It was an early Tuesday morning. I didn’t check my phone or open my journal for morning pages. Instead, I felt an inner pull to go straight into yoga, breathwork and meditation.

Towards the end of my practice, I found myself thinking of all the teachers, gurus, and deities who have guided me in some way. Their image was pronounced in my mind’s eye. I also thought of my ancestors, asked for guidance and gave gratitude.

After, I picked up my phone and what was waiting for me was a surprise hostile text that was sent the previous night.

In the past, a message like this would have immediately pulled me into defensiveness. I would have felt the need to explain myself, prove my point, or respond from anger.

But this time, something was different.

I was calm and clear headed.

I could feel the difference between what was happening around me and what was happening inside of me. Like I had enough detachment to see things as they were.

So instead of reacting, I replied from that grounded state.

And honestly, I felt deeply grateful. Because in that moment, I knew I was being protected.

It also reminded me of my own journey and how blessed I’ve been to receive the gift of mindfulness and the tools that support me during conflicts.

As the day went on, however, my body had something else to say.

I realized the conflict had affected me more than I initially thought. It brought up past wounds and an array of big emotions with it.

My system went into, what felt like, a cold stone freeze.

I was exhausted. My muscles were sore. I couldn't focus the way I normally could. I even slept for 12 hours and still woke up tired!

It’s as if my body remembered how it responded to this kind of conflict in the past.

But this time, instead of ignoring it, pushing through, or suppressing what I was feeling until it eventually came out as anger… I listened.

I took the day off, went to the beach and let nature hold me for a while.

Because sometimes the most regulating thing you can do is stop asking yourself to perform.

The next day, a full yoga practice felt like too much. So I did some gentle somatic exercises that helped release the fatigue. I immediately felt the shift.

I sat at my desk and instead of feeling overwhelmed by my long to-do list, I decided to focus on one thing. Just one. And once I started, the momentum came back.

I was able to return to my work full force. Plus, I had more clarity and acceptance to face the conflict with compassion.

I realized that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is not push yourself to ‘get over it’ but to simply listen to your body and give it the time and safety it needs to come back online.

You don't have to force your way out of every state.

You can meet yourself there.

When life get’s too much, our body tends to shutdown to conserve energy. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you! Remember your body has your best interest and is just trying to protect you.

These 15 minutes will help you create safety so your body can naturally shift into a more balanced, grounded state.

Return to it whenever you need.

Not everyone else's. Not the way someone chooses to speak to you. Not how someone interprets you. Your emotions are yours to tend to.

And when things feel heavy, this can be an opportunity to take your power back.

Whatever comes this week, remember that you don’t have to force your way through it. Listen to your body, honor what you need, and trust that you have the strength to meet each moment as it comes.

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