Wendy is a yoga teacher of teachers with decades of experience in the practice and teaching of yoga. One of her passions is the uncanny intersections where Western research validates the instructions for emotional regulation laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
In a world that glorifies busyness, chaos, and relentless "doing," it feels radical—perhaps even rebellious—to choose to slow down. Imagine deliberately choosing a life of less "doing" not because you are exhausted, injured or sick but because you are listening to your inner voice. Heeding that call may be exactly what will skirt illness and fatigue. It is about finding a boldness you never thought possible: the courage to slow down.
I take this personally
Today, I taught a class about feeling worthy of giving ourselves time. I spoke about leaving early for appointments, walking instead of running, and scheduling self-care, whatever that looks like for each of us. As I shared, it hit me like a gentle yet firm wake-up call: this was me.
For many decades, I had felt like I wasn’t enough. It came from my past and had not yet left me. This deep sense of unworthiness became a familiar companion, and I continued, over and over, justifying my worth through endless doing. It was time for me to say goodbye to the familiar and boldly go where I had not.
I had thought that by leaving my finance job, life would slow down. It didn’t. I had believed that by starting my own business, I would finally have the space to breathe. I didn’t. The inner battle raged on and my outside world reflected just that. I found myself constantly needing to justify my time off, to legitimize the luxury of doing things that I loved. I did so by over-doing at breakneck speed.
Even as recently as last month, I filled my schedule with tasks to the point of exhaustion. There was a subconscious need to earn the right to pause, to slow down.
How do we, how did I leave it behind?
You don’t need to justify what your heart knows you need whether it’s a nap, an afternoon by the ocean, a massage, lunch with a friend, or a day spent crafting a beautiful meal. Perhaps, like me, you overwork and overcommit to justify giving yourself precious time doing something that brings you joy? You are not alone, I myself am in recovery.
The tipping point
The Universe and Infinite Intelligence needed to shake things up. A year after closing my physical yoga studio, I returned to teaching. My experience and reputation created a high demand for my classes, and I took on everything that came my way. No matter the time, distance, or number of classes I taught in a day, I said yes.
In parallel, my mother needed a knee operation. Between taking care of her and my overbooked schedule, my life became a tsunami of conflicting responsibilities. I knew I needed a break, and I planned it for a year out. My mind and body had screamed for relief long before. I did not listen.
Two months later, my doctor recommended a full hysterectomy. Pause.
I needed time to reflect, to pray, to make peace with this decision. I took moments of rest where I could, between classes and subbing. I made the choice, the right one for me.
After the operation, I literally could not drive or move without pain for months. But my spirit needed more time, evidently.
What is needed vs. what is wanted
A mishap removed me from teaching classes for a couple more months than expected. I was furious at the mistake, the error. I wanted to teach again. Looking back now, I understand that it was the luxury of time and healing that was necessary, even if it was categorically not what I had thought I wanted.
Fast forward, I again joyfully lead my hot and sweaty classes with creative flows, I also instruct yin and restorative yoga and private sessions. I have given up Saturday classes and I leave one full weekday when I do not teach. I’ve learned to embrace balance: moving boldly, slowly, with ease and grace. I have even started writing again.
My hand was forced by some Divine intervention, I finally understood. I made a commitment to myself.
This article is a written invitation to not wait to make that promise to yourself.
What I learned
I don’t need to justify my need for time—to do the things I love, to simply be: whether it’s an hour watching a sunset, more than that painting, reading, minutes savoring a glass of wine, weeks traveling to a new country or months decluttering with intention.
Nor do you.
Put it in your schedule to do one thing that brings you joy.
Write it down, type it in Google Calendar, block out the time, and stick to it.
Triggered?
Does this stir something within you? Are you thinking that you will never have the time? You cannot possibly take time for yourself? I, the author, obviously do not have a life like yours; otherwise, how could I ever write these words?
If you are triggered, it’s worth exploring why.
Perhaps there is a dawning understanding that overworking may also be an addiction, possibly a trauma response. I do not have that answer. I am just a seeker like yourself, who has seen therapists, been on retreats, and meditated, to name a few of the paths that have led me to vaster clarity.
One step at a time
Life is a journey of self-discovery, of unearthing and polishing up the diamonds that we each truly are. It may seem like a gargantuan task, but take it one step at a time. Yes, it takes time. And you are always worth it in all ways.
After reading this article
Put down your phone, close your device and your eyes.
Take a few full, abundant breaths in and slow breaths out.
Eight Inhalations, exhalations are less than a minute,
Give yourself permission for one or two minutes
Set the timer on your phone
Slow the breath down
Ask yourself, “What do I need today, this week, this month?”
Avoid judging any answers that come up, just let them be.
Avoid justification of any kind.
Your soul, higher self, and inner being will answer as long as you take the time and listen.
Read more from Wendy S. Vigroux
Wendy S. Vigroux, Yoga Teacher of Teachers, Scholar
Wendy is a yoga teacher of teachers with decades of experience in the practice and teaching of yoga. One of her passions is the uncanny intersections where Western research validates the instructions for emotional regulation laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Wendy's dedication to both the ancient wisdom of yoga and the modern scientific approach has earned her the loving label of "Yoga Geek."
