored, supported. To feel my feet on the ground and my heart beat help me to come back to earth when I am stuck in my thoughts.
To let my body express itself and move emotions. I’m a believer that our tissues and cells hold memories and emotions, that moving our body can help us process and move feelings that our mind cannot yet comprehend. Some days I cry in pigeon. Some days I laugh in a balance pose and am reminded to play. The mat never judges. It just allows you the space to be who you are in the moment.
To soften the noise. Yoga helps me quiet my mental chatter and tune back into truth. I have a busy and fast mind. I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember and my yoga practice has been and continues to be the most imporatnt tool in my box for slowing my thoughts — Get into your body to get out of your mind.
To remember who I am beneath it all. Not the titles, the tasks, or the timeline. Just me — whole, human, connected to spirit, more than enough. My body is my home for this lifetime, being in it is a gift. The practice reminds me of this.
An Invitation to Come Back, Too
If it’s been a while since you’ve unrolled your mat — or if you’ve never really started — please know: you’re not behind, and it’s not too late. Yoga isn’t about keeping up. It’s about coming back. To your body. To your breath. To that quiet knowing that lives underneath it all.
Whenever you’re ready, your mat will be there. And if you’d like someone to move beside you — I will be, too.
With Love,
Jess
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