“The magic you are seeking is on the other side of the resistance you are feeling”
Hey beautiful friend! Welcome to April! I am loving the gorgeous colours that Autumn is treating us to here in Melbourne. It's definitely my favourite season.
Following our exploration of Expansion and Contraction in March, this month we're diving into something that can feel a bit tricky but I promise you it will be worth it. I'll be right here with you as I gently nudge you out of your comfort zone through the powerful lens of Resistance.
But first, take a deep intentional breath and notice the relaxing effect of your out breath, how it releases tension in your body and mind. Now from this place of spaciousness give yourself a moment to reflect... What are you resisting in your life right now? Maybe it's that awkward conversation that you've been avoiding, that new project that feels too big, or even just shaking up your usual routine. We all do it, right? We get cosy in our comfort zones, those predictable little bubbles. But being totally honest with ourselves, is it really that comfortable? Or is it more like we're just hanging out in the familiar for a little bit of what feels like certainty? Imagine a tree trying to stop its leaves from falling – it's just not how nature works.
Life, just like nature, has its seasons. Everything around us is designed to grow and evolve, and when we resist that natural flow, we go against our essence. We're here in this lifetime to grow, to share our unique gifts, and to experience all the richness life has to offer. And you know what? That magic stuff, that real living, usually happens just outside what feels safe and familiar.
"The quality of our lives is often in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty we can comfortably navigate."
Tony Robbins
The Wisdom of our Resistance Points
This whole idea of resistance isn't just a mind thing, it's so clear in what’s going on in our bodies too. When our muscles are tight and tense, our bodies are telling us something. We know, within ourselves, that we need to gently guide them out of their comfort zone. That's exactly what we'll be exploring in our Dru Yoga practice this month, looking at those Resistance Points.
Think of them as those sweet spots in a stretch that feel challenging, where you need to breathe and be present, but yet still feel held within a texture of safety and self-awareness. We'll learn to really listen to those points, using our breath – especially that intentional exhale – to encourage release, letting go of the resistance in our tissues (and, let's be real, often in our minds too).
“We use the pose to get into the body…not the body to get into the pose.”
Bernie Clarke
I love how this quote perfectly captures what Dru Yoga has been for me. I remember when I first started my yoga practice, I was so caught up in trying to get the posture "right," even if it meant forcing my body into something that deep down, I knew wasn’t the safest thing.
When I found Dru, this was one of the aspects that resonated with me the most... how I could use the posture as a gentle invitation to get to know my body and what I truly needed in that moment, doing so in a way that felt safe and nurturing.
This is the very essence of our practice: tuning into our bodies and really respecting where we're at in any given moment. It's not about striving for some picture-perfect shape, but using the posture as a sacred tool to get to know ourselves better – physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally. To gently notice where we're holding tension, and to mindfully work with the resistance we discover.
This month, we'll be adding some beautiful Yin Yoga into our weekly Dru Yoga classes. These nurturing Yin poses, held for a little longer, allow us to gracefully pass those resistance points, getting into the deeper layers of fascia and connective tissue where we often store not just physical tightness, but also those sneaky stuck emotional patterns. And here's the cool part: as we breathe through those sensations, we begin to understand the powerful correlation between releasing tightness in the body and releasing resistance in our daily lives, opening us up to a whole new world of possibilities and experiences.
Creating a new point of reference
This transformative journey of exploring resistance is also a key element of the upcoming Autumn Retreat, happening on April 25-27, and the theme is all about Living Lighter. Imagine a whole weekend dedicated to intentionally letting go of those layers of resistance that might be weighing you down and keeping you feeling stuck. We'll be creating space in our bodies and lives through powerful practices of Emotional Liberation, the transformative art of Forgiveness, and joyfully reconnecting with your playful side. There are only 3 spots left, and I'd absolutely love for you to join me for this nourishing and transformative experience.
And speaking of stepping out of comfort zones, I'm also super excited to share that the next round of our Consciousness Mentoring Program begins on May 1st. It's when that resistance to change, to step out of familiar habits, gets too loud to ignore – it's your body, your intuition, your soul, practically pleading with you to do something about it. This program is all about guiding you through those pivotal moments – no matter what your age – helping you to see and gently overcome the resistance that's keeping you from living a life you truly love. It's about consciously writing your next chapter, your way.
Just like we use our breath to soften resistance in a yoga pose, we can learn to approach life's challenges with that same mindful awareness and gentle persistence. This month, let's explore the power of embracing resistance, knowing that it's often the doorway to some seriously incredible growth, richer experiences, and a more expansive way of being. The magic, you know, is usually just on the other side of what feels comfortable.
I look forward with joy to exploring this beautiful and timely intention with you in our classes and in the spaces beyond.
Namaste