Taylor Elyse Morrison
A self-care facilitator’s perspective on building the skill of self-care, learning how to listen within and respond with love, and turning daily routines into simple acts of care.
Words: SARAH MAGIDOFF
Photographs : NASTASIA MORA
TELL US ABOUT INNER WORKOUT. WHAT IS IT, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM OTHER SELF-CARE ROUTINES OR MODALITIES?
TEM: Inner Workout exists to help people build the skill of self-care. I know that word is extra buzzy right now, so I like to share our definition: Listening within and responding in the most loving way possible.
Our work is rooted in the yogic concept of koshas, which we talk about as the five dimensions of wellbeing. Our focus is on building a care-filled lifestyle rather than approaching self-care as a quick fix.
The namesake practice blends movement, breathwork, journaling, and meditation. Every part of the class is designed to build your ability to listen and respond. We view participants as the experts in what’s needed. Our role is to facilitate an experience.
HOW DID YOU COME-UP WITH THE IDEA FOR INNER WORKOUT? WAS THERE A MOMENT IN TIME YOU REALIZED YOU NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN AND CREATE MORE SPACE FOR SELF-CARE?
TEM: The idea for Inner Workout came when I was sitting on a yoga mat, about to take a yoga class. It was really the culmination of years of inner work around self-care. In 2017, I was in the midst of a really busy season of life, and I saw that the approach I was taking to self care wasn’t going to support me for the long term. That season really kicked off my self-care journey.
HOW DOES YOUR LIFE LOOK DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU’VE LEARNED TO SLOW DOWN? HAVE ANY UNEXPECTED BENEFITS COME-UP FROM YOUR REGULAR PRACTICE OF SELF-CARE?
TEM: I feel like I’m very much still learning how to slow down. I think the biggest benefit of my work around self-care is realizing that it is actually a practice. I’m building a skill in an internal and external environment that is changing at an incredible pace. Knowing that my self-care needs are forever changing means that I’m always invited to listen more deeply within.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN EMERGING COMPANY TO HELP THEM CREATE A HEALTHY, BALANCED COMPANY CULTURE?
TEM: Get clear on your values, and infuse them into everything that you do. Our values are the basis for our culture and our products. They guide every aspect of our work and give us a measuring stick.
WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT WAY TO WIND-UP AND WIND-DOWN FOR A WORK DAY?
TEM: I like to move my body before I start most work days. I don’t drink very much caffeine, so that’s my energy source. That movement allows me to start my days feeling attentive to and connected to my body.
I like to wind down by going on a walk with my husband and my dog in the evenings. We chat about our days and laugh at my dog’s antics. Since we’re still primarily sheltering in place, this adds some separation between being at “work” and being at “home”.
DO YOU FIND IT EASY OR DIFFICULT TO MAKE ROOM FOR SELF-CARE? DO YOU EVER “CATCH YOURSELF IN THE ACT” OF SPEEDING-UP OR NEGLECTING THIS PRACTICE? WHAT DISCIPLINES HAVE YOU PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE YOU MAKE ROOM FOR SELF-CARE, AND WHAT DO YOU TELL YOURSELF WHEN YOU “SLIP-UP”?
TEM: I’m always up front about the fact that I’m not naturally good at self-care. I feel called to this work because I personally benefit from it.
I’m a big believer in integrating self-care into every part of life. You don’t need a fancy routine or a rigid ritual. You can make simple acts like a car ride or brushing your teeth into an act of care. All it takes is intention.
So I guess I don’t really feel like I slip-up. I’m either struggling to listen or to respond with love.
DO YOU FIND THAT THERE ARE MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND WHAT SELF-CARE IS?
TEM: I love Inner Workout’s definition because it makes it clear that self-care isn’t a single act, it’s a process of listening and responding. You don’t need to spend any money. You don’t need an extensive ritual. You simply need to ask, “What do I need in this moment?”. Then honor whatever comes up.
WHAT OFFERING DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T CURRENTLY HAVE A SELF-CARE PRACTICE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO START ONE?
TEM: Notice what’s making you feel supported and connected in this season of your life. Build from there. For example, I noticed that being outside walking my dog was really filling me up, so I started incorporating bike rides and hikes into my weekly activities.
WE TEND TO THINK OF SELF-CARE AS AN ALL-OR-NOTHING APPROACH. HOWEVER, SPENDING JUST A FEW MINUTES IN QUIET REFLECTION A FEW TIMES A WEEK CAN HAVE PROFOUND IMPACT. IF SOMEONE HAD JUST 5 MINUTES TO SPARE, WHAT’S ONE QUICK SELF-CARE ACTIVITY YOU COULD RECOMMEND?
TEM: Take a few breaths, and see what comes up for you. Sit with your thoughts and emotions. Notice sensations. Just allow yourself to “be” without distraction.
WHAT DOES “SLOW ENTREPRENEURSHIP” MEAN TO YOU?
TEM: Slow entrepreneurship means prioritizing aligned, sustainable impact over growth.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
innerworkout.co
www.instagram.com/innerworkout
Taylor is the founder of Inner Workout. Taylor started her career in corporate before moving to the world of startups. Today, she is on a mission to help others beat burnout through sustainable self-care practices. Taylor is a trained facilitator, a certified group fitness instructor, and a certified 200 hr yoga teacher.