Tessa Spring

From moving home to everyday routines

Some of us thrive on the big changes life throws at us. I’ve personally always enjoyed the big things, whether tackling a fresh challenge or starting new projects in varied fields. I feel energised by new experiences, broadening my perspective and finding creative ways to bridge divides and solve problems.

However, I also love the smaller rhythms of life: daily walks, time in nature, eating well, and regular yoga practice. But the vision and drive for big projects can easily pull me into tunnel vision, and those grounding habits are the first to get neglected. In yoga, they’re not background details but part of what helps us stay balanced through change.

It can be tempting to think of the small things as optional extras – nice to haves when there’s time. But without them, change can feel unmoored. With them however, even the most disruptive transition periods of change can feel more manageable.

Why the small things matter: effort and ease

Yoga follows the principle that every posture should balance steadiness and effort, with ease and rest. Too much effort and we strain, while too much ease and we collapse. The skill lies in holding both together.

Life often works the same way. The big moves ask for vision and drive, whether career shifts or house moves. But what sustains us day-to-day is the ability to return to small habits that help create a sense of balance: moving the body, breathing slowly, pausing to notice nature, and keeping time for rest.

Building awareness through mindfulness

Change and strategic work often involve thinking about solutions, actions and outcomes but part of the work is also building awareness: noticing what grounds us and helps us think clearly, while also making changes in everyday life. With yoga, it’s believed that mindful awareness of the body, breath, and mind is the first step towards clearer thinking and considered decisions.

In practice, that might look like:

• Taking a walk before making a big decision
• Pausing to reflect on what “home” really means before moving house
• Having a small daily habit that you find grounding while navigating wider change.

These habits help us think more clearly, act with confidence, and stay connected to our own values and sense of agency.

Practice and letting go

Another principle is about consistency, as well as release and surrender. Together these habits can gradually change how we cope with uncertainty. You show up, again and again, in small ways, while also letting go of the need to control every outcome, trusting the bigger picture.

That rhythm between action and surrender is just as important off the yoga mat. It can be seen in how we approach change: showing up for the tasks and responsibilities, while also letting go of the pressure to have it all figured out at once.

Supporting others through change

Through helping friends and clients, I’ve discovered a skill in supporting people with big life changes in a way that honours their wellbeing, whether moving home, starting again or rethinking priorities. My work combines making space for both reflection and practical action, whether for a life shift or home move,

Approaching change with presence and empathy for both ourselves and others can make transitions feel lighter and more meaningful.

Transitions can feel daunting but they can also help us reassess what matters and how we want to live. When change is navigated with intention, the process itself can strengthen rather than deplete us.

Creating a sense of home, inside and out

Even during uncertain periods, we still have the ability to make choices, adjust direction and alter aspects of how we live. Small routines and grounding habits can help create a greater sense of stability through change and feel more open to the future.

One of the ideas within yoga is learning to work with the present moment rather than constantly pushing beyond it. This mindset can help create a sense of home, inside and out, even amid transitions. That’s what I aim to support when working with others: space for clarity, encouragement for action, and helping people feel calm through change.

Lessons from experience

I know I’ll always be drawn to the energy of big change. It’s part of who I am. At the same time, I’ve learned that grounding habits are what keep me balanced and clear-headed. Without them, even the best ideas and boldest moves can feel unsustainable.

Having a daughter has deepened this awareness. Parenthood, alongside my own health challenges, has taught me how vital the small, daily rhythms are. They give us a sense of home, belonging, and resilience. Change is not just about reaching the next milestone but about building a life that feels sustainable and manageable along the way.

What small practices help you feel most like yourself? How can you make space for them, even when life feels busy or change feels all-consuming?