The sea, the desert & The self

Passover, Yoga & The Courage to Be Free

I grew up Jewish.

And every year around this time, as Passover approaches, I find myself returning to the same story — not just as history, but as something alive inside of me.

Because Passover is not only about a people leaving Egypt thousands of years ago. It’s about all of us — every day — standing at the edge of our own inner sea.

Behind us: everything familiar. Everything comfortable. Even when it’s not good for us.

Ahead of us: the unknown. Possibility. Freedom.

And like the ancient story says — the sea doesn’t part before you move.

It opens when you step forward.

Yoga teaches me this too.

The real Egypt is never outside. It’s inside.

It’s the habits, patterns, thoughts, and stories we keep telling ourselves.

In yoga we call it Aparigraha — the clinging mind, afraid to let go. Or Asmita — identification with the small self, the ego that says: “This is just who I am.” Or Dvesha — resistance to change, to discomfort, to uncertainty.

And yet — freedom begins the moment I stop believing every thought I think.

But here’s the thing nobody likes to talk about:

Leaving Egypt in comparison was easy.

The desert was hard.

The Desert is Where We Unlearn.

The Jewish people spent 40 years in the desert. Not because the journey was long — but because the transformation was.

And I feel that in my own life too.

Because it’s one thing to leave a habit, a pattern, a relationship, a story…

It’s another thing to stay long enough in the unknown — in that desert space — and allow something new to grow.

In yoga we call this Tapas — the inner fire, the strength to stay with the practice, to change the habits that don’t serve us anymore, even when they feel safe or familiar.

Tapas is not punishment. It’s purification. It’s what makes space for something new.

Freedom Has Nothing to Do with Comfort.

Sometimes I’ve felt most free… right in the middle of discomfort.

Not because everything outside was perfect — but because something inside of me had softened.

That’s why, in Passover, we stop eating yeast — the symbol of the ego, of what inflates and rises and takes up space.

Crossing the sea, walking the desert, living in freedom — these are all practices of letting go.

Of softening.

Of trusting.

With Purpose

I share this reflection with deep love — from my story, but hoping it touches yours.

Because you don’t have to be Jewish to know what it feels like to stand at the edge of change.

To know what it means to be ready to let go.

To dream of freedom — not just outside, but inside.

So this week I invite you to reflect with me…

→ What is your Egypt?→ Where is your sea?→ What habit, story, or attachment are you ready to release?

And most of all…

→ Do you trust life enough to take the next step — even if you’re afraid?

May we all keep walking. Together. Towards peace. Towards freedom. Inside and out. The only freedom we truly have is the ability to choose our next thought...