Embracing uncertainty

As I write this, I find myself in a space of uncertainty—unsure whether I will still have my job at the university. The consultation period begins in May, leaving me in limbo for over a month. I try to stay positive and not dwell on the worst-case scenario, but my mind races with "what ifs." A pang of anxiety settles in my stomach, my first thought being: If I lose my job, how will I pay the bills? What i i can't get another job straight away?

Though I have my yoga teaching income from self-employment, I deeply value the stability of a steady paycheck. Knowing I have a set income each month allows me to teach yoga part-time without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

So, how am I processing this? I turn to Yoga Philosophy and Buddhism, taking yoga off the mat and into my daily life. These teachings help me navigate uncertainty with more presence, reminding me that while change is inevitable, suffering is optional.

When challenges arise, meet them with awareness instead of avoidance.

Let go of perfection
Be Kind to yourself

Buddhist Wisdom on Embracing Change

Observe without attachment – Enjoy good times without clinging; endure difficulties without resistance.
Practice mindfulness – Stay present instead of dwelling on the past or fearing the future.
Let go of fixed identities – Growth means evolving beyond labels.
Find peace in uncertainty – Change isn’t a threat but the natural rhythm of life.

Like a river, life appears constant but is always flowing.

Non-Attachment (Vairagya) in Yoga & Life (Job Loss)

Vairagya, or non-attachment, teaches us to fully engage in life without being bound by expectations—especially during times of job loss or uncertainty.

1. Non-Attachment in Yoga

In Practice: Holding a pose without striving for perfection. If you lose balance, observe without judgment and try again.
In Life: Losing a job can feel like falling out of a pose—unsettling, but not defining. Your response shapes your path forward.

2. Applying Vairagya to Job Redundancy

🔹 Accept the Change (Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the Flow)

Life is as ever-changing as the breath. Resisting reality deepens suffering; embracing it opens new possibilities.

🔹 Detach from Identity & Ego

You are not your job title. Reflect: Who am I beyond my work?

🔹 Stay Present & Avoid Fearful Projections

Calm the mind with:

Breathwork (Pranayama) – Deep belly breathing eases anxiety.
Grounding Practices – Yoga, meditation, or mindful walks to recenter.

🔹 Act Without Attachment to Results

As the Bhagavad Gita (2.47) teaches: “You have a right to your actions, but not to the fruits of your actions.” Update your resume, network, explore opportunities—but don’t stress over immediate outcomes.

🔹 See the Bigger Picture

Many find more fulfilling paths after redundancy. This is a transition, not an end. Trust that, like the breath, something new will emerge.

🌿Non-attachment isn’t indifference—it’s caring without clinging.

Life is fluid, and you are far more than your circumstances. 🌿

Embracing uncertainty - Job Redundancy