One of the core teachings of yoga is that everything is in a constant state of change. This idea—Parinamavada—reminds us that nothing stays fixed. Not our bodies, not our thoughts, not even the way we feel in a pose from one day to the next.
In our current Flow Yoga series in Rugby, called Heart Work, we’ve been exploring backbends as a way to connect with this idea. One week, Bridge Pose might feel strong and open. The next, it might feel tight or awkward. And that’s completely normal. But it can still throw us, can’t it? We might think, “Why doesn’t this feel the same as last time?” or “I thought I’d moved past this.” It’s easy to assume that progress is a straight line, but Parinamavada reminds us it’s much more fluid.
Yoga invites us to meet ourselves just as we are today—not as we were yesterday or how we think we should be. When we let go of that fixed idea, we begin to trust the process a bit more. And maybe even be a bit kinder to ourselves along the way.
Change isn’t failure—it’s a sign of life. Some days we’re energised, other days we’re not. Some poses feel accessible, others feel out of reach. It all moves, it all shifts, and that’s part of the journey.
If you’ve ever stepped onto your mat expecting things to be just like they were last time and found them completely different, you’re not alone. That’s yoga in action—showing us that each practice is its own experience.
The next time you step onto your mat, stay curious. Notice what’s shifted, without judging it. Let your breath help you meet the moment with openness, not resistance. Instead of fighting change, maybe we can lean into it.
Backbends can feel vulnerable—they literally open us up. But they also teach us resilience. They show us that we can bend, adapt, and still stay steady. They’re a reminder that even when things feel uncertain, there is strength in softness and power in staying open.
Wherever you are in your practice, let this be your reminder: you don’t need to be the same every time you step on the mat. You just need to show up, breathe, and let whatever unfolds be enough.