Trusting the Magic of the Moment

I’ve been teaching yoga for over 20 years, but it’s only recently, as I’ve found confidence in myself, that I’ve truly allowed my intuition, heart, and soul to guide not only me but my students, too.

I pour my heart into planning each term, crafting each series with intention, and shaping every weekly class with care. But no matter how much preparation goes into it, there are always those days when you step onto the mat, look around, and realise—today needs to be different.

The other day, I arrived with my lesson plan in mind, but before class even began, three of my twelve students mentioned they had an injury or a little niggle they wanted to be mindful of. At that moment, I had a choice—stick to my plan, make slight adjustments, or simply fly by the seat of my pants and trust my intuition.

I threw the plan out.

I have always taught from the heart, but this day was different. I taught not just with presence, but with love. I surrendered to the moment, allowed the energy of the room to guide me, and somehow, everything just flowed.

And the strange, magical thing? Every single student felt it. One by one, they told me, "It was exactly what I needed." "It felt like you knew what my body was asking for." "That was incredible."

How is that possible?

Is it possible to teach from a place of not knowing—to create something in the moment that meets every person on the mat exactly where they are?

I think, perhaps, it comes down to a little bit of self-belief. In trusting yourself enough to let go of the script. In being authentically you, in surrendering to the present moment, and in allowing just a little sprinkling of magic to do the rest.

And isn’t that the lesson we’re all learning—on and off the mat?

How often do we cling to the plan, convinced that if we just stick to the structure, everything will work out? How often do we override our intuition because we fear the unknown? But what if, instead of gripping so tightly, we softened? What if we trusted ourselves a little more?

Life—just like yoga—is unpredictable. Some days, things unfold exactly as expected. Other days, we’re met with unexpected challenges, shifts, and moments that ask us to let go. And sometimes, when we do—when we surrender control and step fully into the moment—we find exactly what we need.

So today, I invite you to reflect:

• Where in your life are you clinging to the plan, when maybe what’s needed is trust?

• Can you let go—even just a little—and lean into the wisdom of the present moment?

• What magic might unfold if you did?

I hope you find the courage to trust in yourself, in your path, and in the unseen beauty that’s waiting when you release the need to know.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful things happen when we fly by the seat of our pants.