Title for dramatic effect because I really wanted you to read this ;-)

The Real Title: The Relevance Trap (And Why I Still Show Up)

Lately, I’ve realized how incredibly practical I’ve become in my own life. I really do want a simple existence, and sometimes have regrets of a former version of me ‘buying into’ the American dream. Is it too late to choose the van down by the lake? lol

The world has become less “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and more “I can get a new one.” Everything feels so disposable. If something doesn't instantly fit or feel new, we pivot and replace it. It’s a cultural shift that we can easily let slip into how we view our own relevance.

One of my favorite yoga teachers, Jason Crandell, posted about this recently. He noted that his struggle isn't so much about imposter syndrome or feeling incapable, it's the deeper anxiety of no longer feeling needed or relevant. It’s the idea that even WE can be replaced with something (or someone) shiny and new. 

That hit home for me.

For the past six months I have been testing my own relationship with relevance as a yoga teacher.

For a long time, my classes were consistently full. And while that still happens, there have also been moments where I’ve built a practice, packed my gear, and ended up canceling an event due to zero sign-ups. Or, sent out emails that I’m unsure anyone is reading. 

  (Are you there? If you’ve made it this far, it’s okay to let me know...lol)

This has been a harsh reality to face, and honestly, a humbling one to share. It is a strange thing to put energy, time, and heart into a gift you are so excited to give away, only to realize no one is there to receive it at that particular moment.

Looking back, I can see places where I have poured effort into things that simply weren't sustainable.

Recognizing that is hard.

And while I am still putting in the work, I’m also choosing to coast with what has already been put into place. It can be intimidating to sit in the quiet and wonder if inspiration will be there when I’m ready for it. But I also know that real inspiration can’t be forced.

My practice is a constant reminder that only I can determine my worth. We cannot view our personal value through the lens of a culture that treats everything as replaceable. No, that's not a personal attack, but a truth we have all felt at some point.

I have always shown up and taught from a place of being exactly where I am in life. Just the truth. And the reality of this work is that whether there are twenty people on the mats or just one, if a message is real, you never know who needs to receive it.

In fact, I’ve come to realize that some of my most rewarding experiences have been through the most intimate ones. There is something special about creating connection with someone new, or having a safe and less crowded space to nurture and promote real vulnerability.

To those of you who have been there—whether you have been the *one* or part of twenty—thank you for showing up and being the reason why.

Because of you, I keep creating, planning, and moving with love and deep intention. The care put into the work still has meaning, even in the quiet.

So, here I am 6 months into this Seek Up Yoga thing. 

I’m still showing up—

grounded, steady, and ready for whatever comes next.

As for you, where are you choosing patience over progress?

Keep Seeking Up

-Amy