It's not about you, so get over yourself.

writing lessons learned in yoga.

Jun 06, 2025

Often I find myself stuck on Substack. Not because I don’t have the words to express myself, but I don’t know how I want to use them.

When I first joined I was desperate for attention. Not me but my words. I made it about everyone and anyone who would read my words.

I wrote what I thought others wanted to read. Not what was placed on my heart. My heart had a lot to say but I kept it quiet.

Eventually, I started to be bold. Not only did I take chances, but I said what I wanted to say. My words may have offended some of my readers.

As a faith-based writer I use language that might offend the believer. Not only that but I cite scripture which isn’t always received well by the unbeliever. Writing for me is a double-edged sword.

We can’t please everyone, nor should we try. Not because we have an expansive repertoire but we have a limited audience.

Screw It: This is what I want to say…

I feel a bit snarky today. You could say it’s my mood. I’m annoyed and a bit disappointed.

Yesterday, my favorite Yoga teacher, Sybil, had her last day before she moves across the country. She left me with some valuable lessons. Many of which are applicable to the writer on Substack.

You don’t have to be a yogi to appreciate Sybil’s lessons.

Being Grounded

Yesterday I lost one subscriber. Who? I don’t know and it really doesn’t matter. It seems as if when I have momentum, it’s two steps forward and one step back. When really what I need is to find my footing.

In yoga we don’t venture off of our mat. It’s a practice where we focus on being grounded.

In yoga, grounding through the feet means establishing a stable and secure base in poses, fostering a sense of rootedness and balance.

I use the same approach in my writing life. I think it’s best to firmly plant my ideas and figure out the base of my messaging. If I want to establish myself as a professional writer I need to establish my roots.

With a firm foundation anything is possible.

Finding A Balance

I want to live a balanced life. At one time I binged on alcohol. The more alcohol I consumed with my friends, the more fun I thought would be had. Today I see balance is the key to finding contentment.

We do a lot of balancing in Yoga. Sybil has us moving from one stance to the next. We achieve stability by maintaining our focus.

Balance is a fundamental aspect of yoga, impacting both physical and mental well-being.

I am passionate about my writing, but understand it’s only a small part of my life. The holistic approach is necessary to get the most out of my writing. My mind, body, and soul all need catered to.

It’s important to be discriminant.

It’s About Choice

I’m learning to be discriminant, not to discriminate. I thinks it’s important that we can be discriminant with our passions, as long as we don’t have preconceptions. It’s important to be open and willing to new possibilities.

When I waited for class to start, a young woman was bragging about filling in for one of Sybil’s classes. I found myself judging her and had a hard time seeing past her appearance and her annoying voice. Not only do I have choices with instructors but the opportunity to try different classes.

There are many different types of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Kundalini, Restorative, Bikram, and Yin.

My choice of words reflect the language of the people that I surround myself with. My writing style is raw, honest, and a little dirty at times. It’s about developing my own voice.

There is no judgment because we are all unique.

The Genre

I prefer to mix my Christian identity with my sinful living. Life is where I find inspiration and music helps me to feel. I realize my voice might annoy some people, where others find comfort within my words.

Sybil shows up unapologetically. Her language and music few fellow yogi’s find offensive, while most are encouraged. She has developed her own genre. Her music selection isn’t for the saint, more for the sinner. But it resonates with my past, where her message is inspirational for my future.

Applying genre to yoga, particularly in terms of music, can enhance the practice by creating a specific atmosphere and experience.

Inspiration comes to me when I immerse myself in life. There is so much beauty in the women I meet in recovery and they all have a story that needs told. By writing recovery fiction I am just the woman to tell their stories. My twisted tales of recovery may not be for everyone. If I can shine a light on what we are desperate to keep hidden, my words will find that one woman in need of healing.

It’s really about writing for ONE.

The Audience

Just as unique as our music selection is the writing genre we prefer. On Substack subscribers will come and go. We all share a space that’s biggest enough for every taste. With people who are always searching.

Yoga’s audience is for people who are intentional and enjoy a slower pace. Four year’s ago I was not at a healthy place, even though physically I was in great shape from circuit training. My mind was sick and yoga provides mental healing, not to mention the added bonus of strengthening.

Yoga offers significant benefits for the mind, including stress reduction, improved focus and clarity, emotional resilience, enhanced mood, and better sleep. Now that’s meet a broad audience!

Writing for me is healing and sharing allows my struggles to meet others where they are at. It’s not about how many people, but that one person. As a Christian writer it’s really about listening to words He places on my heart and sharing from a place of His strength.

It’s about giving back.

It’s All About You

Recovery and yoga are both about each of us, individually. They are choices and it’s up to you to choose to heal, maintain your health and build strength. It’s about finding what works for each of us.

My life and healing doesn’t hinge on anyone else. I am happy for Sybil, with courage she is moving cross country. I am grateful for the lessons learned that have improved my yoga and have made me a better writer.

How can you serve others?

The Regift

At birth we are given innate gifts and as Christians we are given spiritual gifts. Sybil is a gifted yoga instructor, not to mention disk jockey. Although many yogi’s, not just Christians would cringe at flowing with Eminem’s song Without Me, singing about trailer park girls going around the outside. I awkwardly enjoy it.

We can and should be creative but mindful of our gift giving, because we never know the impact our gifts can have on others. It’s also important to accept that not everyone is interested and appreciates our gifts. Just remember to offer them with good intentions.

It’s not all about you. It’s about using our gifts to help and support each other.