Consider this your official Happy Buddha love note đź’Ś.
Welcome to our monthly mountain missive – a space for inspiration, reflection and gentle reminders to live with joy and intention. This edition is from Natalie Ristoski – yogini, retreat facilitator, and founder of Living Flow Yoga – sharing thoughts on the magic that unfolds when we take action without clinging to outcomes.
As I’ve been flowing through preparation for my Yoga Teacher Training program and upcoming overseas travel, one particular theme has been springing up:
🌱 Action versus Outcome
Sometimes – or let’s be honest, a lot of the time – the actions we take are motivated by a specific goal or result. But other times, we act based purely on instinct or a quiet curiosity. We follow a feeling, and that feeling leads us somewhere new.
I believe this kind of action — action without expectation — can be a gateway to unlocking our potential. It certainly was for me when I began my yoga journey many moons ago. ✨
Practising Presence Over Performance
In a world that increasingly focuses on achievement and results, releasing attachment to the outcome is not just refreshing — it’s powerful.
And it’s a wisdom that’s beautifully woven throughout the philosophy of yoga.
Although yoga is a method, it’s also a state of being.
There’s no “end point” where the yoga stops. Instead, it’s about cultivating presence, revealing truth, and deepening compassion — moment by moment.
Even when we limit our understanding of yoga to postures, the dialogue with our bodies is ongoing. The poses aren’t destinations we arrive at; they’re doorways we walk through to discover embodiment, awareness, and connection.
✍️ Action vs Outcome Exercise
1. Write down five things you’d love to try or experience — don’t overthink it, just jot down whatever pops into your mind.
2. Choose your top three. For each, write down three practical steps you’ll take in the next month to move toward it.
Let yourself become the effortless creator that you already are.
Let’s commit!
Beyond the Mat
Like much of yoga’s wisdom, this idea can extend into any part of life.
So if there’s something you’d love to do — go for it.
Paint. Cook. Travel. Learn something new just because it sparks your curiosity.
Let your passion lead, and allow the universe to figure out the “why” later.
With love,
– Natalie x
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