Flexibility is essential for health.

One thing I've learned since moving to Italy is that flexibility, not only physical but also mental, is essential for health.

When I was in clinic, I would regularly encourage and instruct my patients in stretches that would help them optimize their healing, and it required commitment on their part. The same was true with my pregnant patients--to practice different stretches and postures to help their body adapt to pregnancy and prepare for birth.

The key is that flexibility is attained through continual practice and patience (gross). I suck at patience. But if you can't touch your toes, ripping your hamstrings to touch them in one day isn't the point of flexibility. Instead, its better to spend 5 minutes every day inching your way a bit closer to your toes. If you practice this with intention and consistency, you'll reach your toes in no time and with little injury.

The same is true for the mind. To have a flexible mindset, we need to practice in small steps, with patience and deep breaths. It takes time and some grace for yourself. But with little injury, you'll be adapting to life's challenges.

Flexibility matters. It keeps our body adaptable, it keeps our mind from getting stuck within an ever shrinking box.

I'm flexible enough as it is, Leah!

Well, okay then. When was the last time plans were changed on you that threw your entire week into a tailspin?

When was the last time you had to figure out how you were going to put your socks or shoes on because your back, or knees, or ankles, or shoulders were stiff or hurting?

Flexibility requires paying attention to our body. It asks us to look at what we are doing every day and see where we're stuck, where we're getting lost in the process and not getting the results we want. Mental flexibility requires training just like touching your toes does.

Where is flexibility lacking in your life? How can you change this?

First, try this:

Get clear on where you need to be more flexible.

Do you need to increase flexibility in your body? Where? What does increased flexibility look like?

Would you like to improve the flexibility and adaptability of your mind? In what ways? Do you want to be kinder? Do you need to practice better boundaries?

Get clear and precise.

Once you are clear on what you want to change, get clear on what you need to make this change happen. Do you need accountability? Do you need ideas on how you can practice this?

Set smaller goals that you can meet daily. Instead of starting up a 90 day yoga routine that lasts an hour each day, pick 2 poses that you can practice for 10 minutes.

Yes, I know it sounds like too little too late. I'm definitely an all or nothing kind of person, so I get that small things can seem insignificant, but, I promise you they pay off.