The Second Law of Thermodynamics

Don't do that thing that you want to do

Hello Friends,

Please prepare to nerd out with me for a second.

Ready? Let’s go.

The second law of thermodynamics states, “As one goes forward in time, the net entropy (degree of disorder) of any isolated or closed system will always increase.”¹

Put another way — "Isolation increases chaos."

Now, I’m not going to say that I completely understand what this means, and I don’t really want to dig into it too much, lest it ruin the helpful connection I’m attempting to make. I don’t need a repeat of the frog thing.

(I should explain; I was recently disappointed to learn that the saying about a frog staying in a slowly boiling pot of water is not true — while simultaneously being glad that the frog in question did, in fact, hop out of that treacherous situation.)

So we’re not going to debate the nuance of thermodynamics; we’re just going to take this helpful nugget of truthiness and expand upon it.

Isolation increases chaos.

This is inconvenient because when I’m having a hard time, I want to isolate myself. I am DESPERATE for isolation. I feel like I’m bad company, like I’m not funny or smart or interesting, because there is a constant battle in my mind, and it’s hard to hear anyone else over the gnashing of teeth and ripping of flesh. I know. It’s brutal in there.

My mind tells me that other people are annoying and selfish anyway (honestly, tough to argue sometimes) and that I’m better off dealing with all the shit alone. But the science says otherwise.

We can even go beyond thermodynamics and look at social dynamics. There is a study in which researchers placed people at the bottom of a hill. When they were alone, they perceived that hill as being higher and more challenging to overcome. But when researchers brought over a friend to stand with them, they thought the hill was less slanted. And even if they just texted with a friend, they still thought the hill would be less challenging to climb than when they were alone.

So it seems that having friends around—even via text—positively shifts perceptions of challenges and our own resilience. (Thanks to Jenny Lawson and this psychological study for reminding me that people are good.)

So, yeah, sometimes other people are annoying with all their opinions and assumptions and chewing sounds. But we still need them. Even when we think we don’t.

In case you want to plan to see some people (including me) I have a few workshops coming up this summer and fall. You can register for them now, be with your people, and reduce the chaos — thermodynamically speaking.

For Yoga Teachers

Yoga Career Reimagined: Innovate & Expand Your Teaching

August - Rhinebeck, NY

I am teaming up with some incredible teachers for this program at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY. Now more than ever, we need to find what lights us up — and bring that to the world. This interactive workshop will offer inspiration, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. You’ll return home with renewed clarity, expanded possibilities, and a reimagined vision for your yoga career.

For Military Veterans

Mission Flexible Mindfulness Retreat for Veterans

September - Stockbridge, MA

We are currently taking applications for our Veteran mindfulness retreat at Kripalu! Mission Flexible focuses on three core practices: trauma-informed yoga, guided meditation, and therapeutic writing techniques. Kripalu also offers hiking trails, archery, and access to various healing modalities like sound bath, Qi Gong, and somatics. Spots are limited; more information and an application can be found here.

For everybody else

Anxiety Management Through Yoga and Writing: Learning to Embrace Your Weird

September - Stockbridge, MA

I absolutely love teaching at Kripalu. The Berkshire Mountains offer a tranquility like no other. This immersive program offers tangible ways to understand your inner critic, increase compassion for yourself and others, and find ways to access the joy within that often feels smothered by stress. We’ll learn to regulate the nervous system, make a plan for continuing self-care at home, and eat some fantastic food. It’s way more fun than it should be. For more info and to register - click here.

Thank you for reading, friends. Thanks for being here with me and reminding me that the hill feels less enormous when we stand together.

Much love,

~Lisa

1. https://fs.blog/entropy/