🎧 If you’d prefer to listen to this story, CLICK HERE to tune into the full podcast episode.

 Hello, beautiful soul!

Today, I want to share something that’s been unfolding for me lately—something that has completely transformed my relationship with my spiritual practice and, honestly, with myself.

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about capacity lately—about how to support myself in ways that feel nourishing and kind. I’ve realized that so often, I tend to push myself. I get caught up in the idea that I need to be doing more, achieving more, or following some set of guidelines to show I’m committed or disciplined. Whether it’s a 40-day devotional practice, or a personal goal I set, I’ve found myself stuck in a cycle of pushing until I burn out.

And let’s be honest—sometimes, it’s easy to get down on myself when things don’t go according to plan. I start to think, I’ve failed or I’ve sabotaged myself again. But lately, I’ve had a shift. This time, I decided to give myself a break. Instead of holding myself to the rigid structure I’ve often imposed, I gave myself permission to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

So, here’s the thing. I had committed to doing a 40-day devotional practice. But around the 6th or 7th day, I found myself skipping a day, feeling frustrated. Instead of pushing through, I paused and asked myself: “What’s going on here? How can I meet myself where I’m at, without shame or self-judgment?”

And that’s when the magic happened.

Instead of forcing myself to stick to a goal that wasn’t quite right for me at that moment, I redefined what success meant. I lowered the bar. I chose 10 days. I told myself, “If I can do 10 days, then that’s enough. If I need to take a break in between, that’s okay too.” And you know what? It felt SO much better.

The truth is, we all have limits—whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental capacity. I’ve learned that it’s okay to listen to those limits. Instead of pushing myself past what feels good, I’m honoring what my body, mind, and spirit are telling me. And when I did this, everything shifted. It became less about perfection and more about honoring the process, about being with myself, rather than punishing myself.

This shift also led me to reflect on something deeper. Something that had been calling me for a while. And that something was the desire to connect with my ancestors.

I had gathered pictures, set up an altar, and felt a yearning to connect with them, especially around the time of Día de los Muertos. Yet, despite the altar being beautifully prepared, I couldn’t fully welcome them in. There was something missing. It wasn’t until later that I realized—I hadn’t truly invited them into my devotional space. I was so focused on doing things "right" that I had missed the deeper connection that my soul was craving.

When I finally took the time to open my heart to my ancestors—truly welcoming them into my space and honoring them in my practice—it was like everything clicked. The connection was profound. I felt them there with me, guiding me, supporting me. And from that moment, my devotional practice shifted. It wasn’t just about me anymore. It became a practice of connection, of honoring those who came before me.

This experience helped me realize that devotional practice doesn’t need to be rigid. It doesn’t need to be a checklist or a rulebook. It needs to be alive, it needs to flow with where I am in my life. If that means 10 minutes today, or 40 minutes another day—so be it. It’s about honoring my capacity in the moment and listening to what feels good, rather than forcing myself into a mold that doesn’t fit.

This brings me to a point I really want to drive home: You are allowed to adapt your practices to meet your needs. Whether it’s spiritual practices, health goals, or personal commitments—if something feels too much, adjust it. Be gentle with yourself. In a world that often demands more, it’s crucial that we learn how to be kind to ourselves and offer the same compassion we would offer a loved one.

Life has its ebbs and flows, and that’s okay. Some days, you’ll have the energy and the resources to go all in. Other days, you may need rest. And that’s okay too. What matters is that you’re meeting yourself where you’re at, without guilt, without judgment.

For me, this has meant letting go of the idea of perfection and embracing the journey instead. I’ve also realized that this shift in how I treat myself—this kinder, more compassionate approach—has allowed me to show up more fully in my relationships, especially with my daughter. I find myself being more present with her, listening more deeply, and offering the same gentle support to myself that I give to her.

And you know what? It’s also inspired me to seek out the same qualities in others—especially in the mentors and coaches I choose to work with. I want to feel safe and supported by the people I invite into my life. I want to feel like they see me, like they understand where I’m coming from. And I want to bring that same safety, understanding, and compassion to the work I do with others.

As I reflect on all of this, I’m excited to share that I’m giving my devotional practice another go, this time with a gentler approach. I’m going to aim for 10 days, honoring my ancestors along the way. I’ll still do it my way—pulling cards, singing songs, sitting in quiet connection—and trusting that it’s enough.

If you’re reading this and feeling a little overwhelmed by the expectations you’ve placed on yourself, I encourage you to pause and check in. Ask yourself, What do I truly need right now? What does my body, mind, and soul need to feel supported, not overburdened? And remember, you are allowed to shift, to adjust, and to take things at your own pace. There’s no race. There’s no “right” way to do it.

Just be with yourself, and the rest will follow.

Sending you all so much love and encouragement as you walk your path, just as you are. 🌿

Feel free to share this blog if it resonates with you, or if you’ve been struggling with finding balance in your own life. You are not alone on this journey, and I’m so grateful to walk it with you!

🌿 Want to listen to this episode instead? You can catch it here:
👉 The Spiritually Embodied Leader Podcast – Episode Link

With love and light,
Cynthia 💛