Intelligent. Quick. Hardworking. Determined. Focused.

Sound familiar? 

Running around all day. Managing everyone and everything all day. Thinking a step ahead. Looking for the next solution.  

Then, when the stamina dwindles: You become relentless without purpose. Organizing what doesn't need organizing. Ignoring the signs for rest. Feeling uneasy when there's nothing to accomplish.

And now? More on the nose?

Well, I hope you said yes because this will be clever and maybe embarrassing because I just described the best dog breed ever - Border Collie. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC):

"The Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert, and responsive. An intense worker of great tractability, it is affectionate towards friends but may be sensibly reserved towards strangers. When approached, the Border Collie should stand its ground. It should be alert and interested, never showing shyness, fear, dullness or resentment."

—American Kennel Club, Border Collie Breed Standard

Yet I know a lot of humans who just read that and thought, wait... that's me.

We admire these qualities because they've helped us build careers, care for families, and accomplish difficult things. Overcome obstacles at record speeds. But when does "always on" become exhausting? 

When Lucky and I found each other, I quickly had to learn about his breed. I took the responsibility seriously as I am a great dog lover but was in a time-out from dog ownership. I was unfamiliar with the breed and what he would need. Turns out, I'd met my match.

Border Collies require stimulation. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time teaching him jobs and tricks. He helps clean up his toys, spins, leaps into my arms on command, and opens doors. This last one was a mistake to teach him.

As I dug in, I came across a warning of sorts that was all too relatable. Border Collies will work and work and work. They will not stop. They can actually exhaust themselves to dangerous health levels. Therefore, they require naps. Like a child in their terrible-twos, my new best friend was prescribed naps. As the devoted dog-mom I wanted to be, I then noticed when he was getting anxious and ah-ha, a nap was due. He is high energy, but man does he rest well. 

So, am I just writing this blog to show off how awesome my dog is? (Yes and no). I am saying, we have a lesson to learn here. We, too, react quickly to demands, aim to impress, are always on the go. Until when? Until you are barking up the wrong tree and running in circles chasing your own tail. YOU NEED A NAP. All caps. I mean it. You, too, need to pause. Wait….paws…

Taking time to breathe - like real time - not that huff of air you let out when you're pissed. Like, sitting still. Perhaps cross-legged. Perhaps dare I say in a Yin Yoga pose. Breathing. Clearing your mind. Grounding. 

Let’s take a note from our Border Collie friends and stop chasing everything that moves for just a little bit. And that time you take, that is for you to determine. What do you need? It could literally be 5 minutes of breath work, or 5 months from that stressful life thing keeping you on overdrive. 

Today I challenge you to a new trick - rest. It will take training. It will take repetition. It will take consistency. 

Share this with a friend who needs to hear it. I'm just getting started sharing these stories — no big offer yet, just honest reflections and a life that keeps humbling me. Follow along, and drop a DM on IG @yinhartyoga. I’m glad to cheer you on in your life quest and remind you to rest. 

More ways to connect in person

Evening Yin - Sundays at 4p. Idyllwild Yoga Festival - September 26

Who Am I?

I'm a lifelong overachiever, avid hiker, entrepreneur, and devoted dog-mom who spent almost 20 years in the corporate world before realizing planned rest was just what my calendar needed. A classic overthinker (and unapologetic Gemini), I found my way to Yin Yoga through a love of growth and challenging myself—and it changed how I move through life.

I now teach Yin for people who are always doing, always giving, and rarely stopping to check in with themselves. My approach is grounded and no-fluff, rooted in extensive study of Yin Yoga and Functional Anatomy (including training with Bernie Clark), with a focus on nervous system regulation and honoring each body's unique design.

I also lead workshops in anatomy and nervous system regulation, and run Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings throughout the year. Be a part of my community by joining one of my classes, workshops, or training.