One of my new favourite ways to spend Sunday morning is in a warm yoga class at my local studio.

It’s the perfect balance of relaxing and intense (even though I’m always lulled into a false sense of security by the gentleness of the first 15 minutes!).

And this week it came with the added bonus of a huge a-ha moment.

As we settled into our mats the yoga teacher (the brilliant Kayleigh) set up the session.

She reminded us that it was our practice. At any time we could take a break or make a change.

I’ve heard this before and know it makes sense. I’m even getting better at actually doing it :-)

But her next sentence really landed it for me:

“Just because I tell you to do something, doesn’t mean you have to”.

Game changer.

What a beautiful thing to be given express permission to follow your own energy rather than someone else’s instructions.

To not have to be a perfect pupil.

To listen to our inner wisdom and act on it.

Our relationship with authority can be a challenging one to evolve.

It’s hard wired into many of us to follow instructions and be a good student.

Especially if you are a rule following eldest daughter :-)

Especially if you’ve been taught it’s the right thing to do throughout early life and education.

Especially if you have a tendency to people please or a fear of getting it wrong.

And yet so much good comes out of trusting our own authority.

Knowing that we can choose how we respond.

Looking for the freedom in a framework, based on what works for us.

Remembering that, just because we can, doesn’t mean we have to.

What if you remembered that it’s always your practice?

And can you give yourself full permission to follow your own instructions?

Wishing you all a wonderful week,