January 21, 2011
Topic: Letting Go
Recently I've been challenged both on and off my mat to learn to "let go" more. I've become aware of how much time and energy I waste by trying to control instead of letting go. Whether it's trying to control a situation or relationship or push myself to be somewhere I am not. The paradox is "letting go" gives me the peace I am looking for when I'm trying to hold on and control.
This applies to my yoga practice as well. When I try to set an agenda or force myself to stretch deeper in a posture it works against me instead of letting go and surrendering into it. Transformation happens more quickly and authentically when I "let go" in my life and in my practice. I'm so thankful for the practice of yoga and how it is continually teaching me to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
November 29, 2010
Topic: Acceptance
Yoga is an amazing practice. I am continually learning something new on my mat. Lately, I feel I have been challenged with acceptance and how different my life would be if I would more readily accept and enjoy things as they are, right here, right now. I spend so much time in my head saying "I wish... ," "if only... ," "I'll feel so much better when..." It is a total waste of time and an unpleasant way to live. I remember when I took my first yoga class last February and felt like a complete idiot because I didn't know anything about yoga. Instead of appreciating each little victory I am learning along the way, whether it is physically, mentally or spiritually, I tend to always want to be one step farther than where I am.
I recently completed Yoga Teacher Training and I remember thinking that I would feel so good if I could go through this training and pass this wonderful life on to others. Now that I am finished with the training I find myself thinking, "I will feel so much better when I can improve my skills and become better at this."
I'm challenging myself to enjoy this process of learning and transforming because life and yoga are forever about learning and transforming. I want to accept and enjoy the things I have learned and look forward to the things I will learn. I have heard many times, while I've been on my mat, to accept myself and where I am today because that is the only place I can be. I am so thankful for this life of yoga.
September 28, 2010
Topic: Facing Fears
Fear has been a dominating force for me most of my life. I have fear of what people think, fear of rejection, fear of failure,... Yoga has created a safe place for me to press into those fears and begin to experience freedom. When I attended the Beginner's Workshop in February I felt physically sick with fear as I came to my first class. I was afraid I would look stupid and be the worst one in the class. For some reason I seem to forget that everyone else has fears also and the only way to be free is to face them one step at a time. Coming into the studio for the first time I was greeted with warmth, acceptance and encouragement immediately. The fear began to melt away and I was able to enjoy the learning process of the workshop. After finishing the workshop I once again was afraid to attend a regular class. That fear resurfaced each time I tried a different level or type of class.
The wonderful thing I see as I look back on this journey is yoga has given me a safe environment to learn and grow. It has given me courage to face fears and experience the joy in learning, challenging myself and experience success within myself. The teachers have empowered me and keep reminding me to love myself, take care of myself, challenge myself and believe in myself. I find it helpful to take time to look back and see how far I've come instead of only looking at how far I have to go.
September 9, 2010
Topic: The Body-Mind Connection
I love the way yoga is a personal journey. It's not comparable to anyone else's it is just my own. There is no judgment or "shoulds" in yoga. It is whatever I want it to be for me as someone else's yoga practice is what they want it to be for them. For me, I love the body-mind and spirit connection and how they all work together. I don't always live this out as well as I'd like to but I feel so good and well balanced when I do.
I realized this week that the past couple of weeks I have not given 100 percent effort to my practice. I have gone through the motions but have not put my whole heart and soul into it and I can feel that inside, not only in my body but in my mind and spirit as well. It reminded me that I get out of it what I put into it. I'm trying to notice and pay attention to this realization without judging myself, which is difficult for me. It helps me to remember the encouraging words yoga teachers give as they guide us through our practice. Things like "let go of everything else but this present moment," "let go of any thoughts that no longer serve you." I waste so much time in my head thinking about things that are past and not only no longer serve me but prevent me from the joy of living in this moment and becoming all I can be and was created to be.
I am so thankful I found yoga and thankful for all the opportunities it has to offer. I love that it is an individual practice and also offers a warm sense of community.
August 23, 2010
Topic: Living in the Moment
The past few days I have been pondering one of the first things I learned in the Beginners Workshop, "getting connected with my breath" and "being present with myself-living in the moment." These concepts have always been difficult for me and when stressful situations come into my life it is even more difficult.
Last week I found out my dad, who is only 70 years old, is dying of a terminal illness. I am also struggling with my daughter and her family moving 2 1/2 hours away from us next week. One of my granddaughters is 3 and the other is 4 months. I usually see them several times a week and I am having a hard time anticipating the void I will feel and accepting this change. They are precious to me and a huge part of my life.
These past few days I have been feeling overwhelmed and disconnected with myself. Yesterday, I went to a yoga class and was reminded to pay attention to my breath, let go of all my racing thoughts about the future and be mindful of today... right here...right now. I was reminded that I am wasting energy and missing out on today when I am obsessing about tomorrow. Today, this moment, is all there is.
I am a work in progress....learning to live this out is a challenge for me but I am so thankful to yoga for giving me these tools to live a better life.
August 17, 2010Topic: The Yoga Benefits
Yoga has changed my life in many ways in the short time I have been practicing. I took the Beginner's Workshop in February, which was the first time I had ever practiced yoga, and have immersed myself in it ever since.
I came to the workshop with a lot of fear and apprehension at a time when I was struggling with life. I had just quit a job that was extremely stressful and didn't know where I was going from there. Depression and anxiety were weighing heavily on me along with back pain. I had back surgery the previous year and was still experiencing a lot of pain. I heard that yoga would be helpful for me in all these areas. It has been better and more than I ever imagined!
For me, the mindful-emotional benefits of practicing yoga are as important and the physical benefits. I've struggled with depression most of my life and there are a lot of things about yoga that help me with that struggle. It helps me retrain my mind... to be kind to myself... not compare myself to others... live in the moment... let go of the past... believe in myself... challenge myself... find what works for me. I now understand what the teachers mean when they tell us "take yoga off your mat out into the world."
I am also extremely thankful for the physical benefits of yoga. Before starting yoga I had back pain every day. Now it rarely hurts. The strengthening and increased flexibility has made all the difference. I never thought I would be able to live free of back pain again. I am so thankful!
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Hi, my name is Debbie.
I started practicing yoga in February 2010 and it has transformed my life in many ways. I am honored to be able to share what I am discovering and learning on my yoga journey. |
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