We don’t move toward flexibility in life—we move toward tension, brittleness, and restriction.
The more time we invest in stretching and mobility work, the more we move in the opposite direction.
The same is true with our inner states.
The default is to move toward tension, stress, and chaos.
The more time we invest in meditating, writing, and reflecting—the more we move in the opposite direction.
The other reason I love this analogy is because the same steady discomfort you feel while doing deep stretching is the same kind of steady tension you might feel in your mind while doing deep inner work.
The goal shouldn’t be to force the stretch to the point of agony or injury. The goal should be to find a place of tension that’s uncomfortable, but bearable—one that is sustainable.
Because the real benefit of stretching and inner work comes not from quick, sporadic sessions… but from steady, extended ones.
You won’t find inner peace after a few inner works sessions just like you won’t achieve a full split after a few stretching sessions.
But, with patience and a firm resolve… you just might move in that direction. And any inner peace gained, just as any flexibility gained, is always a win. This is the path.