yoga practice

Adapting Yoga for Recovery: My Post-Surgery Practice

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When the Mat Meets the Moment: How My Yoga Practice Is Evolving Through Surgery and Recovery

For years, yoga was my sanctuary—a sacred space where I found strength, flexibility, and healing. My mat traveled with me through seasons of growth, loss, celebration, and quiet introspection. But recently, that relationship has shifted. After multiple hip surgeries (with two more on the horizon), my yoga practice is no longer about pushing boundaries or mastering poses. It’s about listening, softening, and surrendering.

These days, my practice looks very different. It’s slower. It’s quieter. It often begins in a chair or even in bed. There are times when I simply breathe with intention or gently move my arms while seated. And you know what? It’s still yoga. In fact, it’s some of the most profound yoga I’ve ever experienced. The essence of the practice—presence, compassion, and connection—has only deepened.

This shift has humbled me in the most beautiful way. I’ve let go of what I thought yoga “should” look like and embraced what it needs to be for my body right now. Some days it’s breathwork. Other days, it’s lying in stillness and offering gratitude for what my body can do. It’s become a dialogue between me and my healing—not a performance.

In my new YouTube video, I’m sharing a glimpse into this evolving journey—how I’m adapting my practice to meet my body where it is and finding peace in the process. Whether you’re healing, aging, or simply rethinking what yoga means to you, I hope this encourages you to honor your practice in whatever form it takes.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Starting a Home Yoga Practice

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Starting a home yoga practice can be a transformative journey for your mind, body, and spirit. Starting a yoga practice at home also offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.  However, like starting anything, it can be scary and uncertain. By understanding a few tips to get started, you can begin with a little more knowledge and courage.

Here are some tips for beginners:

1. Set Your Intentions

  • Decide why you want to practice yoga (e.g., stress relief, flexibility, strength, or mindfulness).
  • Keep your goals realistic and focus on enjoying the process.

2. Start Small and Simple

  • Begin with shorter sessions (10-20 minutes) and gradually increase duration.
  • Focus on basic poses like Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, Warrior I, and Cat-Cow.

3. Choose the Right Style

  • Explore styles like Hatha (gentle and beginner-friendly), Vinyasa (flow-based), or Yin (deep stretches).
  • Experiment with different classes or teachers to find what resonates with you.

4. Create a Comfortable Space

  • Set up a quiet, clutter-free area with enough room to stretch and move.
  • Use props like a yoga mat, blocks, and straps to support your practice.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

  • Choose clothing that allows free movement and doesn’t restrict your breathing.

6. Listen to Your Body

  • Avoid pushing yourself into pain; yoga is about progress, not perfection.
  • Use modifications as needed and honor where your body is each day.

7. Practice Breathing Techniques

  • Focus on deep, steady breathing (like Ujjayi breath) to calm your mind and enhance your practice.
  • Pair your breath with your movements for a meditative flow.

8. Stay Consistent

  • Try to practice regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes daily.
  • Consistency is key to building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

9. Seek Guidance

  • Consider joining a beginner’s yoga class or using online videos/tutorials.
  • A qualified instructor can ensure proper alignment and provide personalized tips.

10. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

  • Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small progress and enjoy the learning process.
  • Remember, everyone’s practice looks different—focus on your unique path.

Check out these additional tips for beginning a home yoga practice. If you don’t think you have the perfect space, maybe this article will help you get started!

Here are five basic styles of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits:

1. Hatha Yoga

  • Focus: A gentle introduction to yoga postures and breathing techniques.
  • Best For: Beginners or those looking for a slower-paced practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Combines physical poses (asanas) with breathing (pranayama).
    • Emphasizes balance, alignment, and mindfulness.

2. Vinyasa Yoga

  • Focus: Flowing movements synchronized with breath.
  • Best For: Those who enjoy dynamic, dance-like sequences.
  • Key Features:
    • Smooth transitions between poses.
    • Often set to music, creating an energetic atmosphere.

3. Ashtanga Yoga

  • Focus: A structured sequence of poses performed in a specific order.
  • Best For: People who enjoy discipline and a physically demanding practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Follows a set series of poses.
    • Builds strength, flexibility, and stamina.

4. Yin Yoga

  • Focus: Deep stretching and relaxation, targeting connective tissues.
  • Best For: Those seeking stress relief, flexibility, and a meditative experience.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held, passive poses (2-5 minutes).
    • Encourages stillness and introspection.

