My mother in law, Mama Ellie, came to visit from Vienna, Austria for three weeks. We hadn’t seen her in two years! I was so excited for quality time together.
Usually I’m pretty good at hosting - I love it! But this time, the day to day of hosting brought its own friction. I was trying to work, be present, keep the house running. And in that mix, my patience thinned.
When I was with her, I kept thinking about work. When I sat down to work, it wasn’t flowing. I felt guilty for not being with family. That back and forth made me irritable in ways I did not want to be.
My morning yoga and breathwork practice slipped too. We were doing it together, which was sweet, I do miss it now. But I have to admit, the change of routine threw me off.
Luckily in the middle of this, my yoga course reminded me of the practice of karma yoga. And boy, did it land at the perfect moment.
Karma yoga is all about action and doing your dharma or your duty, your role.
It’s not forced. Every relationship has a duty. Some duties you’re born into, like my role as a daughter. Others you choose, like my duty as an entrepreneur.
Karma yoga takes that further. It’s about selfless service without ego or attachment.
Do the duty in front of you with sincerity and without expectation.
We generally do the duties we like first, but the real practice is doing the ones that matter most.
The reminder softened something in me and gave me a way back to center. What matters most is my duty to take care of my family. Work will always be there and I am fortunate to have the flexibility to step back when needed.
Not long after, Mama Ellie said she wanted to go to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). I too wanted to check out their new exhibit: Realms of The Dharma. The timing felt almost designed. So on a Monday, I took the day off and we went.
Walking through the exhibit, absorbing the mandalas and beautiful artwork of buddhist deities brought the lesson full circle.
Three Mandalas - Central Tibet, Ngor Monastery, 16th century
Dharma is something lived through our choices, our relationships, and the way we move through daily life.
It echoed exactly what I had been wrestling with at home. Showing up for family. Balancing roles. Letting go of the need to perform or control the outcome. Serving because it is your duty, not because you want applause or progress or a gold star for doing it.
Whether it’s making sure everyone has what they need, patiently answering the same questions, carrying extra laundry, or fully listening even when work is on your mind…
Every action becomes meaningful when done with a pure heart.
By the end of the day, I felt lighter. My circumstances hadn’t changed. I still had work waiting for me and a few more weeks of hosting. But the internal fight eased. I understood my role more clearly, and that brought peace… plus a lot more room for connection!
🌿 Quick Mindfulness Exercise
Write 10 duties or roles you have in your life & reflect on what it means to be each one.
ex: daughter, friend, student…
*Note: Sometimes you can’t do your duty if, for example, your mother doesn’t want to see you. I didn’t speak to my own mother for six years, so I know that reality well… but that’s a story for another newsletter.
🙏🏽 Grateful For You
As thanksgiving approaches, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every message, every view, every breath we share reminds me why I started PranaFlo. In the moments I question myself, your presence brings me back. I’m so grateful for you more than I can ever express.
As a small token of my appreciation, I’m offering lifetime access to Transform The Complete Breathwork & Pranayama course at 50% off (Use Code: GRATITUDE at checkout).
If you’re ready to experience the power of breath to bring positive change to your body and mind, you’ll be supported with 60+ video lessons and guided sessions.
🦋 Next YouTube LIVE
On Sunday November 30, 2025 at 11AM PST/ 2PM EST, I’ll be hosting a LIVE Restorative Breathwork Session + Q&A on the PranaFlo YouTube channel.
Hit reply or submit your question here anonymously.
Yoga isn’t only on the mat. Sometimes the real practice shows up in the moments that test you. Sometimes dharma looks like a slow museum day, a shift in attitude, and a choice to serve with a pure heart.
If you’re hosting this holiday season, I hope these insights bring you ease and a greater connection to those around you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
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