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. Yet, as yoga philosophy teaches, they are not just background details, they are the much-needed ground that allows change to take root.

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 – such as moving home or starting again in some way – can become calmer and more meaningful.

When you think about your own life, are you more energised by the big leaps forward or the smaller daily practices that keep you steady?

Why the small things matter: effort and ease – sthira and sukha

In yoga, there is a Sanskrit teaching that every posture should balance sthira (steadiness, strength, effort) with sukha (ease, softness, surrender). Too much effort and we strain. Too much ease and we collapse. The art lies in learning to hold both together.

I’ve come to see that life works the same way. The big moves ask for vision and drive, whether career shifts or house moves. But what sustains us day by day is the ability to soften into small, steady practices: moving the body, grounding with breath, pausing to notice nature, and keeping space for rest.

Where might you be holding too much effort right now? And where could you welcome in more ease?

Building awareness through mindfulness – smṛti

Coaching and consultancy often talk 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 embodying the changes we want to see. In yoga it’s believed that smṛti – mindful awareness of the body, breath, and mind – is the first step towards wise action and inner clarity.

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
• Building a small daily habit that steadies you while navigating wider change.

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

What small, grounding practices could help create clarity for you? 

Practice and letting go – abhyasa and vairagya

Another teaching speaks of abhyasa (consistent practice) and vairagya (release, surrender). These two qualities together create transformation. You show up, again and again, in small ways. You also let 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.

What would it look like to show up with steady practice in one area of your life right now, while also letting go of the need for immediate results?

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 coaching and moving support to create space for both reflection and practical action.

Yoga includes the ideas of seva (selfless service) and karuna (compassion), qualities that guide how we support others. Approaching change with presence and empathy can make transitions feel lighter and more meaningful.

Transitions can feel daunting, but they also hold the potential for growth. When change is navigated with intention the process itself can strengthen rather than deplete us.

What intentions would you like to set today, and how can you ground those intentions in daily practices?

Creating a sense of home, inside and out

We all carry agency: the ability to make choices, to change direction, to act. At the same time, we are part of something larger: nature, society, and whatever wider concept of life you hold. Balancing those truths can help us feel both grounded in the present and open to the future.

In yoga, there’s the teaching of santosha (contentment), the practice of finding peace and balance within the present. This mindset can help create a sense of home, inside and out, even amid transitions. That’s what I aim to provide when working with others: space for clarity, encouragement for action, and helping keep people steady 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 steady 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 nourishing 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?

Find out more about reflection and planning for life shifts or moving home support.