5. Restorative Yoga

  • Focus: Deep relaxation and stress relief through passive, supported poses.
  • Best For: Those seeking rest, recovery, and a calming practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held poses (5-20 minutes) with extensive use of props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks.
    • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation and healing.

Check out this for more on several styles of Yoga

If you are ready to experience gentle yoga virtually, check out my new online weekly LIVE class! All Fromm the comfort of your own home!

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

With over seventeen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Beginner Yoga

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For newcomers, yoga serves as a gentle introduction to holistic health and wellness. Starting with basic poses and breathing exercises sets the stage for more advanced practices and lifelong benefits. Practicing beginner yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it can positively impact your life:

Physical Benefits

  1. Improves Flexibility
    • Yoga stretches the muscles gently, increasing range of motion over time.
  2. Builds Strength
    • Basic poses like Warrior and Plank engage muscles, helping to tone and strengthen.
  3. Enhances Balance
    • Poses like Tree Pose improve stability and coordination.
  4. Boosts Posture
    • Focus on alignment helps counteract slouching and improve spinal health.
  5. Increases Energy Levels
    • Gentle movements and deep breathing can combat fatigue and increase vitality.
  6. Promotes Better Sleep
    • Relaxation techniques calm the nervous system, improving sleep quality.
  7. Supports Joint Health
    • Yoga moves the joints through their full range of motion, reducing stiffness.
  8. Aids Digestion
    • Twisting poses and mindful breathing can stimulate the digestive system.

Mental Benefits

  1. Reduces Stress
    • Mindful breathing and relaxation techniques lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
  2. Increases Focus
    • Yoga teaches concentration by focusing on breath and movement.
  3. Promotes Mindfulness
    • Encourages living in the present moment, enhancing awareness and gratitude.
  4. Improves Mental Clarity
    • Regular practice can help clear mental clutter, improving decision-making and creativity.

Emotional Benefits

  1. Enhances Mood
    • Yoga releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing feelings of anxiety or depression.
  2. Builds Self-Confidence
    • Achieving poses and practicing self-compassion can boost confidence and self-esteem.
  3. Develops Patience
    • Learning to hold poses and practice regularly teaches patience and persistence.
  4. Fosters Emotional Resilience
    • Yoga encourages letting go of negative emotions, creating space for calm and positivity.

Holistic Health Benefits

  1. Improves Breathing
    • Breathing exercises (pranayama) strengthen the lungs and improve oxygen flow.
  2. Supports Immune System
    • Stress reduction and improved circulation can enhance immunity.
  3. Balances Hormones
    • Yoga can help regulate the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance.
  4. Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle
    • Yoga often inspires better habits, including mindful eating and regular exercise.

Join Me!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to get first access to Yoga for Beginner’s series that is coming soon!

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With over seventeen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Ten Books Every Yoga Practitioner Must Read

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There are so many good Yoga books out there and most people who are serious about their practice, or who teach Yoga have quite a collection of books. Most Yoga teacher trainings also have a requirement of reading some books during the training but I have found as time goes on the collection grows into more personal choices.

These are the top ten books I believe anyone who practices or teaches Yoga needs to have on their bookshelf.

  1. The Inspired Yoga Teacher. This gem of a book is a must for all people who love to practice, even if you aren’t a teacher. It is packed with great suggestions for how to take Yoga off the mat (or the chair) and live the principles and philosophies that make this discipline so good.
  2. Polishing the Mirror-How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart. This book is not a “Yoga” book but instead of beautiful collection of wisdom that will help you live from the heart. It is just a must.
  3. The Yoga Mind. This is the book that I believe will change your mind the most that Yoga is not just a physical practice, or worse and exercise. This will help you see that Yoga is a way of living and is suitable for ALL people.
  4. Anatomy of the Spirit-The Seven Stages of Power and Healing. Another choice that is not per se a “Yoga” book but instead a book that can easily become a manual or guide for living your best life. This read will dive deep into parts of you that you may not even knew existed. The audio version is amazing, too.
  5. The Practice is the Path. This book will help anyone with the mind-body connection that Yoga helps to encourage. This book will depend your spirituality and learn how the practice plays a critical part in the journey of the spirit.
  6. Living the Sutras-A Guide to Yoga Wisdom beyond the Mat. Most books that attempt to make easy sense of the Sutras are still hard to apply to everyday life. This little book is the perfect tool for applying the Yoga principles to everyday life.
  7. Living Your Yoga-Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life. This book will stretche the meaning of yoga beyond its familiar poses and breathing techniques to include the events of daily life as ways to practice. A must for taking Yoga into every aspect of your life.
  8. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. One of the hardest parts of personal growth is accepting who you are. When it comes to teaching, or even practicing Yoga, we tend to live in a space of comparison. This is such a great book to stop that and start living authentically.
  9. Wheels Of Life – A User’s Guide To The Chakra System. This in-depth book will help you understand the powerful energy that exists as part of every human being. Not only will you learn about yourself, you will be more aware others and develop a deeper understanding of differences.
  10. Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom. This book brings readers this new and more complete understanding of the yogic journey. In reading this you may learn how to  integrate the different parts of the self (body, emotions, mind, and soul), the role that the yoga postures and how breathing techniques play in our search for wholeness.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

