Some years ago, my yoga teacher told me that the goal of the asanas – the physical exercises that are part of yoga – the goal is not to become as flexible as possible as is commonly thought. It’s also not to outdo the person on the map next to you in the studio.

The goal, he said, is to deliberately seek discomfort. To get your body, your limbs, into uncomfortable positions. Positions in which your joints and bones and muscles can barely hold you, and to get your mind into who position it would rather not be in. And then, when you're feeling as uncomfortable as you can, keep on breathing and holding and breathing.

Even after years of practicing yoga, the poses will still be uncomfortable. That’s the whole point.

What will change though is the way how you handle uncomfortable situations, both on the mat and at the office. And this, my teacher said, is a metaphor for life. You won’t be able to always avoid situations that are hard to hold. Your body, your mind, your emotions will be twisted into shapes that they have never been in before.

If this – no, when this happens –, it’s helpful if you’ve taken the time and determination to practise.

If you’d like to work and practise with me, then read the text at https://crisis.wtf and get in touch. Coaching plans start at 5K per month, with a minimum commitment of half a year.