The Constant Companion: Change
It’s easy to talk about change. Say something like, “change is always happening,” and most people will nod in agreement. But when it’s actually happening—especially when it’s abrupt or uncomfortable—we’re often caught off guard. Shocked, even. It’s funny how we forget that change is the rule, not the exception. Most of the time, it’s subtle. But sometimes, like this past week, it roars through.
Witnessing Change in Real Time
We just made a massive transition at Old Town Yoga, moving to a new software platform. It was necessary, but difficult. I expected challenges, and sure enough, they came. What surprised me most wasn’t the technical hiccups—it was witnessing how everyone, including myself, responded. It felt like an experiment in human behavior.
One thing I’ve realized is that when change is hard, people instinctively look for someone to blame. And when there’s no clear person, they might even blame God. But often, the ones who are quick to blame are also the ones resisting change—fighting against what’s already unfolding instead of meeting it with openness. Blame can be a way of avoiding the discomfort that change brings.
What Our Practice Teaches About Change
But our yoga practice teaches us something different. It calls us not to control or force outcomes, but to stay present, to stay responsive, and to move with what’s happening—even when it’s messy.
That’s how I try to show up. As a studio owner, as a leader, and as a human being—I want to remain receptive to the flow of change, not rigid or reactive. Change is coming either way. If I’m not awake to it, if I’m clinging to how things were, I risk being swept away. But when I soften, when I surrender just enough to stay responsive, I can move with the current instead of against it.
And to be clear, surrendering to change does not mean becoming apathetic or passive. Quite the opposite. This approach is an intentional, balanced blend of thoughtful response, adaptability, and surrender. It’s a practice of listening, pausing, and acting in alignment with what’s needed—rather than reacting out of fear or trying to control what’s ultimately beyond us.
A Year of Big Shifts
This mindset has been crucial for me, especially lately. Buying our building last year ignited a major shift—inside and out. With that decision came a wave of inspiration, but also a deep sense of responsibility. I began to see more clearly the areas where we were stuck—not just because of our physical space, but because of old systems that no longer served the vision.
That clarity led me to start reevaluating everything—from our software and website to our branding and how we connect with our community. It’s a lot. And I’ve had moments of wondering, why am I doing all of this at once?
But this is the nature of transformation. Sometimes, when momentum builds, it rushes in all at once. And even when you want the change, it doesn’t mean it feels easy. We assume that if we’ve chosen it, it should feel smooth. But chosen or not, change asks us to stretch. It asks us to trust the process and keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Gift of Surrender
For me, choosing surrender has been powerful. Not giving up, but letting go of the illusion of control. It hasn’t erased the discomfort, but it’s softened the suffering. And, inevitably, after the rush—there’s calm again. A steady stream. A breath.
We have more changes ahead at Old Town Yoga, and likely in our community, too. My hope is to meet them with presence, softness, and grace—and to lead from that place.
If you’re navigating change of your own, I hope you’ll join me in choosing to meet it gently. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to stay in the current.
Let’s move with the flow—together.
Reflection: Flowing with Change
Take a moment for yourself.
Find a comfortable seat or a quiet place to pause.
Close your eyes, and take three slow, intentional breaths. Let each exhale soften something inside of you.
Bring to mind a change you're currently experiencing—or one that you know is coming. Without judgment, just notice what arises in your body and mind. Is there resistance? Fear? Excitement? Grief?
Ask yourself gently:
Am I meeting this change with resistance, or with a willingness to adapt?
What might it feel like to move with this, rather than fight it?
What is one small act of courage I can take to align with this moment?
Journaling Prompt:
“The change I’m currently facing is teaching me…”
Let your words come freely.