When starting something new or recommitting to an old habit, it’s ok to start small. 

If you compare yourself to others or where you’ve been in the past, you’ll miss the growth and momentum that comes from starting where you are. 

The benefit of doing just a little more each day is you’ll gain an ease with showing up for yourself in this way. 

I’ll give you a little example. 

I broke my leg skiing in December. It was so obvious to me what happened moments before my fall and the exact moment I went down. I knew when I became ungrounded. 

I knew when I I tried to make something work versus honor my truth of this run doesn’t feel right in this moment. I even said to my instructor, 50/50 I want to do this. He said, “you’ve done harder runs. You can do it.” He started down and I followed him. First turn, I fell and broke my leg. 

Now, this wasn’t his fault. I even said I wasn’t feeling it, but I was so disconnected when I said it. I knew it, but I didn’t pause to really let it in. 

I hired him for the day so I wouldn’t get hurt. This was another learning. It wasn’t his responsibility, it was mine. I knew how to go around the run and meet him at the bottom. I also knew I put so much energetic responsibility on him that I was barely conscious of that morning. I needed a reminder that I could keep myself safe and that I always know my body best. 

It’s not about what you can and can’t do, or are capable of. Things shift moment to moment and that’s ok.

This is why grounding, presence and connection are your greatest assets.

Learning how to allow yourself space to feel these subtleties is when it gets good. I used to ski and pause in the middle of a run for a quick grounding meditation or to recenter. I’d wait until a few moments of body scanning, releasing internal pressure that was building for whatever reason and reconnect to my heart that I’d love to do this run safely and easily and there I’d go again. In my flow and in my joy and ease. This helped me protect and tune into my knee and my changing body.

It really is sooo simple. Simple when it works. And, simple when we forget. I’ve learned to become grateful that I get such instantaneous feedback when I’m off. I also believe it allows me get the learning without devastation. I skied down, walked home and stayed off my leg a few days. It needed lots of time and attention to heal but I didn’t need to even cast it or take anything. 

Clarity, patience, trust in your body’s amazing ability to heal itself and connected meditations help you thrive even through challenges when guided intentionally.

This week, I’m back in Colorado. I didn’t expect to be able to ski this season again. I’m only skiing one or two mornings. I’m going to go slow and just enjoy the mountain and whatever that brings. No need or expectations. I may or may not pick up where I left off and that’s ok. 

I went to the gym for the first time a few days ago and what used to be 10% of what I could do is now my capacity. Some days it’s slow stretching, some days walking or more. 

Wherever you are, I encourage you to allow yourself space to make progress without focusing on the number, weight or intensity. 

This may resonate for your health and physical journey, maybe for you it’s mental, financial or about your family or work…these concepts meet you wherever you need. 

With love,

Laurin