The Messy Middle

This week has been especially exciting with the launch of two new classes: the Monday morning Walking Club 🚶🏼‍♂️‍➡️ and the Wednesday morning Kundalini class, both led by yours truly.

When preparing to teach a yoga class, my process involves reflecting on what’s happening in my life and what I’m hearing from our community. These insights shape the themes I explore in class. Or sometimes, the inspiration comes from broader themes—like heart-opening classes in February for Valentine’s. Either way, almost every time I teach, I hear someone say, "OMG, I’m going through that too!" I firmly believe that if I’m experiencing something, chances are, others are as well. We’re all connected, and as quantum physics suggests, one part affects the whole.

For Wednesday’s Kundalini class, I asked myself: what’s present in my life right now? The answer was clear—I’m in the Messy Middle in several areas of my life. I’ve also noticed a collective theme (both in our community and astrologically) of 2024 being a year of transformation—stepping into a more authentic version of ourselves. While that sounds exciting, the reality is that transitions can feel messy. I know amazing things are coming, but right now, I’m in the in-between: clearing space, preparing for what’s ahead, yet still clinging to old thoughts, patterns, and ways of being. Letting go is necessary, but it’s not always easy. Staying where I was feels comfortable, even when I know it no longer serves me.

In class, I shared a popular parable about a man embarking on a journey. He starts by crossing a body of water, so he builds a canoe and oars, which serve him well. When he reaches land, he finds the next phase of his journey is a mountainous and rocky region. Rather than leaving the canoe behind, he carries it, believing it may still be useful. Eventually, he realizes that while these tools helped him before, they are now holding him back. This is the Messy Middle—the space where we recognize that what once served us no longer does. It’s also a time of exploration, trying out new tools, and discovering what will support us moving forward. Instead of viewing this phase as frustrating, we can embrace it with curiosity and excitement, knowing we’re simply finding what works for the next chapter of our journey.

This theme resonated deeply in class, as we all reflected on transitions we’re navigating.

For me, it’s shifting from two jobs to one while still holding onto unhealthy habits from the past two years—working late into the night, neglecting rest, and overloading my schedule... While also trying out new things and figuring what is working and what doesn't.

For others, it might be entering a new life phase—starting a family, becoming an empty nester, or beginning a new career.

The first step is noticing and acknowledging these transitions. Then, it’s about giving ourselves grace as we navigate the unknown, experimenting with new ways of being, and embracing what aligns with this next phase of life.

What about you? Does this resonate? I’d love to hear from you. If this speaks to you, comment or email us and share what’s unfolding in your life. And if there’s anything Joiful can do to support you, let us know!