When the Practice Didn't "Work"

Jessica Lucey
7 hours ago
2 min read

At the end of every year, I check in with my values. But this year was different.

I threw my values cards across the table and flopped back into my seat. The practice of intention setting and aligning with values that had brought me through so many years was feeling… meh.

It’s not a bad practice. There was just something else going on.

The truth is, I had already settled on my values for the year during a movement and meditation practice. I just didn’t want to admit it, and thought doing this more analytical practice would get me the answers I wanted.

Have you ever done that?

Ever gotten an answer you didn’t like, and instead of sitting with it and asking why it felt crunchy, tried to find a different answer?

Maybe you’ve wanted a “signier sign”.

pink square with brown words saying, "every time the universe sends me a sign, I'm like ok but I think I'll wait for a signier sign."

Let your discomfort be your sign.

Your body is wise and speaks in feels.

Slow down and listen…

… what feels open and what feels constricted?

… what feels scared and why?

… what feels excited and why?

The work I do when people want to be more flexible, improve balance, or relax ALSO helps them get connected to their body wisdom. But instead of diving into all the feels and stories behind them, we develop a practice of witnessing without judgement.

As you go through yoga asana (poses), some questions you might hear me ask are…

… where do you feel sensation?

… does it feel like a stretch or contraction?

… when you do X, does the sensation change or stay the same?

… what feels supported and what feels like it’s opening?

Over time, as you gain strength, flexibility, and equanimity of mind; you also develop a relationship and dialog with your body that can help you navigate the world outside of your practice space.

Fidgeting at your desk could mean you’re bored, don’t know where to place your mind, or are hungry.

Having a slow pace on a hike could mean you’re tired or it could mean you’re scared.

And when I slumped back into my chair during the values practice, yes there was frustration, but it was also my body saying, “Jessica, we already did this work. You don’t have to do it again. You already know the answers. Trust me.”

Have you listened to your body lately? Which one feels more like you…