All Can Do Yoga

Years ago I was lamenting to my mother how little I had gotten done during the day – how I had “wasted” the day.

Her response: “You can’t measure the worth of your day by how much you got done.”

I was, admittedly, a little and pleasantly surprised by this wisdom she shared with me.  Ironically, she often seemed too busy to devote much time to insight – but who really knows what she may have been contemplating while doing all that cleaning, cooking, and tapping away on the typewriter keys in her office?  She shared what she could, and I appreciate that.

My mother died a while back, but I often think about what she said that day, how true it is for me, and how often I forget.  And, sometimes — sometimes — I do remember what she said as I stand on the brink of self-judgment for not having “accomplished” more during the day.  

Would my day be more “worthy” if I totally cleared my desk, did all the administrative tasks for my businesses, made all the calls, took care of everything around the house and yard…?  

Would my day be worth less if I read for a chunk of the afternoon, took a bike ride, had a nice chat with someone I care about? And got no paperwork done? 

So I wonder, how does one measure the worth of one’s day? What actually makes a day worthwhile?  Can we (should we?) even measure the “worth” of our day? Isn’t every day we’re here worthwhile and valuable, no matter what happens? 

It seems to me that “measure” is a code word for “judge”.

Could it be that, rather than “measuring” at the end of the day, it’s more important what intentions one sets for the day (or moments) ahead – the daily “GPS” that a Sangha friend aptly termed the direction that we can set for ourselves?  I’m referring not so much to the daily to-do list, but how we choose to show up for the day – what qualities we want to bring into our waking hours.  

Some examples:

May I be patient and kind with myself and others today.

May I find a balance of play / work, movement / stillness, solitude / community…

May I “listen” with care today – to sounds, what others are saying, what my body is communicating to me… 

And, what if, at the end of the day – no matter how it went – we just be gentle with ourselves and allow ourselves to be human?  How would that feel?

© 2025 All Can Do Yoga

Photo courtesy of pixabay.com

Sometimes I jokingly refer to Yoga as “the Y word” because it can seem so daunting to those who are not familiar with the practice.  Some have said, “I can’t do Yoga because I’m too stiff / tight / old / fat / out-of-shape / or ___________.”  There are many lovely photos in the media of adept practitioners in poses that look out of reach for most of us, and can convey the erroneous message that Yoga is for slim, young, white, affluent, bendy, well-dressed professional practitioners.  

The truth is, Yoga is for everyone.  No matter the age, fitness or flexibility level, body type, experience…we ALL begin exactly where we are in this moment, and we go from there. 

Sitting right here in your chair or on your sofa you can practice Yoga with a few nice full breaths and exploring some easy, gentle movements such as rolling the shoulders a bit, stretching the fingers, doing some wrist or ankle circles…and noticing the sensation with kind attention.  

So have some fun exploring YOUR Yoga practice, whatever it may be.  

Welcome to All Can Do Yoga!  Take some time to explore and enjoy what’s offered here and in other areas of your journey.  

Feel free to send me a note via the Contact page; I’ll be glad to respond as soon as possible. 

Cheers!