Have you ever watched a baby move and play, content while exploring their world? If you observe their fingers and toes curl and reach, and the look of fascination on their faces, it becomes so clear that being inside a body is meant to be pleasurable.

Balancing poses in yoga used to be my nemesis. I always struggled to stand on one foot or perform any kind of balance-related yoga pose. It seemed impossible that I’d ever get there. But through my journey of incorporating functional movements into my yoga practice, I’ve discovered some really simple hacks that made balancing easier and even fun!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately, about the metaphor of the phoenix rising from the ashes. I have always had an affinity for this one, in particular the way that it seems to point toward an inner alchemical process. One of moving toward the flames of discomfort in order to reveal the pure and authentic self.