The One Thing I Left Behind in Bali… And Why You Should Too

Before you dive in, just pause for a breath.

What’s one expectation, story, or pressure you wish you could leave behind, just for today? Hold that gentle question as you read. You’re not alone.

A Quiet Reset in the Midst of Chaos

It’s easy to imagine that landing in Bali would be instant paradise - sunshine, palm trees, and a daily sense of calm. But as soon as we arrived, I was reminded that old patterns follow us everywhere. That low hum of “Am I keeping up?” or “Should I be doing more?” echoed through my mind, even in paradise.

This time, though, I was determined to meet it differently.

Moving a family across the world is its own brand of beautiful chaos. This time, I prioritised settling in, no detailed routines or unpacking drama, just presence with my family. For once, I dropped the guilt about not getting to my physical yoga practice straight away.

That quiet reset was my real-life practice: The next time you catch yourself counting the things you “should” be doing, place your hand on your heart, close your eyes, and say (even silently): “Right now, this is enough.” See what softens.

When I finally found an hour to visit a local shala, the shift was immediate: that familiar peace of being present in my body, no pressure to perform or catch up. Years ago, I would have punished myself for missing “important practice.” But now, I simply arrived. That was enough.

The Obstacles We Carry (The Kleshas)

The truth is, the internal obstacles we carry are much heavier than our suitcases. That’s why I want to share something I’ve been reading about and relearning recently, as part of my own continuous self-study practice.  In yoga, these sticky mental habits are called Kleshas - old stories that cloud our vision and prevent us from seeing clearly. Even if the term is new, the patterns won’t be. Let’s explore three of them and simple ways to bring them into your busy day-to-day mum life.

1. Raga (Attachment)
   This is the craving for the perfect morning, the tidy house, and the sense that “when it’s all sorted, I’ll finally relax.” We chase control, sometimes at the expense of our own well-being.
   Your Practice: The next time you see yourself clinging to a plan, ask: “If I let go, just a little, what opens up for me or my family?” Try choosing rest or play, even for a moment.
2. Dvesha (Aversion)
   Aversion is avoiding discomfort - whether it’s true rest, stillness, or feeling the feelings that might be difficult. We keep busy to avoid what needs our attention most.
   Your Practice: Find one small thing you’ve been dodging (maybe it’s a nap, or asking for help). Name it kindly, and notice any urge to rush away. See if you can stay with that discomfort for just one minute longer.
3. Asmita (Identity)
   This is the core of the Performance Trap: the old script that says, “I’m only a good mum when I get everything done.” It's chasing worth through doing. It’s such a noisy story for mothers.
   Your Practice: Catch yourself in the act of “proving.” Pause and ask: “Who am I without my to-do list today?” Let the answer be soft, even uncertain.

Noticing is the Gateway to Freedom

Nothing magically disappears. But each time you pause, name the pattern, and soften your grip, it’s a small act of self-liberation. You begin to rediscover your own authority, right in the middle of life’s messiness.

What changed for me wasn’t a destination, a pose, or a picture-perfect ritual. It was the simple practice of naming what’s really happening, letting it be, and returning again and again to kindness.

You don’t need Bali or perfection.

Ready for a Gentle Reset?

If you’d love a little structure and support, my 3-Day Mum Reset is a calm invitation into gentle change, tiny tools and moments that fit real, busy, beautiful lives.

Download your free 3-Day Mum Reset here.

And if you’re ever tempted to go back to striving or performing, listen to this week’s podcast on why I stopped filming yoga for social media.

You are more than enough as you are.