About Stacie

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.

The Final Quarter

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Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…. then better yourself.

It’s been a little quiet on here since I have been swamped with teaching, gardening, and I also completed a 30 days of yoga series this month.

We are headed into the final quarter of the year and I find it’s a good time to reflect on your beginning of the year visions and see how they have evolved and what I can do in the final stretch to reach them.

I set out the year with a quest to be more vulnerable. Part of me starting an online yoga teacher forum group was to open my self up to not only questions and connection, but also to open myself up to criticism and accountability. My teaching style in assisted living settings, may be much different than what one might think of when we think of adaptive Yoga.

Just this week alone some of the time I spent in assisted living was holding hands with a lonely 92-year-old woman, and helping her take her hands down to her toes for a stretch. I also rubbed the feet of a 57-year-old man with a terminal disease.

Is that yoga? I believe with 100% certainty that it is.

This year I also opened to myself up to finding someone to partner with me and shadow me to learn how to apply the principles of yoga, without such a strong focus on asana, to those unique settings. As I wait for that person to arrive in my life, I continue to serve and love each day doing it.

What will you do in these final few months of 2023 to come closer to your vision?

How can I support you?

Seeking Yoga Teachers

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There are some awesome heart centered Yoga teachers out there that are tired of the high focus on the physical form that our western culture emphasizes. They also have the heart to touch the lives of unique individuals.

I am seeking those Yoga teachers.

When I began my own personal practice of yoga I was doing it for all the reasons many of us do–increase flexibility, get leaner and stronger, and stretch the tight muscles. What I discovered in the process of learning and doing all of that is the true essence of Yoga–which is union; with myself and with others.

It was also at this time that I was embarking on a self-discovery quest that lead me down many paths, and ultimately opened some amazing doors for my own personal growth.

I had dove deep into my soul and realized that I am here to do great things and in order to do that, I had A LOT of healing in my heart to do. (A recent podcast explains it all). When I found the space in my heart that anger no longer was consuming, I filled it with life changing love.

Hustling

I have been hustling in and out of assisted living, rehab centers and group homes for over thirteen years, specializing in people with brain injuries. It is the most rewarding work I can ever imagine. It is SO needed in every community.

Let’s team up

I want to share this very special population with YOU so that you can go into your communities and feel confident teaching Yoga to individuals with disabilities.

I am currently taking applications for adaptive yoga teacher mentorship. Learn more!

Together we can do so much more.

Learn More
Embracing Spirit Yoga

Personal Yoga Practice

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I get asked a lot about my personal practice. The assumption might be that I am always on my mat in my gorgeous studio.I do practice Yoga everyday. But, the Truth is I unroll my mat mostly when I feel a disconnection.

I come to my mat to feel…to nurture my body…to connect with my sensations. I don’t practice asana (postures) everyday. Having a Yoga practice doesn’t have to be physical.

So yes…I practice everyday, but I come to my mat when I need to plug into my soul, and connect my physical body to that beautiful place inside.

You don’t “do yoga”. You are Yoga….Become Yoga…leave the “doing” for something else.

If you are wanted to learn the deeper aspects the practice of Yoga, I would love to chat with you. Send me a message and we will connect.

Home Yoga Practice

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One of the most common things I hear from people who really want to start yoga is that they feel they have no discipline when it comes to a home practice. Believe me, I get it. I have struggled my whole time as a yogi and yoga teacher to have a consistent home practice. It seems we can come up with a zillion reasons/excuses as to why it’s impossible–no real place to practice, too many distractions, no privacy, and most common is lack of motivation.

