Yoga Pathways

Let me set the stage: I’m standing outside Manchester University’s Whitworth Hall, anxiously scanning the street for any sign of my husband, Donald. My mind is a tornado of logistics: Will he find a parking space in time? How do I get his ticket into his hands before the ceremony begins? Anyone who thinks these supposed “landmark occasions” are all joy and ease, clearly hasn’t wrestled with gown rentals, sky-high parking charges, hotel bookings, or the fine art of herding family into a photo that I’ll be allowed to share. Honestly, just writing this kicks my blood pressure up a notch.

I am not a “ceremony” person. You can keep your pomp, pageantry, and “special moments”? I’d take a root canal over an enforced celebration, with bonus points if local anaesthetic is on offer.

Expectation vs. Reality

What I imagined:

• A hot, airless hall filled with half-listening parents, all sweating into their occasion-wear.
• My own mood somewhere between “tax-return deadline” and murderous.
• A countdown in my head to the fastest possible exit route.

What actually happened:

• Walked into Whitworth Hall and was instantly floored by its grandeur and the tingling presence of tradition.
• Heard the Chancellor’s speech, only to discover emotions bubbling up that I didn’t know I had—certainly nothing in the parking guidelines prepared me for that.
• Cheered on my son in a way that would definitely have embarrassed him.
• Realised, to my surprise, I was being transformed by the energy of the moment before I had time to object.

The Shift: When Cliché Struck Gold

I’d come armed with cynicism. But as anticipation built, and the weight of seeing my son among future history-makers hit me, all that scepticism evaporated. Manchester’s motto—“Knowledge, Wisdom, Humanity”—suddenly landed with genuine force. These new graduates were about to step into the world, following in the footsteps of legends, and my son was among them, clutching his award and eyeing London as his first adventure.

What’s remarkable is how showing up, even reluctantly, can turn annoyance into awe. One minute, you’re orchestrating family logistics, the next you’re blinking back happy tears.

The Yogic Angle: Unexpected Lessons From the Graduation Hall

Yoga has a way of hiding its lessons in plain sight—and this day was no exception. Here’s what I found off the mat:

• Pratipaksha Bhavana: The practice of flipping perspective. I didn’t plan to have my mind changed, but inspiration has a habit of gate-crashing the party.
• Santosha: True contentment isn’t about extraordinary circumstances, but finding meaning even in what you dreaded—yes, even a graduation ceremony.
• Aparigraha: Releasing assumptions leaves space for surprise, awe, pride, and sometimes—even laughter at yourself for doubting.

Keeping It Real (and Relatable)

If ceremonies fill you with dread, rank somewhere near “renewing your passport” or “untangling Christmas lights,” take heart. My family fully expected me to be the designated eye-roller. Instead, they saw me frantically waving a program, borrowing tissues, and humming along with the processional music.

Let’s normalise not looking forward to these things—and still being willing to be surprised. The best stories sneak up on you when your guard is down, and sometimes leave you totally delighted by being wrong.

Yoga won’t stop you from dissolving into proud tears—but it gives you permission to notice every shiver, every leap of your heart, and to let the emotion roll over you, present and unashamed.

Final Thoughts

Life often seats us where we never imagined we’d find joy. Surrounded by worries over logistics, schedules, and forgotten tickets, it’s easy to miss the magic. But stick with it—stressed, skeptical, perhaps a little unwilling—and you may just discover that the moments you most wanted to avoid become your most cherished memories.

And let’s be real: at least the chairs in Whitworth Hall are comfier than the dentists chair.