Did you grow up hearing the words, “Fix your face?”
Maybe you had the nerve to look disappointed because you didn't get your way? Perhaps your lips were poked out, your brow furrowed, and your eyes were saying everything your mouth couldn’t. The message was clear: whatever is happening inside of you, don't let it show like that.
There might have been wisdom in those words. The adult saying this to you—likely your mother or grandmother—was probably teaching you how to compose yourself. They were guiding you on how to read a room and navigate a world that doesn't always make space for every feeling you have.
The Weight of Expectations
But what happens when “fix your face” becomes something we continue to say to ourselves long after childhood?
When we're sad, do we smooth it over? When we're angry, do we tighten our jaw and carry on? When we're overwhelmed, do we make ourselves look okay?
Our faces can become archives of our emotions. They hold the things we don’t always have words for.
A Journey into Yoga Nidra
This past Sunday, my Yoga Nidra session focused on a practice of un-fixing our faces. We turned our attention toward the subtle body—sensations, energy, emotions, and awareness—and felt our faces.
We noticed the jaw without demanding that it relax. We became aware of the lips, the cheeks, the brow, and the eyes. We observed where there was effort, where there was sensation, and where there might be a little more space to soften.
This was our first real exploration of the subtle body. It's a layer of experience that isn't quite as tangible as muscle and bone, but is no less real.
The Art of Noticing
For a little while, we let our faces tell the truth without asking them to perform anything for us. We didn't have to fix it. We could simply notice.
And in that noticing, something else became possible: softening.
Not the kind of softening that comes from being told to relax or from forcing tension away. Instead, it was a softer kind of attention. We brought awareness to the places that work so hard—the jaw, the lips, the brow, the cheeks, and the muscles around the eyes. We permitted them to release whatever they were ready to let go of.
The Gentle Approach of Yoga Nidra
This is part of what I love about Yoga Nidra. We don't have to fight our way into relaxation. We begin by noticing what is already present. Sometimes, when we stop demanding that the body be different, it finds its own way toward softness.
Perhaps that is a different kind of “fixing.”
It’s not about fixing what is wrong. It’s about softening what has been holding. It’s about allowing the face—and perhaps the rest of the body—to rest from having to hold everything together.
Finding Balance in Our Emotions
So, we don't need to fix our face after all. Maybe we need to feel it and give it somewhere to soften.
In our busy lives, we often forget to check in with ourselves. We rush from one task to another, pushing our feelings aside. But what if we took a moment to pause? What if we allowed ourselves to simply be?
The Healing Power of Awareness
Awareness can be a powerful tool. When we become aware of our emotions, we can begin to understand them. We can learn to embrace them instead of pushing them away.
This practice of awareness is what makes Yoga Nidra so transformative. It invites us to explore our inner landscape without judgment. It encourages us to be gentle with ourselves, to acknowledge our feelings, and to create space for them.
Creating Space for Emotions
When we create space for our emotions, we allow ourselves to heal. We give ourselves permission to feel sadness, anger, or frustration without the need to mask it.
This is where true transformation begins. By embracing our emotions, we can start to release the tension that holds us back. We can soften our faces, our bodies, and our hearts.
The Journey Continues
As we continue on this journey of self-discovery, let’s remember that it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to let our faces reflect our true emotions.
So, the next time you hear that familiar phrase, “Fix your face,” consider what it really means. Maybe it’s time to un-fix it instead.
Let’s allow ourselves to feel deeply and to soften in the process. After all, we are all on a journey toward balance and well-being.
In this journey, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone. We can support each other as we navigate our emotions and embrace the beauty of being human.
Embracing Our True Selves
Let’s celebrate the power of Yoga Nidra and the healing it brings. Let’s honor our faces and the stories they tell.
By practicing awareness and embracing our emotions, we can find a deeper sense of peace and balance. We can learn to soften instead of fix, allowing ourselves to be fully present in our lives.
So, let’s take a moment to breathe, to feel, and to simply be. Together, we can create a space where we can all thrive.
