Yoga Pathways

If life is a test of yoga principles, January has been my ultimate exam—and let’s just say, I’m scoring extra credit in ‘barely surviving.’

I have found the combination of being unusually busy workwise, the absence of a kitchen and heating for two weeks, and no running water for eight days more challenging than I care to admit.

Here’s what I’d like to say about how yoga principles have kept me serene in the face of chaos (and the reality of how it’s actually going):

Embrace the Present Moment (or at Least Tolerate It)

When you’re washing dishes in the boys’ bathroom because the kitchen doesn’t exist, “being present” is less about mindfulness and more about survival. That bathroom feels like enemy territory most days—it takes a special kind of focus just to step over the threshold, let alone scrub pots and pans in there. But yes, I’m present… in the sense that I’m definitely there.

Breathe Through It (or Mutter Profanities Quietly)

I’d love to tell you that every time the plumber doesn’t show up, I serenely take a deep breath and let it go. In reality, it’s more like a muttered string of obscenities, followed by a half-hearted attempt at alternate nostril breathing where I’m so wound up that I’m almost certain I’m not doing it properly.

Laugh at the Absurdity (Because What Else Can You Do?)

When you’re doing yoga poses next to a tower of flatpack furniture and wondering how long it’ll take before the whole thing collapses, laughter is the only option. Tree Pose might be wobbly, but at least it’s not as precarious as our current living situation.

Lean on Your Practice (and Hope It Doesn’t Topple Over)

Yoga is my lifeline—when I actually manage to fit it in. Some days, it’s a full practice. Other days, it’s two minutes of cat-cow before I’m interrupted by life demanding my attention. It’s not as if I have lofty ideas about nailing it perfectly; it’s all about clinging to it like a life raft.

Remember It’s Temporary (But Also, Where’s the Fast-Forward Button?)

I know this chaos will pass. Eventually, there will be hot water, a kitchen, and maybe even heating upstairs. But in the meantime, it feels like I’m trapped in some cosmic joke about patience and perspective. Let’s just say I’m not exactly laughing yet.

Here’s the thing: yoga doesn’t make you perfect. It doesn’t make me naturally calm, patient, or compassionate. In fact, if anything, it highlights just how much work I still need to do in those areas. But that’s the beauty of it—it’s a practice, not a destination. Every time I step on the mat, I’m reminded that progress, no matter how small, still counts.

Now, imagine what I was like before I found yoga. (Actually, don’t. It’s terrifying.)

January has been a bit of a shit show, but how can I possibly complain? I’m healthy, I’m getting a shiny new kitchen (eventually), and I’m heading to India for 10 days to practice yoga. Yes, I’m juggling a lot—my son Izee’s university finals, a root canal that’s going to cost a small fortune, extra work commitments, and a demanding meditation course—but I’m still standing. Or at least wobbling in Warrior III.

So, if you’re also wading through a bit of life chaos right now, remember you’re not alone. And maybe try a little yoga. It won’t fix the plumbing, but it might just help you laugh through the mess.