A Personal Note of Kindness

When I first began my yoga teacher journey, I thought I was showing up to learn poses, sequencing, and anatomy.

What I didn’t expect…

was to meet parts of myself I’d been holding tightly for years.

I realized I was carrying a lot of anger and control, especially around how I reacted to the people closest to me. I moved through life in a constant state of bracing, gripping, and trying to manage everything around me.

During my training, I was introduced to a loving-kindness meditation, a practice of offering compassion first to yourself, and then gently outward to others, even to those who challenge you and your patience.

At first, it felt uncomfortable.

Soft even felt unsafe.

But with practice, something shifted.

As I offered kindness to myself, especially in moments I wanted to react, I noticed my nervous system begin to soften. My breath slowed. My body felt less guarded. I had more space between stimulus and response.

That practice didn’t make me passive.

It made me regulated.

And from that place, I could respond with more patience, more clarity, and more compassion. Both for myself and for the people around me.

This is why kindness is not just a mindset, it’s a nervous system practice.

And it’s why it’s woven into everything I teach.

You can use it seated, lying down, or even in the car before heading into your day.

Begin by settling your breath.

Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly. Take a slow inhale through the nose… and a longer exhale through the mouth. Repeat 2-3 times.

Step 1: Offer Kindness to Yourself

Silently repeat these phrases (or any that feel supportive):

• May I be safe.
• May I feel calm and supported.
• May I be patient with myself.
• May I meet this moment with kindness.

If your mind wanders, that’s okay. Gently return to the words.

Step 2: Offer Kindness to Someone You Love

Bring to mind someone who feels easy to love.

• May you be safe.
• May you feel calm and supported.
• May you be healthy and at ease.
• May you feel loved.

Notice how your body responds.

Step 3: Offer Kindness to Someone Who Challenges You

This part is optional but it was the most powerful for me.

Bring to mind someone who triggers frustration or tension. You don’t need to excuse behavior, this is about freeing your nervous system from holding on.

• May you be safe.
• May you find peace.
• May you be free from suffering.

If resistance shows up, simply notice it. Softness comes with practice.

Step 4: Close with One Breath

Take one final slow inhale…

And a long, gentle exhale.

Remind yourself: I can choose my response.

Why This Matters

This practice doesn’t change the world overnight but it changes how your body moves through it.

When your nervous system feels safe, kindness becomes more accessible to yourself and to others.