Things have been feeling intense lately — in myself and around me. Emotions seem closer to the surface. There is an urgency around outcomes, a subtle volatility that asks to be handled with care.
You may be feeling it too.
A restlessness. A longing for something ‘other’ without quite knowing what that is. A sense that things are shifting, accelerating, asking something of you. And sometimes it shows up not as energy, but as fatigue, brain fog, or even numbness.
In yogic philosophy, this activating quality is known as rajas — the energy of movement, fire and forward motion. There is something hopeful about this momentum. It carries the promise of change.
Yet when we are swept by it without awareness, it can burn through our reserves. We begin to feel overwhelmed, as though life is running ahead of us. On a physiological level, many of these experiences can be felt as strain — our minds and bodies are working hard to keep up and to stay happy on top of it all! On an emotional and spiritual level, there may disconnection, a dimming of our inner spark.
I get that the response might be to rush and suppress the fire, to force everything to slow down. I’d like to offer an intermediary step, which can make all the difference when trying to manage the busy times of life long term:
Awareness (which I often teach as presence in classes) — noticing what is happening within you. In yoga, the quality that balances rajas is sattva: clarity, presence and inner steadiness. Sattva does not resist movement. Instead, it allows us to remain rooted as life moves.
If things feel heightened right now, you might begin there. Becoming honestly present with what is here — a feeling, a sensation, a thought. Presence anchors you so that you are not carried away by relentlessness of momentum.
From that place, you can discern you next step, rooting in your own knowing of yourself, and what might feel most supportive to you in your next steps. Moving forward — however full or fast life feels — without leaving yourself behind.
If you are interested in learning more about what is stressing you and how to restore your energy from a place that is build on awareness of your own needs, I am offering a FREE online webinar entitled
“Yoga beyond the Mat: How to Regulate Stress, Restore Energy and Build Healthier Habits” on Wednesday 25th March, 7:30pm (UK Time).
We’ll explore what stress actually is, how it may be shaping your body and behaviour, and practical ways to regulate your nervous system and build healthier habits — without adding more pressure to your life.
I would love to see you there.
A Grounding Practice for When Things Feel Heightened
When I catch the acceleration or the emotions building in my body, I do this practice.
You might like to try this the next time you feel pulled in many directions.
Pause your body.
Feel your feet on the ground.Lengthen your exhale.
Breathe in naturally, and then allow the exhale to extend slightly longer than the inhale.Name what is here.
Put a hand on your chest. Name what you are experiencing (i.e. sadness, fear, irritation). Say to you yourself: “Oh, I am feeling X”.Ask one honest question.
Ask yourself: What is true for me right now? (i.e. I” care so much for X, that X is happening”)
I love this practice because it usually highlights something tender about me that feelings important to recognise.
Once you recognise the feeling, your actions tend to come from steadiness and honesty. Good luck with it!
March Gatherings — Spaces to Recalibrate
As the pace of the year gathers and the light slowly begins to return, I am holding two beautiful spaces to pause and reconnect in community.
🌿 Yoga & Brunch — March 8th (International Women’s Day) in Skipton
A morning practice followed by shared conversation and nourishment. A space to honour the strength and wisdom of women, and to remember that tending to ourselves is not indulgent — it is necessary.
🌸 Ostara — Spring Equinox Gathering — March 20th in Barrowford
A seasonal threshold as we cross into spring. Together we will reflect, set intentions with clarity, and consciously mark the shift from inward winter energy to the quiet emergence of something new.
Both gatherings are designed as anchors within momentum — opportunities to steady yourself rather than simply keep up.
If you would like ongoing support
If this reflection resonates and you sense that something deeper is asking for attention, there are two ways you can work with me.
✨ Classes & Seasonal Workshops
My regular yoga classes and gatherings offer consistent spaces to regulate, restore and reconnect, offering consistent anchoring and presence. View and book all offerings here.
✨ FREE Energy Breakthrough Session
If you are feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or unsure where your energy is going, I offer a complimentary Energy Breakthrough Session. It is a focused conversation to explore what may be draining you and what would help restore balance, so that you can begin creating meaningful, sustainable change. Book your free 30-min chat here.
You do not have to navigate intensity alone. Sometimes steadiness begins with a conversation.
With warmth and presence,
Sarah Leyla