Truth is all of those things can be overcome with some simple steps to hold yourself accountable.

After all, we all know how valuable a consistent yoga and meditation practice is, otherwise we wouldn’t be dying to get back to the studio for the classes that were on the schedule, right? Many of us are now working from home and our practice is suffering when instead, there are a few simple things to do to get back to the mat, at home.

Here are five ways to overcome the excuses and develop a solid home practice.

  1. Set a schedule. If you are used to heading to the gym or studio for a Tuesday morning yoga class at 10am, then carve out the same time slot. Block it out in your calendar, set a timer, tell your family that hour is off-limits, and stick to it. Show up on time just as you would for the class at the gym but without the commute! Try for twice a week and watch what begins to happen.
  2. Choose a space. Let’s face it, not everyone is going to have a perfectly zen area in their home dedicated to yoga. No worries! You just need a space that is open enough to feel comfortable on your mat and perhaps a door to close. Light a candle, burn some incense or diffuse your favorite essential oils, and unroll your mat. Keep this space free of clutter, work items, and household chores like laundry to fold. Create a place that feels good, but let go of the idea that in order to practice it has to be perfect.
  3. Set boundaries. I love that yoga is called a practice because it truly does help us to see how we can apply the things we learn on the mat to our everyday life. Like boundaries. Decide first and foremost that you are worth it and then let your family know that you are giving yourself one precious hour. Feed your dogs and cats prior to practice and lock them out of the space or put them in a kennel–they will survive an hour without you. Turn off your phone. Yes, turn OFF your phone. If these things are hard for you, then revisit your worthiness and try again.
  4. Commit. Remember the first few times after you started to “get” this practice? You know, when your mind and your body came together into harmony and you started to feel something shift? Revisit that. Feel it. Does it really take a class on a schedule, in a germy gym with a bunch of strangers to motivate you? How about instead the physical health that you are developing? The reduction of stress your body is receiving? The peaceful state of being that your spirit feels? That should be plenty of motivation.
  5. It’s a practice. Remember, yoga is a practice not a perfection. Give your self some grace and try again. Any habit takes time to develop. Some say a new habit takes 21 days. How about trying 4-weeks of coming to the mat twice a week and see if you don’t develop a solid home practice that is based on self-love and cultivating a sense of self without the need to leave the sanctuary of your home.

The added bonus to all of this is that you will teach others around you the value of self-love and they just might see the peacefulness in you and make some changes themselves. It is after all a practice for the self, but it becomes selfless in how it enhances the lives of others as well. That is the ripple effect that we love to discover while on the mat.

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Preparing the Soil

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I think of early March as a time to prepare for growth. To toil the ground and prepare ourselves for deep growth.  I also love spring and the symbolism it represents.  It is during the spring time that we often think of beginnings, newness, and growth.  For some, this is a great time to begin to cultivate your “soil” to soon plant seeds of intention. One way to do this is to write down anything in your life you wish to increase–friendships, health, abundance or joy, are just a few ideas.  Be clear with your visions as this brings life to your “seeds”.

Next, it is so important to prepare your inner “soil” by eliminating and removing the old and now transpired blossoms of last year.  The memories of past that have come and go and no longer as vibrant as they were just a few short months ago. When we invest time in preparing ourselves for a season of growth (no matter what time of year, really) we must start with cleaning up the areas so that we are open to allow space for growth. When we spend time doing this we are investing time into right now.  We are dirtying our hands with the fertile soil that awaits.

As you do this, become aware of the subtle changes in Nature during this time of the year.  You might see the peeking of crocus bulbs emerging from the hardened winter ground.  Watch as the trees begin to grow tiny nubs that will soon break into full leaves.  Listen as the birds start to make song in the early mornings and the air has a scent of newness.  Use all of your senses to experience what is happening around you.

As we connect with Nature we also connect with ourselves. We realize that we too, are ever-changing and growing beings.  We can set the seeds of intention and begin to nurture and cultivate what we wish to have grown in our lives.

This month in my classes we will be exploring cleansing postures to eliminate the old and make space for new.  We will also be looking at ways our bodies can twist and unwind to come fully into the now.

Here is to growing, less pain, more joy and flourishing!  Happy Spring and while you are preparing your soul for growth it is never a bad idea to get your hands dirty in Mother Earth, either.

Learn more about this powerful process in this short video! 

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