The power of “this too shall pass”
This week has been hugely emotional for me. There’s been a lot going on at my workplace (IYKYK), which has made me shed more tears than I have in a long time. My sleep has been disrupted, I’ve been eating poorly, and I stopped my self-care practices because I was too exhausted to keep up with them. I also experienced one of the biggest pain flares I’ve had in months.
I am so lucky to have an amazing team of colleagues, probably the best team leader anyone could ask for, and some great friends to talk to. So, although the week was really challenging, I was able to learn a lot about myself and further deepen my self-love. I even messaged a friend this week, saying, “I’m proud of who I am, even if I’m emotional.” And it’s true.
My biggest lesson from this topsy-turvy week (best illustrated by this) was that “this too shall pass.” The stuff going on at work, the emotional upheaval, the bad sleep, the suboptimal nutrition, the lack of self-care—all of these things will pass. So the last thing I needed to do was beat myself up for not finishing a workout, eating chips for dinner, or skipping meditation for a couple of nights. When you’ve had a hard week, a bit more self-flagellation is not helpful!
A lot of people find the idea of “this too shall pass” very difficult. When things go wrong, it can feel like they will stay wrong forever. But I strongly believe in hope, and “this too shall pass” helps me maintain that hope. I think this mindset has developed through my yoga and meditation practices.
When people first start yoga and meditation, it can feel like they’ll never be able to do a downward dog or sit quietly for a few minutes. But over time, we slowly start to realise we can. The discomfort and newness pass, and we move to the next phase of our practice.
In my work as a yoga teacher, retreat organiser, and menopause wellness coach, I often see people facing challenges that feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the frustration of a body that won’t cooperate in a yoga pose, the emotional and physical shifts of menopause, or the uncertainty of embarking on a retreat, these experiences can feel all-consuming. But just as I’ve learned in my own life, “this too shall pass.” By embracing this mindset, we can navigate the ups and downs with greater ease and grace. In my classes and retreats, I encourage my clients to hold on to this truth, reminding them that every challenge, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is temporary. With patience and self-compassion, we can move through these phases and emerge stronger on the other side.
I am grateful to my yoga practice, my friends & colleagues and the public for their support this week. And on to the next one.
Wellbeing team tip of the week - Pelvic Health Physio
Fun Fact: In France women get 10 free sessions with a pelvic health physiotherapist after giving birth to prevent future issues with the pelvis like bladder & bowel control, prolapse and pain. Obviously, we don’t do that here in Australia so many women end up with those issues postpartum and beyond. If you are experiencing pelvic health issues, I highly recommend Albany’s very own gury, Katie Stan-Bishop. She’s just launched her website with lots of great info. Click here.
Stress Management tip of the week - inner peace
Okay, I admit this is a hard one but cultivating a deep sense of acceptance and letting go can help create inner peace.
A small example of this is I hung my washing out earlier and then it started to rain. At first I got all stressed about getting it off the line. Then I realised there is no rush to have dry clothes so I just left them. Inner peace achieved.
Physical Activity tip of the week - 7-minute workout
At any age a combination of cardio and resistance training is important for cardiovasular health, and bone & muscle strength. But it can feel hard to fit everything in. Harvard University developed a 7-minute workout (it’s closer to 8 minutes) that combines cardio and strength for a full body workout. My new free menopause wellness guide gives you access to a video of me doing the 7-minute workout so we can do it together! Click here for the guide.
Gentle Nutrition tip of the week - antioxidant parfait
Ingredients for 2
1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/2 cup granola
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
Directions
Layer Yogurt: Divide 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt evenly between two parfait glasses or bowls.
Add Granola: Sprinkle 1/4 cup granola over the yogurt in each glass.
Add Strawberries: Top each parfait with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips over each parfait.
