In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to in turn feel the need to be constantly visible—for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success—do not be afraid to disappear. From it. From us. For a while. And see what comes to you in the silence.
— Michaela Coel
Hi friend ✨
If you forgot, I'd like to remind you that you came into this world worthy.
You were born a precisely perfect being just as you are. You don't need to earn your worth—you never needed to earn your worth—despite what you may have been conditioned to think. It may take years of unlearning that conditioning, but one day you'll be able to take up space without guilt—without strings attached.
You came into this world worthy, and your worth does not need to be earned.
Take time every day to discover the things that you love about yourself. Think about the things you love and list yourself first. You deserve to be first.
The next time you're lying down—on the couch, on your mat, in bed—spend a few moments feeling the support of the solid ground beneath you. Spend a few moments allowing the earth below you to hold you and see if you might be able to surrender just a little bit more to that support.
Remember that the earth will hold you unconditionally. She loves you as you are, and she will forever and always. She is the solid support beneath you; she is the solid ground within you.
It's okay to take a break. It is an act of love to acknowledge your need for rest in a world that values productivity and output. Your worth is not measured in how many hours you work or emails you send. Being busy does not equate with being worthy.
You are not behind. Your journey is your own, and there is no need to rush. Beautiful things come to those who slow down; magic will find you in moments of silence. So let yourself disappear for a little while so that you can remember your worth without attaching it to someone else's journey. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Every day take the time to discover the things that you love about yourself. Find ways to take up space instead of ways to shrink yourself. And let yourself just be, as you are. No conditions. No strings attached. Worthy just as you are.
You're doing great. ✨
✨ yoga etc. is my newsletter on yoga, social justice, collective wellbeing, and healing. Every week, I share a piece of me—a weekly dose of mindfulness—hoping it resonates. The best way to support my work is by sharing this newsletter with those you think might find a piece of them. ✨
Yoga of movement ✨
There are no classes this week as I'm at my final yoga teacher training residential! When I get back, I'll be an RYT-500!
I posted a new video on YouTube if you'd like to practice with me this week:
Yoga of action ✨
I'm tithing a portion of my income from my online yoga classes to organizations working towards justice, equity, diversity, and intersectionality. Every month, I'll pick a new organization and highlight it below. If these organizations call to you, please consider contributing (no matter how small).
My February donation will go to kindredpacket, a non-profit organization and movement driving positive change for East and Southeast Asian communities through the reclamation of heritage and identity.
It's tradition to exchange red packets as a symbol of good luck on Lunar New Year, and kindredpacket is extending this ritual by organizing two weeks of gathering and gift-giving to raise funds for three different charities. This Lunar New Year campaign strives to encourage meaningful exchange among ESEA communities and beyond, facilitate the cultural appreciation of Lunar New Year, elevate and amplify ESEA voices, works, businesses, charities, and bridge privilege gaps through fundraising.
You can support by:
Joining one of the Lunar New Year events
Supporting the ESEA traders & businesses involved
Offer a donation to the kindredpacket 2022 fundraiser
Learn more about the nominated charities and grassroots movements
Share and amplify kindredpacket's work
Have a suggested organization? Leave a comment to share.
Yoga of words ✨
Grab a pen, grab your journal. Have a seat somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes, take a breath in, and let it go. Your weekly writing prompt is below.
Write about a time you didn't speak up. How did it feel in the moment? Later? Are there things you wish you said? (10 minutes)
Feel free to share what you've written by clicking the link below. But, of course, you’re also welcome to keep this practice as just yours.
Other musings ✨
Notes on work (The New Yorker)
Your essential guide to marma points (Jasmine Hemsley)
Unlocking self-belief in entrepreneurship (She's Lost Control)
The four Buddhist mantras for turning fear into love (The Marginalian)
Ways to celebrate Black History Month in the US (The Anti-Racism Daily)
The research-supported benefits of meditation for runners (Runner’s World)
On repeat: Better When We're Close by Poolside and Brijean (Spotify)
I'm here for you—for class, advice, or anything you need or would like to share. Always a phone call/text/DM/reply button away.
LBC ✨
P.S. If you like this newsletter, please share it with your friends! And if someone sent you this newsletter, you can subscribe below!
This is exactly what I needed to hear today Laura. Thank you :-)