A Yogaland Manifesto

And the importance of sharing our voice

I’ve been sensing myself getting in my own way lately.

Not sure if you’re aware, but Substack recently started a social feature that’s similar to Twitter, which they call Notes.

They keep emailing creators encouraging us to publish Notes and to give them feedback about Notes and every time I login I see other creators’ Notes and arggghhhh, this is exactly what I was trying to get away from! These teeny, tiny bits of content creation that “should” feel like nothing but are actually incredibly taxing on my time, my psyche, and my creativity. Maybe you can relate?

I’ve learned that it’s often small things that trigger my imposter syndrome. I imagine that imposter syndrome is a mischievous pixie lying in wait, rubbing her grubby little mitts together. When a trigger appears, she leaps out gleefully yelling, “I’m baaaaaaack!” After which, any small inhibition or hesitation I’ve unconsciously been harboring becomes a freshly cemented roadblock in my brain.

I imagine that my imposter syndrome is a mischievous pixie laying in wait, rubbing her grubby little mitts together. When a trigger appears, she leaps out gleefully yelling, “I’m baaaaaaack!”

I’ve spent years dancing with my imposter syndrome and it’s still a process of internal rumination until I find a way to lead my reluctant dance partner.

For a long time, I wasn’t even conscious of it; I just hid behind being an editor. Instead of sharing my own thoughts and opinions, I edited the words of experts.

I did the same when I started the podcast: I enjoyed researching topics and matching them to right expert. I still love doing that, but over the years I’ve realized that I have a voice and a point of view, too. And although it’s not easy for me, I’m trying to stop hiding.

I experience a lot of discomfort, internal questioning, and even creative blocks when trying to figure out what I have to contribute to the world when I’ve never fit neatly into a single box.

When I was a guest on someone’s podcast recently, one of her questions provoked this discomfort: She (very innocently) asked me when I had decided to make the podcast more “advice-based” and if this was Jason’s influence.

Internally, I bristled a bit. I perceived her question to mean that the podcast is less interesting now than it used to be because it’s often Jason and I discussing our thoughts about yoga and mindfulness.

Every once in awhile we get reviews on iTunes that say they wish I would go back to interviewing a different expert every week. There are sometimes comments that it’s “too much Jason.”

When I read these, I take a deep breath. I’ve been doing the podcast for eight years. It’s bound to change; I have to evolve as a creator or I’d go insane. And some people might not like the changes.

But, to be clear: For me, it’s not too much Jason 🤩 He is my partner in life and in yoga and Yogaland has become our place to share what we feel is vital, sustaining, and inspiring about the practice.

Also: It’s Jason who has encouraged me to share more of myself. He has spent years of his life reminding me that I “know as much as” whichever teacher I am interviewing that week. His intention is never to belittle other teachers, but to encourage me to take up space in the landscape, to own my expertise.

So. In the spirit of leading this dance with my imposter syndrome, I thought I’d spend some time defining and articulating my values and my mission for all of the content we create. I’ve been meaning to do this for a long time.

Here’s my first draft:

Yogaland endeavors to share the teachings of yoga and meditation so that practitioners can increase self-awareness, emotional regulation, compassion, and feelings of interconnectedness.

Our hope is that these practices will strengthen your body, illuminate your nervous system, and keep you emotionally resilient so that you have the agency to live your healthiest, most joyful life.

I hope this little ramble encourages you to dance with your imposter syndrome (and to find your lead).

XO,

Andrea