Life more often thank not, mirrors the journeys we embark upon, whether it’s a several month long, 3,000-mile trek across the Appalachian Trail or the daily practice of stepping onto a yoga mat. Both are opportunities to learn, connect, lighten our load, and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
My son Kendrick has embarked on a remarkable journey—a brave quest to walk the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. This iconic trail, known for its breathtaking landscapes and the sense of adventure it inspires, will without doubt test his physical endurance and mental fortitude. I'm so proud of him and humbled by his drive to take on such a massive undertaking. The night before he left, as we meticulously packed his gear, evaluating each item for its necessity and weight, I couldn’t help but reflect on a profound Zen story about letting go.
Packing for the Journey: A Lesson in Mindfulness
As we worked through Kendrick’s gear, it was obvious to see the significance of carrying only what truly serves a purpose. A big heavy tent might provide comfort but could also weigh him down for example. Every item that went into his pack, had to be evaluated and considered. Weight had to be justified based on value. Each decision became an exercise in mindfulness, a balance between preparedness and minimalism.
This process reminded me of the Zen story of two yogis walking through a forest trail after a heavy rain. They encountered a woman struggling to carry a basket of flowers across a flooded patch of the path. While the younger yogi hesitated, bound by his interpretation of non-attachment, the older yogi stepped forward, carried the woman and her basket across the mud, and all continued on their way.
When the younger yogi questioned his actions, the older yogi replied, “I carried her only for a moment. You, my friend, are still carrying her in your mind.”
How often do we hold onto past decisions, judgments, or emotions that have already passed?
Finding Lightness in Letting Go
As Kendrick steps into his journey, I hope he embraces not only the physical challenges but also the lessons that come from letting go. Each item he chooses to carry with him is a metaphor for life: the things we continue to take with us must serve us, other wise they will only weigh us down. Life is difficult enough, we face difficulties every step along the way, holding on to thoughts, ideas and things that no longer serve us, can only make out trek more strenuous.
Yoga teaches us that every breath is an opportunity to let go.
In my yoga classes, I often remind my students, “As we exhale, we soften and begin to release anything that no longer serves us.” Yoga has this beautiful way of teaching us how to let go—whether it’s tension in the body, emotional turmoil or clutter in the mind.
During our practice, we are invited to release what we’ve been carrying—grudges, expectations, self-criticism—and step forward with lightness as the older yogi in the story does. Every breath becomes an opportunity to let go.
This profound statement—
“I carried her only for a moment. You, my friend, are still carrying her in your mind.”
—is a reminder of how we often hold onto things far longer than necessary. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of frustration, a past mistake, or even an unfulfilled expectation, these mental and emotional burdens can weigh us down just as much as physical ones.
Yoga provides the tools to release these attachments. Every breath becomes an opportunity to let go. Each exhale invites us to soften, to release tension from our bodies and minds, and to make space for lightness and clarity.
Just as the older yogi in the story set the woman down after helping her, we too can learn to set down what no longer serves us. This might be a grudge we’ve been holding onto, a self-critical thought that keeps playing in our heads, or even a good or kind act.
Yoga teaches us that we don’t have to carry any these weights. Through movement, breath, and mindfulness, we can cultivate the strength to let go and the courage to move forward with lightness.
As you step onto your mat today, I invite you to reflect on what you’re still carrying. What can you set down? What can you release with your next exhale?
Step Into Renewal With Ahimsa Wellness Yoga
March is a month of transition and renewal, and offers us the perfect time to reflect on what we might still be carrying. Just like Kendrick’s journey or the Zen story, we can choose to set down our burdens and embrace the lightness that comes from letting go.
You are invited to explore this practice of release—online or in person. Whether it’s through an Energizing Ashtanga Practice, a Gentle Vinyasa flow, a Restorative Sound Healing Session, or Calming Pranayama & Meditation, Ahimsa Wellness Yoga offers a space to reconnect with your breath and find lightness—on and off the mat.
To celebrate this season of renewal, use the promo code YOGALOVE10 at checkout to receive $10 off your next drop-in class or private session. Let this be the nudge you need to set down the weight and step into your lightest, brightest self.
Ready to begin? Join me online or in person, and let’s breathe through this journey together. 🌸
Visit www.ahimsawellnessyoga.com to book your next class or explore our offerings.
Inhaling I invite clarity | exhaling I release what weighs me down
Our first episode of our brand NEW podcast is live!
Welcome to 'Namaste and Nonsense,' where founder of Ahimsa Wellness Yoga Francia and her son Kendrick - a young, feisty, and nature obsessed writer - attempt to trudge through the mind's chatter and search for the calmness within. This dynamic duo delves into an eclectic mix of topics, blending humor and mindfulness with a sprinkle of wisdom. Join us as we bravely attempt to navigate the noise and seek the essence of namaste in every conversation. Will they unearth the shiny core of topics they explore? or are they doomed to sit around and blabber about it some more? Tune in to find out!
This hit home for me. Great article. We will be listening to the podcast.
Likey likey we would all be better off with this advice fo sho BOOM
Lovely!!!