From Clock Time to Body Time: A Personal Journey Back to Movement
I know it can be hard to make time for things like going to a yoga class, lifting weights, or getting outside for a walk.
Clock time can often rule our lives, making it feel like we're always running out of time. And that can really mess with our decision making.
That thought, "This is only temporary, I'll be more consistent when I have more time," usually results in de-prioritizing our practice or workouts.
When "Temporary" Becomes Permanent
A year ago, I was working 12-hour days, sitting at my desk the entire day. I remember thinking, "This is temporary, and I'll get back to my yoga mat again soon."
I honestly didn't think that my day-to-day decisions to avoid movement and focus on productivity would have such a massive impact on my body.
But 8 months later, I started noticing that I had lost mobility in my back. I could barely lift more than 10 pounds without it hurting my back and couldn't bend over without experiencing some serious pain.
I tried two different physiotherapists and did stability exercises daily without fail. I started strength training, doing mini squats with no weight to stay within my window of tolerance. The pain persisted through it all—the only relief I felt was after my monthly massage. (Thanks Erin!)
I hadn't been able to practice yoga without pain for over a year, but I missed it so much.
The Return to the Mat
Earlier this spring, I pulled out my mat again and started practicing. I went slow, but I noticed that the stability and strength training work I had been doing made my yoga practice easier.
What I discovered on my mat was something I hadn't expected—not just physical healing, but a completely different relationship with time itself.
Discovering Body Time
When we're on the yoga mat, we get to let go of "clock time" and shift into "body time." Unlike other forms of exercise that can still feel rushed or goal-oriented, yoga asks us to slow down and listen. It's one of the few practices that actually requires you to be present.
Body time is different—it's fluid and cyclical. It expands and contracts based on what we're experiencing.
Like how 5 minutes feels like forever in a yoga pose, but flies by when we're doomscrolling on our phone. How grief can feel like it lasts forever, and watching your favourite band in concert is always over way too fast. How your body knows when it's time to eat or sleep without having to look at the clock. And how feeling scattered and rushed has a different quality of energy than focused and present.
The Transformation
Since I've been creating better boundaries around my desk sitting hours and creating space for more movement, I feel so much more like myself.
I have more energy and the pain is starting to subside significantly. Yesterday, I was able to squat with a 20 lb weight—something I was worried I'd never be able to do again.
And this month, I've added a forward bend into the flow sequence that I haven't been able to do in over a year!
Your Time on the Mat
I know that we all juggle a lot of things… and the best part about having a yoga practice is that NONE of those things need to matter while you're on the mat.
No, they aren't going to go away.
But for one hour, you get to be your priority and time is insignificant. It's just you, your breath, and your body.
And what happens on the mat is an unravelling of all the stress, tension, and rigidity that "clock time" leaves behind in your body.
So that when you're done your practice and rolling up your mat—things have changed. You are more able to show up for life off the mat, no matter how busy it feels.
Don't wait for the 'perfect' time. Book a class this week and give yourself the gift of body time.
