Hello, my Seekers of Sanity,
We’re taught to be good.
Good student. Good friend. Good leader. Good woman.
But somewhere along the way, “good” can start to feel like a trap.
Performing goodness is exhausting.
It’s different from living with integrity.
It’s about managing how we’re seen—not staying aligned with who we are.
This week, I’ve been thinking about what happens when we stop trying to be “good”
and start getting real instead.
This Week’s Tiny Sparks of Sanity ✨
Small ways to stay grounded, mindful, and present this week:
🧠 Authentic Leadership Tip: Lead with Presence, Not Performance
Why it matters:
Strong leaders project confidence and clarity—but not because they’re performing for approval.
That’s the difference between executive presence and people-pleasing.
How to practice:
Prepare because it builds trust—not because you’re afraid of being seen as “not enough.”
Notice when you’re shaping your message to communicate clearly vs. contorting yourself to be liked.
Try this check-in before a meeting:
“Am I grounded in purpose, or chasing approval?”
✨ Executive presence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being composed, intentional, and aligned.
🧘 Yoga Pose of the Week: Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Why it matters:
This heart-opening backbend helps release postural tension and encourages emotional openness without collapse. It’s about trusting yourself enough to stay open.
How to practice:
Kneel on your mat with knees hip-width apart, tops of the feet pressing down.
Place your hands on your lower back with fingers pointing down, elbows hugging inward.
Inhale, lift your chest and gently press your hips forward.
Optionally, reach your hands back to your heels—only if your lower back feels supported.
Keep your head in line with your spine or gently let it drop back.
Breathe deeply into the front body. Rise slowly to come out.
Modification for accessibility:
Use blocks: Place yoga blocks next to your ankles and rest your hands on them instead of reaching for your heels. This reduces strain on the lower back and shoulders.
Tuck your toes: Elevating your heels by tucking your toes under can make it easier to reach them.
Keep hands on lower back: For a gentler version, keep your hands on your lower back throughout the pose, focusing on lifting through the chest without leaning back too far.
✨ Camel pose asks you to stay open—even when it feels vulnerable.
🌿 Mindfulness Practice: Notice the “Should”
Why it matters:
“Should” is often a sign we’re operating from external approval instead of internal alignment.
But recognizing that gives us a choice.
How to practice:
When you hear yourself say “I should…” pause.
Ask: “Is this coming from alignment or approval?”
If it’s approval:
Get curious instead of critical. Ask: “What do I actually want here?”
Try: “If I didn’t need to prove anything, would I still choose this?”
Then either recommit with intention—or gently let it go.
✨ Awareness gives you options. You don’t have to be ruled by “shoulds.”
🍎 Wellness Tidbit: Schedule Rest—Even If You Didn’t “Earn” It
Why it matters:
Last week, we talked about scheduling joy like a meeting.
This week, let’s take it one step deeper: schedule rest.
Because rest isn’t something you “deserve” only after productivity.
It’s part of a sustainable rhythm.
How to practice:
Block off 30–60 minutes this week for intentional rest.
Make it non-negotiable—even if you didn’t finish everything.
Let it be guilt-free. Lie down. Listen to music. Sit in silence. Do nothing.
✨ You don’t have to be exhausted to earn rest. You just have to be alive.
🌸 This Week’s Delight:
The first lilacs bursting open—loud with fragrance, unbothered by whether anyone is watching.
They just bloom.
Delightfully,
Lena