Lessons From Yoga

Being in a yoga class is one of the best ways I've found to practice being in the moment. No matter what craziness is going on in my life, for an hour or so, the world stands still. There is only me and my breath.

I just tried a new class. I practice Bikram usually and felt it was time to step into another class. While it was not as vigorous as what I'm used to, yoga continues to teach me about being still in my mind. I realize today that yoga is also a practice of letting go. Letting go of what you think you can or cannot do. Letting go of tightness in your body. Relaxing. Today I got the message that yoga is also about surrendering to what is. Instead of fighting for the vision of my life as I demand it, it dawned on me that yoga helps me practice surrendering.

Yoga has been about being gentle on myself. I am not a competitive person but I like to keep up. Yoga has been teaching me that I don't need to compare myself to anyone else in class or in life. It is teaching me about patience and acceptance. I am learning to be patient about my poses. I am slowing accepting that I am always going to be learning this art and will never be perfect all of the time. The perfectionist in me hates that and continues to challenge me. I am accepting and really listening to my body. The best thing though is that during a yoga class, I am completely present and in the moment. And for a while after the class, all is well with the world.