Over the years, my yoga practice has grown and changed right along with me—and that’s exactly how it should be.

What is Somatic Yoga

Recently, I expanded my training to include somatic yoga. This approach gently invites us to notice what’s happening inside the body, to move with curiosity instead of judgment, and to respond to what we feel in real time. It’s less about “achieving” a pose and more about listening, sensing, and honoring our inner experience.

Why Our Yoga Practice Changes Over Time

As we move through the different stages of our lives, we evolve. So does our yoga practice. The way we showed up on the mat at 20, 30, or even last year may not be the way we show up today—and that’s not a problem. It’s a sign that we are paying attention.

You might notice that:

• You move a little slower in the morning.
• Your body feels a bit stiffer when you first wake up.
• Your energy and mood rise and fall more than they used to.

This is all part of the process of being human in a changing body. Somatic yoga invites us to work with that reality, rather than fight it. Instead of forcing yourself to move the way you “used to,” you get to ask:
What does my body need today? How can I move in a way that feels supportive, kind, and sustainable?

The invitation is simple:
Do not be afraid to honor the changes.
Move in alignment with them.

Moving With Your Life, Not Against It

When we soften our expectations and release comparisons—whether to others or to a younger version of ourselves—we create space for a more authentic, compassionate practice. We learn to ride the waves of our moods, our energy, and our physical sensations, instead of bracing against them.

Somatic yoga is not about doing less; it’s about being more present.

Move with your life, not against it.

At Essence of Yoga Studio in Holbrook, NY, somatic yoga is offered as a supportive, accessible practice for every body and every stage of life.