Breathe & Be: My Morning Ritual in Motion

A love story between me and my yoga mat

Chapter 10 of the Empowered Healing Series

Link to Chapter 9: https://calm-core-cozy-layers.blog/2025/03/30/emotional-baggage-fees-what-are-you-carrying-anyway/

Once upon a slightly stiff morning, I decided I was done waking up like a folded-up ironing board. Something had to change. So naturally, I did what any modern wellness-seeker does: I bought a fancy yoga mat.

Then the rest followed—elastic bands, a foam roller, stretching straps, and a questionable online purchase labeled “deep tissue massage ball.” Retail therapy disguised as self-care. And honestly? It worked.

AI GENERATED: ROOTED IN BREATH, RISING IN STRENGTH.

But here’s the plot twist: what started as a way to motivate myself turned into something I genuinely look forward to. My mornings slowly shifted from chaotic sprints—frantically searching for something, anything, usually my phone—to something softer.

“A slow, stretchy, breathy hour of peace.“

No buzzing. No emails. No pressure to morph into a productivity robot by 8 a.m.

I also joined Bothra’s yoga classes, which—thankfully—didn’t require turning into human origami or humming “Om.” His flows were kind and doable. Like yoga with a good friend who also knows your knees crack on the third bend.

☀️ My Morning Flow (Stretch, Breathe, Glow)

• Hand exercises – Rolling out the red carpet for your digits.
• Gentle stretches – Because your spine deserves a vacation, even if it’s just a floor-based staycation.
• Elastic band work – Light resistance, big satisfaction.
• Breathwork – Inhale the focus. Exhale the random urge to check your phone like it holds the meaning of life
• Pressure point massage – Unlock your body’s natural healing.
• Lymphatic facial drainage – A tribute to your body’s inner river.

It takes about an hour, but honestly, it feels like a spa day you can do in pajamas. I no longer “squeeze it in.” I protect that time like it’s my phone charger on 1% battery.

A Soft Reminder, From My Mat to Yours:

You don’t need a candle or a mountain retreat to feel centered.

Sometimes, all it takes is one deep breath, a stretchy band, and the decision to start your day with you.

Want to call it yoga? Great.

Don’t want to? Also great.

Just call it yours.

A few deep breaths and a gentle reminder: You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. ☁️💛

Just for you. No permission needed.

– Nitya

💬 What simple thing can you offer yourself, just for you?

🌟 Ready for the next layer?

👉 Read Chapter 11: https://calm-core-cozy-layers.blog/2025/04/02/wandering-together-wandering-alone/