Yoga lessons
Cindy on July 2nd, 2008
So I finished my series of my twice-weekly yoga classes. The practice remains a challenge and something of a mystery. There are many poses I simply can’t do at this stage (especially with bilateral hip replacements). But I’ve made some progress — and now I have something besides daily bike rides to get me out from behind a desk.
Better yet, I’m discovering that the lessons I learned on my yoga mat are enhancing other aspects of my life, including my writing. In one of the sessions, for instance, the instructor reminded us that we shouldn’t be looking over our shoulders at what others were doing.
“Yoga isn’t a competition,” she said. “It is about listening to your own body, and paying close attention to what it’s telling you, what you can do. Never mind what others are doing with their practice. Stop looking over your shoulders!” I thought this was both refreshing and wise — and I couldn’t stop thinking about it the following day.
Life isn’t a competition, either. Or it shouldn’t be. Whether we’re working or playing, a lot of us spend too much time looking over our shoulders to evaluate how everyone else is doing. We compare our achievements to those of our neighbors and coworkers. We scrutinize fashion models, athletes, best-selling authors, or film stars. How do we compare? How do we look? Are we ever good enough?
I had hoped that I would have outgrown this “looking over my shoulders” syndrome by the time I turned 50. There’s something so ridiculously adolescent about it. But clearly, I have miles to go. If nothing else, my yoga classes taught me the beauty and value of staying focused. On my own efforts. – CL
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Me too, Cindy. My intention to focus on the present means I have to pay attention. I know I am off track when I feel out of sync, when worry about what I am doing or what someone else may think creeps in. Learning any new habit takes practice. Let’s be gentle with ourselves.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
It’s been many years since I took Yoga. I do remember it required me to be quiet and still, things I’m not very good at. It required that I listen to an inner voice. Oh…..and the breathing! I remember the measured and purposeful breathing. Perhaps I’ll look into it again. They might offer it somewhere out here on the prairie.
- Suzanne