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“I’m doing my very, very best to not interfere with people’s process and just focus on the consistency of my own practice.” – Elena Brower

Intro

Are you exhausted from trying to “fix” everyone and everything in your life? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, yoga mentor, and author Elena Brower to discuss why letting go is the ultimate act of self-love.

We’ve been conditioned to think that love means fixing, controlling, or “managing” the people around us. But what if the most powerful thing you could do is simply hold space?

In this episode, Elena Brower—bestselling author of Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself—shares her profound journey from high-functioning perfectionism to a life of presence and service.

Highlights:

• The Perfectionism Trap: Why your need to “fix” is actually a defense mechanism.
• The Art of Listening: How to stop “auto-advice giving” and truly be present for others.
• Lessons from Hospice: How serving the dying changed the way she parents and lives.
• Creative Discipline: Why writing is a daily practice, not a talent.

Connect with Elena Brower

Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice YouPodcast, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999.

Her debut book, Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation, has been translated into seven languages.

Her bestselling journalsPractice You and Being You, her collection of poetry entitled Softening Time, along with her courses, classes, and talks, explore stages of studentship, practice, life, and listening.Her latest book,Hold Nothing, investigates what it means to let go of narratives and return to the spacious emptiness within. Her column on Substack supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen. She hosts the acclaimed podcast Practice You, a series of deep, compassionate conversations with teachers, artists, and thinkers, designed to support you through life’s transitions, encouraging presence, care, and openness.Offering new weekly classes on Glo, Elena weaves body, breath, art, and contemplative mindfulness into practice. Bridging ancient yogic precision with creative depth and emotional intelligence, she serves individuals in cultivating resilience and inner alignment. In 2023, she received Jukai (lay Buddhist vows) from Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax at Upaya ZenCenter, and is a student in Upaya’s Chaplaincy Training. As part of her service, she volunteers in hospice and penitentiary settings, bringing yoga, meditation, and compassionate presence, aligning with Upaya’s commitment to local service and community support

Elena’s newest book, Hold Nothing: https://elenabrower.com/holdnothing/

Podcast: https://elenabrower.com/podcast/

Resources to Support Your Journey

JOIN THE TERRI COLE MEMBERSHIP: This is my inner circle for real-time transformation. Join us for weekly live coaching including Deep-Dive Workshops, Q&A Sessions, and Exclusive Guest Interviews designed to help you integrate these lessons and master your life. https://terricole.com/tcm

THE BOOK LIBRARY:

• The Father Wound (New!): Heal your past and reclaim your future with my latest guide. https://fatherwoundbook.com
• Too Much: A Guide to High-Functioning Codependency. Break the cycle of over-functioning and find your balance. https://hfcbook.com
• Boundary Boss: The essential guidebook for authentically expressing your desires and setting healthy limits. https://boundarybossbook.com

TAKE THE BOUNDARY STYLE QUIZ: Awareness is the first step to change. Take the quiz to discover your unique boundary style. https://boundaryquiz.com

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: Come say hi! I share daily insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content every single day. https://terricole.com/ig

THE NEWSLETTER: Get weekly “love notes” delivered to your inbox, filled with empowering insights and my latest recommendations. https://terricole.com/newsletter