This month, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to connect — to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. From grounding practices to courageous conversations, here’s what I’ve learned through teaching, community, and my own self-enquiry during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Finding Connection: A Mental Health Month Reflection

This October has been all about connection — the theme guiding Mental Health Awareness Month, as shared by the Mental Health Commission.

And what a month it’s been.

Between community events, class reflections, and my own personal learnings, I’ve been exploring what connection really means — not just with others, but with myself.

The themes I have explored for you to read below…

1. Connection with Self

2. Connection with Others

3. Balancing Energy: Giving + Receiving

4. Courage in Connection

5. Exploring Your Comfort Zone

PLUS: Grounding reset movement & a breathwork practice you can use at home that I bring into my sessions.

1. Connection with Self

We often hear “connection starts within,” but practising it? That’s where the real work begins.

This month, I noticed how my coping strategy tends to be doing. When things feel heavy, I move, plan, tick off lists — it’s my way of regulating. But sometimes, slowing down is the key.

For me, slowing down looked like:
✨ Letting a 5-minute yoga flow be “enough”
✨ Choosing Yoga Nidra as my version of a nap (I find naps extremely challenging!)
✨ Saying no to social activities — even when it felt uncomfortable to do so

~ Reflection prompt ~
Where are you “doing” more than you need to?
What would happen if you gave yourself permission to pause?

2. Connection with Others

This month reminded me how powerful community is for our mental wellbeing.

I had the privilege of collaborating with Seagals for Move It for Mental Health — a morning full of movement + reflection, exploring balance and gratitude to improve your mental health.

I also joined Luma’s Stress Cascade and 20Talk’s Mental Health Maintenance events — spaces that reminded me how connection heals when we move, share, and show up, even when it’s messy.

~ Reflection prompt ~
Who makes you feel most seen, calm, or inspired?
When was the last time you reached out — or let them reach you?

3. Balancing Energy: Giving + Receiving

In yoga philosophy, Aparigraha (non-grasping) and Brahmacharya (energy balance) remind us: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

This month, my classes explored what it means to connect with others without losing ourselves. It’s a dance — learning when to give, and when to return inward. This is something I am constantly learning about more and more!!!

~ Class prompt we explored ~
“How can I share my energy with others without draining my own spark?”

4. Courage in Connection

Connection takes courage — to be seen, to open up, and to hold space for others.

In class, we explored courage not as the absence of fear, but the willingness to act with it.
Whether it’s joining a class for the first time, sharing something vulnerable, or setting a boundary — every small act of courage deepens connection.

~ Reflection prompt ~
Where is courage calling you to connect — with yourself or someone else?

5. Exploring Your Comfort Zone

Connection isn’t always comfortable — but that’s where the growth happens.

In movement, we played with this through small physical shifts: holding poses a little longer, trying something new, or leaning into uncertainty.

Try this grounding reset:

• Inhale, rise up onto your toes

• Exhale, drop your heels and arms down by your side

• Feel the energy release through your whole body — grounding, steadying, present.

• Try this motion for 30 seconds to one minute to help ground and feel a little more back to the present moment.

Quick Tool: 4-7-8 Breathwork

A powerful breath to calm your nervous system:
~ Inhale for 4
~ Hold for 7
~ Exhale for 8
Repeat 3–4 rounds whenever your mind feels busy or your body feels tense.

I’ve been using this a lot lately — before bed, between classes, or whenever I need to come back to centre.

Join me on the mat

If you’re craving movement, grounding, or community — I’d love to see you on the mat!

🌞 Thursday Mornings – 5:30am
🌼 Saturday Mornings – 8:00am
📍 Surfing WA, Trigg

Can’t wait to see you on the mat soon!

Much Love,
Tay xx

BE, BREATHE, FLOW

If this resonated, hit reply or share how you’ve been connecting this month — I’d love to hear your reflections 🧡