Practice Makes Perfect?

Yoga is more than just a physical exercise.  Many unfamiliar with the practice easily throw the term “yoga” in conjunction with crossfit, pilates, spinning, and the list goes on; however, there are multiples facets of this ancient art.   Yoga is divided up into eight limbs.  The first being Yama which is, “…the great commandments transcending creed, country, age and time.  They are: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence) and aparigraha (non-coveting).” (“Light on Yoga,” pg. 31 Iyengar)

Raised in a Christian home, these principles are eerily comparable to the Ten Commandments written in the Bible (Exodus 20:2-17 NKJV); however, my purpose in writing this blog post is not to convince you that Jesus did yoga!  I wanted to focus on ahimsa, the first ethical discipline of Yama. 

Ahimsa is more than just NOT abusing those around you whether physically, mentally or emotionally, it is about love.  Being kind to yourself, to others and yes, your enemies.   Love doesn’t have ulterior motives.  Love simply is.  So how do we get to this place where we are not kind to others solely because that is what we are “supposed to do” and kindness simply becomes part of our nature?  Practice.  Yoga is about continuing to better oneself.  Being aware of where you are, and not seeking a specific result.  So perhaps in the beginning of your yoga journey you have to consciously make an effort to treat those who disrespect you in a gracious manner, but I believe as time progresses, as these “good” decisions are consistently made, love genuinely begins to exude from your very being.  It’s not always going to be this way.  We are all bound to run into a situation that is frustrating and difficult to love through; however, with each testing circumstance we approach with love the clearer it becomes in determining what decisions should be made.  Perhaps practice doesn’t make us “perfect,” but it certainly makes us better J.

See the Invisible

The first weekend of my yoga teacher training course is under my belt, and I have to say the first day was fairly tough.  It seems as though an immense amount of time has past since I’ve been in any type of classroom setting, so focusing for eight straight hours has proven to be a challenge all on its own.  However, I left feeling uplifted and encouraged regarding my commitment to finish this course.  You see, like many of us in today’s day and age, I can easily look at someone else to see my shortcomings.   When pertaining to yoga I can see that I’m not as flexible as the girl on the mat next to me, I can’t hold crow pose as long as the guy across the room, I need to be more “spiritual” like my yoga teacher, and the list goes on. If you can relate to this you are also aware that this line of thinking is exhausting! Here is an excerpt from a reading we were assigned for class that you may find uplifting:

“One of our greatest challenges as Westerners practicing yoga is to learn to perceive progress through “invisible” signs, signs that are quite often unacknowledged by the culture at large.  Are we moving toward greater kindness, patience, or tolerance toward others?  Are we able to remain calm and centered even when others around us become agitated and angry?  How we speak, how we treat others, and how we live are more subjective qualities and attributes we need to learn to recognize in ourselves as a testament to our own progress and as gauges of authenticity in our potential teachers.  When we remain committed to our most deeply held values we can begin to discern the difference between the appearance of achievement and the true experience of transformation, and thereby free ourselves to pursue those things of real value.”  (“Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit,” pg. 8 Donna Farhi)

The idea of yoga is not to simply strive to do the most “challenging” poses, or, “…about self improvement or making ourselves better.  It is a process of deconstructing barriers we may have erected that prevent us form having an authentic connection with ourselves and with the world.”  ("Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit,” pg. 5 Donna Farhi).

Stop comparing yourself to others, and become aware of the changes occurring inside of your very being.  

October Cleanse

“I’m so sorry.  I don’t mean to be so loud.”  The nurse looked back at me and gave me a warm smile replying, “Don’t be sorry.  You’re doing great.”  I was entering into the last stage of labor, and with each contraction I exhaled a long monotone moan.  I sounded like a whale in heat, which was appropriate for at the end of my pregnancy I also felt like one.  The doctor came in, and it was time to push!  The atmosphere in the room was peculiar; far from anything I had seen portrayed by Hollywood.  Both my legs were up; however, one was only consistently being held while the other would land on what was conveniently located at the height of my dangling foot (i.e. the doctor’s shoulder, a nurse passing by, etc…).  The room was completely relaxed.  Between each push a variety of topics left my lips including knitting and what I considered to be “good” Scotch.

“One more push!”

Within a minute my crying infant was placed on my chest.  I kissed his head, and looked over at my husband.  The look on his face will forever be imprinted on my heart.  Tears filled his eyes.  We had immediately fallen in love with our son, Dylan.

Nearly six months later it feels as though our baby boy has forever been a part of our family.  I’ve never loved the way that I love him.  I know that I am blessed.   

 To all of you new parents: In this special duration of time the hours, days and weeks in the confines of your home may seem to be at a stand still, but the world does go on!  Life continues to evolve, and there will be pockets within this haze when you begin to notice these changes or suddenly get a shot of reality.

About two months ago, although minute and perhaps vain, I had one of these moments.  I was looking in the mirror with an extra five pounds from pregnancy on me (all which seems to have congregated to my upper thighs and rear!), and understood I was ready to get back to where I started.  You see, I had my greatest body practicing yoga pre-pregnancy. I was (and am) unfamiliar with the body I have now, and I yearn for my former physical state.

I’m ready for a drastic overhaul.

As of today, I’m committing to a 30 day yoga cleanse.  The cleanse consists of AT LEAST a half hour of yoga everyday for the month of October.  I challenge you to join me, and leave feedback on how you’re doing, encouragement for others, or frustration you might have.  I would love to hear from you, and would appreciate a community of workout buddies!!!

Getting Started

Like most people, especially those of the female gender, I have body image issues.  Just over two years ago I was newly married, head over heels in love, yet still dissatisfied with what I saw in the mirror.  How could one be so happy with the relationships encompassing their life and still feel insatiable?  “Okay, this is the summer I lose ten pounds.”  I started diligently going to the gym, running when I could; however, I wasn’t seeing the results I sought after.  Frustration was on the rise.  Frustration with the lack of progress, and frustration with the fact that I was frustrated ABOUT the lack of progress (it seemed petty).  Well, if something is going on that you don’t like, CHANGE IT!  (I’m fairly certain I heard this on an infomercial some late night).  This is where my yoga journey began…

I dabbled in and out of yoga classes for two years, but my favorite studio space was my living room.  I decided to try yoga on a more consistent basis, and in a matter of weeks my body began to change.  I began to change!  Without sounding overly “spiritual,” after practicing yoga I persisted to learn to slow down and abandon anxieties no run could ever shake off.  Yoga became something I looked forward to, and when Jillian Michaels told me I was a rock star in her DVD, “Yoga Meltdown,” (which I would recommend) I would respond, “NO, you’re the rock star, Jillian!”  Sure, maybe the solitude of my living room was getting to me.  I didn’t care.  I felt GOOD! 

I’m happy to say I lost those ten pounds, but reaped a newfound confidence.  This is how I fell in love with the yoga practice, and would encourage anyone, right in their home, to begin theirs.