It’s been a year since I stepped foot in a yoga studio.
The last time I was in one, I was teaching in person, early morning flows at the sweetest little studio, Flows and Grows. After that season ended, I just hadn’t made my way back to a local studio. Until today.
My oldest daughter asked me to join her for a Saturday morning hot power class at the studio she goes to, and I said yes.
Walking back in, I felt it immediately, the heat, the grounding, the music, the collective energy of people moving and breathing together. And suddenly, I realized how much I had missed this.
For years, I taught 5–7 classes a week, yoga, cardio yoga, barre, all while working full-time. At the same time, both of my daughters were immersed in competitive cheer and school sports. Eventually, volleyball and club volleyball took over. Somewhere along the way, in the midst of juggling everything, I lost my own practice.
The Reminder I Needed
During class today, the instructor talked about community. She asked us to reflect on how we are showing up for others, and just as importantly, how we are showing up for ourselves.
That really landed for me.
As moms, partners, daughters, friends, and professionals, we are constantly showing up for others. We drive the carpools, cheer from the bleachers, keep the schedules running, and hold the household together. But how often do we stop and ask: Am I showing up for me, too?
Rolling out my mat today reminded me that showing up for myself doesn’t take away from anyone else, it actually allows me to give more fully. When I take the time to ground, move, and reconnect, I’m steadier and calmer in all the other roles I carry.
Why Yoga Meets Us Where We Are
It’s kind of fitting that September is National Yoga Month.
Yoga is a practice, not something you perfect. Yoga meets you exactly where you are on that given day.
I started practicing when I was in my early 20s and living in LA (I am in my 40’s now). Over the years, my practice has ebbed and flowed. Sometimes I’ve been consistent, other times I’ve lost it altogether. But as the saying goes, yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.
Yoga is about the journey, mindfulness, self-awareness, inner harmony, breath, and patience. It’s not a competition, and it’s never about perfection.
A Message to the Moms
To the moms in the thick of it right now, running to practices, games, competitions, balancing work and family, making sure everyone else is taken care of, I see you. I know how easy it is to put your own practices on the back burner. It doesn’t mean you don’t care about yourself. It means you’re human, and you’re showing up for the ones you love.
The days are long, but the years are short. One day, there will be space to come back to yourself. To roll out your mat. To move and breathe for you. To reconnect with community.
Today reminded me of that. And for that, I’m grateful.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
