Let Go of Comparison: A Gentle Yoga Practice for Midlife Women

Are you a woman in midlife who has ever said, "I'm not flexible enough for yoga"? Or maybe you’ve felt self-conscious in a class because you didn't look like the person next to you. If so, you're not alone. The comparison trap is a common obstacle on the yoga mat and in life that can chip away at our self-worth.

But here's the truth: yoga isn't about what you do, it's about how you feel. It's not about mimicking the person on the mat next to you or mirroring a teacher on your screen. It’s about listening to your body and discovering what feels good to you.

This gentle, free-flow yoga practice is designed to help you release the need for comparison and empower you to move in a way that is uniquely yours.

Your Midlife Yoga Mantra

Before we begin, choose a simple, positive affirmation to repeat throughout the practice. This mantra will serve as a gentle reminder that you are doing enough and that your practice is perfect just the way it is.

Choose one of these short, powerful affirmations:

• I am doing enough.

• This is my yoga.

• I am here.

As we move, you can repeat your chosen mantra with each exhale. Say it out loud or to yourself—whatever feels most comfortable.

A Free-Flow Practice to Release Comparison

This is a standing practice so that you can do it anywhere: your kitchen, living room, or even your office. The style is a free-flow vinyasa, meaning we'll move through a basic sequence with the freedom to explore it in your own way. You can go as fast or as slow as you like, making the movements big or small. The goal is to move intuitively, not perfectly.

The sequence:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand with your feet about hip-width apart. This creates a stable base, allowing you to evenly distribute your weight. Keep a soft bend in your knees, soften your gaze, or close your eyes. Bring your hands to your sides with palms facing forward, or bring them together at your heart. Take a moment to connect with your affirmation.

2. Inhale: Sweep your arms up to the sky.

3. Exhale: Lower your elbows into cactus arms. Think about bringing your shoulder blades together and lifting your heart.

4. Inhale: Reach your arms back up.

5. Exhale: Hinge at your hips and fold forward.

6. Inhale: Rise halfway up, creating a long spine. Place your hands on your shins or toes.

7. Exhale: Soften and fold forward.

8. Inhale: Press into your feet to rise all the way up, reaching your hands to the sky.

9. Exhale: Return to Mountain Pose.

Repeat this sequence at your own pace. You can take a full breath with each movement, or linger in a specific pose for several breaths if it feels comfortable. You can keep your feet hip-width apart or take a wider stance, whatever makes you feel grounded and stable. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

After the Practice

As you finish, take a moment to pause. With your eyes soft or closed, simply notice the sensations in your body and observe how you feel. There's nothing to fix or change, just a quiet moment to be present.

This practice is an invitation to let go of the need for perfection. By moving in a way that feels good to you, you are honoring your body and your intuition, which is the heart of a truly transformative yoga practice.

Practice with Viviane: Watch the Full Video

Ready to try this free-flow practice in real time with Viviane? Watch the full guided video and move along with her as she explains the poses and holds the space for you to explore.

Click here to watch the full YouTube video: Let Go of Comparison

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That’s it from me!

See you next time, and until then, take good care.

–Viviane