If you want something to change, change something. Yoga reminds us that it’s important to honor ourself, which includes recognizing emotions and being honest when something hurts or disappoints us. But we don’t need to stay too long in our discomfort. We have the power to change, our perception as well as out outer experience.

When you are in a yoga pose or sitting at work, and something hurts, do you stay and gut it out? Or do you adjust something, like taking a breath, using a prop, or modifying your position? When we recognize discomfort in our practice, we consider our options and make an important change. Discomfort and pain in life are no different; we can acknowledge discomfort and still take action to move ourself out of it.

There is a big difference between being present with something, and wallowing. Wallowing is hopeless and victimizing. Wallowing for too long pulls us further into a place of guilt, shame, and self-loathing, and it’s hard to see a way out. Of course you can give yourself space to feel your feelings. You don’t need to rush being present and tuned into where you are right now. But there should be a kind and loving intention behind the acknowledgment of yourself. You can own your experience as well as your responsibility to take action.

During any period of discomfort, there should be an awareness of your greatness; you might feel sad or lost right now, but you also know you are capable. You know you are strong. You know this painful spot might be motivating you to take brave action.

Unlike wallowing, which makes us feel helpless, a healthy acknowledgment of emotions still allows us to feel empowered. If we want something to change, we don’t need to sit around and wait. We can change one small thing, be it a habit, an interaction, our schedule, or our environment. Our discomfort shows us where to adjust, and our love and kindness for ourself, helps us gently move to a new reality.