Upgrade Your Life!
We’ve all heard, and likely used, the phrases “upgrade” and “downgrade” in our conversations. Over this summer I’ve been thinking about what it means to “downgrade” in particular.
We’ve become a “bigger is better” society. We’ve become a society who, for the most part, is ok with increasing debt in exchange for the “upgrade”. I understand that sometimes we go back to go forward. We invest our resources now for what we want later. However, let’s admit it has become an unfair trade for most people. Once we begin working most of us must invest 8hrs + a day, for 25-30yrs into building up our lives with the hope the last 1/3 of it can be lived well.
By the way, this investment doesn’t promise the outcome we want, not even close! Not only does it not promise the lifestyle we want now or wish to close our life in. But we also are not promised time. Period. The means to the end, could end at any time.
And here’s the real kicker! In many cases the upgrade we are working so hard to achieve or hold, I believe now is false. Here’s what I believe are the real upgrades in life:
- Owning less and appreciating what you own more. It simplifies choices, reduces clutter, and there’s a lot less “where the hell did I put that?” because when you’re surrounded by less, it’s just easier to find what you need.
- Smaller space? Less to clean, more time outside. The size of your house usually dictates how much you collect. But if your space is small you can’t collect – there’s nowhere for it to go. Also, you can tidy and clean your space in no time. Here’s the other consideration, if you have a small space, you are more likely to go outside and enjoy your city streets, or nature.
- Experiences win every time. Try upgrading your life by getting out and living it! Find experiences you love, big or small, and add them to your annual list. Rather than “upgrading” your phone this year, maybe there’s something else calling you. Hot air balloon ride anyone?
- More time? Get social. Getting social with friends or family can be as simple as a walk in the park – literally. We need connection to thrive. Put some of your extra time into friends and family.
- Doing less. This one took a long time to sink in – it’s still a work in progress. But, upgrading your life to include the time to do less is important. You need time to rest and be with yourself.
By simplifying our life, our space, and what we feel we need we can open up the opportunity for new experiences, new people, and the time to get to know ourselves.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Asana Practice: Let’s upgrade our practice by focusing simplicity and taking in each breath.
Open with your breath awareness in any pose that grounds you. Take that breath into:
Downward Facing Dog > Standing Forward Fold > Upward Salute > Standing Forward Fold > Runner’s Lunge > Standing Forward Fold > Half Standing Forward Fold > Warrior II > Runner’s Lunge > Standing Forward Fold > Begin back in Downward Facing Dog and move to the other side.
Close your practice in stillness, if meditation is in your practice take the time. If not, find the pose that allows you the most stillness,
Journaling Suggestion: I read this today, if you had only 20mins to write down everything that was important to you and anything you left out was lost forever, what would be on that list? Name specific people, places, items – you must be specific! Take out your timer and see what lands on your list. There’s a place to start for what and how is most important in your life. (Credit to author Deena Metzger, “Writing for Your Life”)
Join us on the floor. If the 200HR Yoga Teacher Training is an experience you’ve been thinking about… Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training beginning January 2026, and become a Certified Yoga Teacher. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
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With gratitude,
-Stephanie