Resting in Enoughness: Yoga and Mindfulness Practices to Release Striving

allisson2
Sep 21
2 min read

Ambition can be a wonderful motivator, but when it turns into endless striving, it can leave us depleted, stressed, and disconnected from the present. The yogic principle of Santosha, or contentment, encourages us to find balance: to release the pressure to do more and rest in the truth that we are already enough.

Our guiding mantra for this practice is:

💛 “I release striving and rest in enoughness.”

This mantra is a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and give yourself permission to be. Below are practices to embody this principle both on and off the mat.

On the Mat: Restorative Yoga for Enoughness

When cultivating enoughness, the body can mirror this inner rest through restorative and supportive poses. Move slowly and mindfully, focusing on comfort rather than effort.

Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana)

Step one foot forward into a low lunge.
Sink the hips toward the mat without forcing depth.
Place hands on your front thigh or use blocks for support.
Focus on feeling supported rather than striving to go deeper.

Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

Bring one leg forward, extending the other behind.
Fold gently over your front leg or stay upright, allowing your hips to soften.
Inhale deeply into the hips, exhaling with the mantra: “I am already enough.”

Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Lie back, soles of the feet together and knees open.
Rest hands on heart and belly.
Close your eyes and allow the body to fully surrender to the mat.

Off the Mat: Daily Practices for Enoughness

Mindful Pauses: Throughout your day, pause to notice where you might be pushing too hard. Take three deep breaths and silently affirm: “I am enough.”
Simplify Your To-Do List: Pick one task to let go of or delegate. Notice the relief that comes from releasing pressure.
Gratitude Reflection: Each evening, write down one accomplishment or moment you fully embraced without striving.
Gentle Movement: Short walks, stretching, or restorative yoga in the evening can help the body release tension accumulated from constant effort.

Our mantra for the week is…

I release striving and rest in enoughness.

Our journaling prompts are…

Where in my life am I pushing too hard?
How would it feel to truly rest instead of striving?
What does “enoughness” look like in my daily routines?

And our meditation is…a breathwork meditation to release the sense of striving.

Visualization: Imagine placing each thought about “doing more” onto a floating cloud, letting it drift away with your breath.
Silently repeat your mantra: “I release striving and rest in enoughness.”
Practice 5–10 minutes, extending as long as feels nourishing.

Closing Reflection

Resting in enoughness is not about giving up or losing ambition—it’s about returning to a state of balance, acknowledging your efforts, and honoring the truth that you are already complete. Let this mantra guide your practice on the mat, in your breath, and in your life:

💛 “I release striving and rest in enoughness.”