Although I lived by the Atlantic Ocean for much of my adult life, I never learned to surf or sail. My childhood clumsiness created a self-limiting belief that followed me for decades—one I finally released through IFS and Yoga.
I CAN’T SO I WON’T
As a kid, being picked last for dodgeball was the norm. With athletic parents and an undiagnosed eye-muscle disorder, awkwardness on the playing field felt unavoidable. Labeled the “family klutz,” the safe choice became solo activities where no one else depended on performance—first dance, later yoga.
Fast forward to today: in the early 70s, dancing is a joy-filled part of life. After years of believing partner dance was off-limits, Zydeco, Swing, and Salsa now prove otherwise—showing that the “too clumsy to follow” part doesn’t have to run the show.
I share this because self-limiting beliefs still surface. Parts of me whisper, “Don’t try—you might fail.” But now I meet those voices with compassion, and I choose differently. I may not join a softball team, but I am opening to new community experiences—maybe choir, maybe bowling.
THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED
Internal Family Systems Therapy has been key to this shift. IFS helps me welcome those younger, fearful parts and free them from burdens that no longer serve me.
That’s why I’m inviting you to join me and IFS Consultant Laura Schmidt at Kripalu. Together, we’ll blend LifeForce Yoga Mood-Managing and Heart-Opening practices with gentle IFS work to meet and free your younger parts. Expect a week that’s both deep and fun- this is the beauty of the integration of LifeForce Yoga and Internal Family Systems. You can learn more and register here.
PODCAST 
Oh, and a fun bonus—Yoga pro and journalist Jake Panasevich recently interviewed me for a US News & World Report piece on yoga for depression. He also featured me on his Yoga With Jake Podcast, which I’m sharing with you here.
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Want to learn more about Yoga For Your Mood? Click here for the next step. Relief is available and you can stay steady through whatever comes your way.
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