Newsletter

I’ve been asked about this enough times now that I feel it’s finally time to dive in and share.

“Your schedule is so busy; do you ever have time to rest?” “You’re traveling so much; isn’t it all too much for you?”

A part of me sometimes feels criticized and judged by these kinds of questions and comments. I find myself wanting to defend myself: I work the same hours—or even fewer hours—than you do! I travel less than a flight attendant!

And I know some people genuinely care, and I am touched by that.  At the same time, I feel that some don’t quite understand what it means to be a 5Rhythms teacher as a full-time job, or the nature of this work. I am also aware that it isn’t even the same for all of my colleagues; each of us is stressed by different things. For some teachers, it is about preparing a playlist; for others, it is about speaking in front of a group. For some, it is the constant promotion and finding organizers, and for others, it is the toll of not sleeping at home on their own pillow. I am actually pretty comfortable with all of these! I barely even notice the difference between pillows and can sleep without one.

Years ago, while in 5Rhythms Teacher Training, I was working for the Centre for Peace Studies. It was an amazing job with an even better team. But as soon as I graduated, I decided to quit. I didn’t want to “cheat” a solid, good job with this sexy new adventure. I knew 5Rhythms was my path back when I was a dancer and producer; now, as a teacher, I felt I could create something truly long-term.

I didn’t want to sit in a chair that wasn’t mine, knowing my destiny was somewhere else—and knowing that once I left that chair, the person whose destiny was that “chair” could finally show up.

5Rhythms has been so many things in my life: personal practice, devotion, destiny, and discipline; community work, activism, business, and career; a dream coming true, endless creativity, and pretty safe playground to find new friends. it has been my inspiration, my mirror, and my medicine. It is an honor and a blessing to share my gifts. Teaching is also my sanctuary from daily life and personal problems; a place where I feel connected to the Source and feel so present and awake.

When I cut my schedule in half back in 2024, it was exactly what I needed for that year. Having more time for myself and being at home helped me realize that the primary cause of my near-burnout wasn’t just the work—it was my perfectionism.

I thought the exhaustion came from all the workshops, the flights, the endless packing, the restaurant food, and the guilt of not being a “mother in an apron” at home. Working and traveling less certainly helped, but it didn’t heal the perfectionism.

When I returned to full-time work and travel, I brought with me the medicine of “softening from the inside.” I practiced more loving self-talk and trusted the power of permission. I started to enjoy my work even more! I relaxed my grip on things I used to hold tight. I connected with people more easily, which brought more joy and support back to me. I am allowing the healing catalyzed by the teachings and the dance to touch me deeper.

At the end of each session, I began asking myself a brave question: “What are you tired of? What do you need now?”

I was tired of trying too hard. Tired of trying to please everybody. Tired of trying to stay one step ahead. Tired of proving myself. Tired of resisting the fear, hiding the fear, fighting the fear! This last realisation about the fear was actually the most important shift. 

I try now to give myself what I need to rest: I use my lunch breaks to be alone, walk a lot, allow myself to be held by good bodyworkers and healers, or simply sit in silence and rest my eyes on the landscape around me. I also no longer rushing with my travels; I allow myself to stay longer in cities, exploring the world outside the venue and spending quality time with my dancing friends, organizers, and assistants.

If you were to ask me now if being on the road is hard, I would say the hardest part is the pull of my heart toward my 13 year old son. I’ve often wished I could teach 5Rhythms from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, just so I could be there to see him off to school and welcome him home.

Have I “cracked the code”? I thought so, but life keeps shifting. Next year, I am am excited to offer an ongoing group of 5 weekend workshops in my hometown,—which will give me more “apron and school homework” time. And it feels crazy to plan a whole year in advance! As this can feel like biggest stress for me in this job, I’m even thinking of trying “pop-up” workshops that aren’t planned months ahead, but simply appear when the time is right and surprise you!

Did I answer those questions from the beginning?

Thanks for asking them!

Love,

Silvija