Exploring Flexibility: Beyond Physical Movement to Emotional Adaptability
Flexibility: It's More Than Just Touching Your Toes
When you hear the word flexibility, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? Most people immediately think of how flexible (or not!) they are physically, especially when I mention it as a yoga teacher. But flexibility is so much more than bending your body into a pose. As a coach, I see flexibility showing up in so many ways, and often, it’s the non-physical kind that matters most in day-to-day life.
The Many Forms of Flexibility
Physical Flexibility:
Yes, being able to touch your toes is one form of flexibility. But whether you're stiff as a board or can twist into a pretzel, your body's flexibility is just one piece of the puzzle. And let’s be honest, it’s often the easiest one to measure. You can practice stretching, and over time, you’ll see the results. But what about the flexibility that we can't see?
Mental Flexibility:
How easily do you adapt when plans change? For me, as someone who is neurodivergent, I’m not always so great when things don’t go as expected. If plans shift suddenly, it can throw me off. But on the flip side, I can move from task to task fairly quickly, which is a form of mental flexibility too. Our brains all work differently, and understanding where we’re naturally flexible and where we might struggle is a powerful tool for growth.
Emotional Flexibility:
Ever had one of those days where everything feels off, and you can’t quite bounce back? Emotional flexibility is about how quickly and easily we recover from life's ups and downs. It’s about giving ourselves the grace to feel our emotions but also finding ways to adapt and move forward.
Where Are You Naturally Flexible?
We all have areas where we shine when it comes to flexibility. Maybe you're someone who can quickly adapt to new ideas at work but struggles when your routine at home is disrupted. Or perhaps you're the opposite—you can roll with the punches in your personal life but get flustered with changes at work.
Take a moment to reflect on where you are most flexible in your life. Are you mentally adaptable but emotionally rigid? Do you find physical flexibility comes naturally but struggle with adjusting your mindset? Once we see where we stand, we can begin to focus on those areas that need a little more stretch.
Cultivating Flexibility Where You Need It Most
Just like with physical flexibility, mental and emotional flexibility can be improved with practice. Here are a few tips:
For Mental Flexibility: Try shifting your routine, even in small ways. This can be as simple as taking a different route to work or trying out a new hobby.
For Emotional Flexibility: Practice mindfulness and meditation. These can help you stay present with your emotions without getting stuck in them.
For Physical Flexibility: A regular yoga practice is great, but even just five minutes of stretching a day can make a difference.
Flexibility in all its forms allows us to handle life’s challenges with more ease, and the good news is, it’s something we can all work on.
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