An Unexpected Yoga Pose

Just like many creative projects, this one experienced a dip in energy in April. I began questioning: I am doing the right thing? Do I really want to commit to this practice for the next year? What was I thinking?

The idea for this year of dedicated practice – of rocking 29 – has been simmering on my conscious for a while. And I don’t want to give up when the going gets tough or when I am not sure how to proceed. I don’t do this in other areas of my life – places where I have more responsibility and obligation, so I certainly don’t want to do this in my place of creativity and spirituality.

Part of this practice is taking a step back and realizing that the doubts that I felt and the questions that were raised are an important part of the process. There are, in fact, more important opportunities for growth that the times were I am feeling elated and “in the flow”. It is in our discomfort that we are actually growing. Think of strength training for example. You are not growing and toning new muscle unless you are pushing yourself and feeling a bit of discomfort.

I thought about this today when I found myself in a very unexpected yoga pose. My legs were in warrior two alignment but both knees were bent and my top half was peeled back like a flower blooming. Not exactly comfortable, but boy did I feel good when I curled back out of it!

My yoga practice reminds me of why I am doing this practice and why I am committed to being more mindful, especially when I am not feeling excited about it. Show up. Allow yourself to embrace discomfort, and breathe it in. Be present. This is where true growth happens.

And so this month, I started a practice of being more mindful through my writing and showing up to the page to write 500 words per day. I started the practice on Saturday and wrote for four days in a row, missed two days, and am now back at the page with renewed vigor. My Morning Pages have been telling me to WRITE. Writing never fails to surprise and amaze me. It is very rare that I sit down to write and the outcome is actually what I anticipated. Just like when I come to the yoga mat or when I show up to work each day, I am not really sure where things will take me. 

Today my yoga instructor said, “If you think you’ve have your body figured out, you’re wrong.” I love that! It is so true! The older I get, the more that I recognize that no one has it all figured out (and whoever tells you that they do is full of shit). The moment you think you have it figured out, the Universe will throw you a curveball just to make sure you are staying on your toes and paying attention. And those are the keys: Attention, Mindfulness, and Showing Up.