Life rarely goes as planned—and that’s perfectly okay. Whether it’s a setback with a project, an unexpected life change, or a curveball we didn’t see coming, disruptions are part of the journey. But yoga teaches us something incredibly powerful: how to stay flexible, resilient, and open to the unexpected, both on and off the mat.
I’ve had my own fair share of disruptions recently. In fact, the process of building The Teal Yogi studio has been a series of unexpected twists, delays, and challenges—most of which I had no control over. From contractor delays to the struggles with ComEd, there have been plenty of moments where it felt like things were not going according to plan. But looking back, I realize that some of these setbacks were actually blessings in disguise.
The Fall I Didn’t Expect
We originally planned to open our studio this fall. I had everything lined up—classes ready, the space coming together, and the excitement building. But life had other plans, as it so often does.
In the midst of that fall timeline, Bella, my 17-year-old cat, was diagnosed with lymphoma. If you’ve been following along, you know how much she means to me. I shifted my attention entirely to taking care of her, managing her care, and eventually navigating the deep grief of losing her. I can’t imagine what it would have been like trying to juggle the opening of the studio with that emotional weight. Now, looking back, I see that those delays were a gift—an opportunity to fully be there for Bella during her final months.
Had we opened on schedule, I might not have had the emotional space to grieve or process that loss properly. Sometimes, life’s disruptions are a way of protecting us, even when we don’t understand them in the moment.
Surrendering to What I Can’t Control
Now, we’re facing another delay with ComEd, and once again, all I can do is focus on what’s within my control and surrender the rest. I’ve learned that life doesn’t always follow the plan we set out for it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t working out the way it needs to.
In the past, I might have fought these disruptions—tried to push through or control the outcome. But yoga has taught me a different way of being. In my trauma-sensitive practice, I’ve learned how to surrender the need for control and simply meet each moment with acceptance and openness. This mindset isn’t just helpful on the mat; it’s transforming how I navigate life’s unpredictability.
When I was working on the business while caring for Bella, it was a reminder that I couldn’t be everywhere at once. I couldn’t control the timeline, but I could control how I responded. I chose to give myself permission to lean into what I could handle and let the rest unfold. And now, with this new delay, I’m doing the same thing—surrendering to the process and trusting that it will all come together in the end.
Practicing Unattachment: A Lifelong Journey
Yoga teaches us to practice unattachment—not just to physical postures, but to outcomes. In the Eight Limbs of Yoga, this is called Aparigraha—the ability to let go of our attachment to specific outcomes and instead accept what is. This doesn’t mean we stop caring or lose our drive; it simply means we are open to whatever happens, trusting that it will lead us where we need to go.
In the same way that we breathe through a difficult pose, we can breathe through life’s challenges. We learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without clinging to them, allowing them to pass without judgment or resistance. We learn that the discomfort we feel in this moment is temporary—and that, like every pose, it will shift and change.
When life throws you a curveball, it’s easy to feel like everything is going off track. But trauma-sensitive yoga teaches us that we don’t have to control everything to find peace. We can focus on what’s within our control—our breath, our reactions, our presence—and let the rest unfold in its own time.
Resilience: The Gift of Yoga
Through all the setbacks and delays in building The Teal Yogi studio, yoga has taught me resilience. Resilience doesn’t mean never being knocked off course; it means having the ability to breathe through the hard moments, to stay present even when things don’t go as planned, and to trust that everything is working out as it should.
It’s not always easy, especially when faced with deep grief or uncertainty, but yoga gives us the tools to meet life as it comes. The more we practice, the easier it becomes to embrace the unexpected and remain grounded in the process.
As I continue to wait for the studio to open, I trust that the doors will open when they’re meant to. The classes will begin, the community will grow, and the space will become what it’s meant to be. In the meantime, I remain focused on what I can control—continuing to offer support and guidance through our online portal and working on the behind-the-scenes pieces that will make this space special for everyone who walks through the doors.
Conclusion: Trusting the Process
The journey of building this studio has taught me that disruption is just a part of life. Whether it’s unexpected setbacks, personal loss, or challenging moments, life will always throw curveballs. But through my yoga practice, I’ve learned that I can approach those challenges with resilience, patience, and openness.
Ultimately, everything happens in its own time. I trust that the studio will open when it’s meant to, and that it will be a beautiful, healing space for everyone who joins us. And until then, I continue to practice the art of surrender—letting go of what I cannot control and embracing what is.
Remember, just like every yoga pose, life’s challenges are temporary. They will pass. What matters is how we show up for them, how we breathe through them, and how we trust that everything will work out in the end.
If you’re ready to build your own resilience, join us for unlimited yoga classes, both in-studio and on-demand, with a wellness planning session and a monthly buddy pass—all for just $115/month! Let’s walk this transformative journey together.
With Love & Compassion,
Mandy
