I offer you a very helpful way to discover the love-hate relationship of yoga in easy 3 steps.
First, we need to understand, it's the union of those opposites. For all those of you out there that love yoga, that is wonderful and I commend you on your practice. But we should also understand there will be times when you hate it. This is a perfectly acceptable reaction to yoga, but there may be more to it. For those of you at the 'hate' end of the spectrum, who have decided that you do not wish to practice, I say question that feeling. Then, and only then, can we practice yoga in it's authenticity with equanimity.
There is the physical challenge in the yoga class, to 'be' with your body and mind, in all the effort and at the same time, find ease in the postures. To be okay where ever your body allows. It's not necessarily a matter of 'like'. There is also a sort of kickass grace that arises, but you may also have experienced an unmotivated instructor, or a poorly designed class on that day. I suggest you need to evaluate a yoga class. When you are in class, look to see if your body has been pushed too far toward pain, or if you are not encouraged to listen to your body and rest in child's pose. Then, perhaps that particular class is not true yoga or beneficial to you. It may be that it's not suited for your encouragement and growth. Different classes address different needs.
I am offering to you this concept: there will be days of hate and of love for your yoga. That is its nature and that is what will be for you. Your journey is unique and not like the path of other's.
Second step is to question: Do you feel less stressed and relaxed afterwards? Do your muscles ache in places that other fitness programs can't access? Do you walk taller and more confident? Do you find there is a discovery of, "Hey, wow, I didn't know my body could do that"? Does this yoga inspire you to pursue more yoga? Do you hear words of encouragement or spiritual nuggets of advice from the teacher or yourself? Are you okay with yourself when you can't do a posture? Does the ego puff up when you can achieve a yoga posture? Yoga teaches us to witness. I am here to remind you, it's a process of being what is, and it's not easy to face ourselves day in and day out on the mat. I have, on occasion, wanted to run so far away from my mat, from my practice, that I didn't think I could be with myself in that moment, that emotion, that thought, but I stuck with it. I have grown to appreciate that part of the "hate" process. In time, you may too, but be prepared for the raw, invasive aspects of the yoga practice. The proverbial butterfly that set off the tsunami. I say this to encourage you to stay with it, your discipline and diligence in yoga is worth it.
If none of this strikes a chord for you, don't worry. I offer for you to stay motivated and try another yoga class or studio. In fact, try several variations, different instructors, and different times of the day. The body reacts differently in the AM vs PM. You may find you have energy for a more strenuous practice in the evening if you're seeking physical results. The AM will be more for the mind to handle. Things may come up for you. As an example: "I know I can do better" or "I know that this shouldn't be so hard" or "I don't feel very flexible". These judgements and labels don't necessarily serve you. They may be based on what we feel others would think of our practice. Please know that this is human nature, but I am here to offer another perspective. Treat yourself with compassion, encouragement and gentleness. Our own mind is our most severe critic. Perhaps you can replace that dialog with a more friendly approach. It's a choice to move toward the positive nature and not let anything stand in your way. Yoga is also like massage therapy; you need to try a few therapists. Some will beat you up, some will not do anything for your sore muscles and some are just right leaving you refreshed and ready to face the next week.
Your third step is to find what you relatively enjoy (love/hate) in your fitness and stick with it, it may not be yoga. You may also question what you are looking for in your yoga. There's a lot of scientific evidence that it can make you look and feel younger, alleviate illnesses/injuries and give you a more supple, svelte body... but so can a combination of other workouts. Feed YOUR soul, not the souls of your peep's.
The 3 steps of yoga. (A shortened version of understand, question and enjoy diligence)
1. Get on your mat.
2. Be okay with what arises.
3. Do it again tomorrow.
Having dedicated 11 years of practice, 6 years to teaching vinyasa yoga, and 3 years producing this blog, can you tell I'm an enthusiast? Yoga is the journey that will sustain you for a lifetime of truly living. When you seek to know what makes you tick, when you must see what is over the next hill, yoga gives you the opportunity to let go of your past, not to strive toward the future, but to be in the present moment. When life gets difficult, yoga will teach you that 'this too shall pass'. It will give you the courage to face life's challenges and at the same time really enjoy all that you have and don't have. Be the practice, through the love and hate.
Wishing you love and light, namaste.
First, we need to understand, it's the union of those opposites. For all those of you out there that love yoga, that is wonderful and I commend you on your practice. But we should also understand there will be times when you hate it. This is a perfectly acceptable reaction to yoga, but there may be more to it. For those of you at the 'hate' end of the spectrum, who have decided that you do not wish to practice, I say question that feeling. Then, and only then, can we practice yoga in it's authenticity with equanimity.
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| Poster created by Lucy Clark to inspire her yoga students at Santosha School of Yoga. |
I am offering to you this concept: there will be days of hate and of love for your yoga. That is its nature and that is what will be for you. Your journey is unique and not like the path of other's.
Second step is to question: Do you feel less stressed and relaxed afterwards? Do your muscles ache in places that other fitness programs can't access? Do you walk taller and more confident? Do you find there is a discovery of, "Hey, wow, I didn't know my body could do that"? Does this yoga inspire you to pursue more yoga? Do you hear words of encouragement or spiritual nuggets of advice from the teacher or yourself? Are you okay with yourself when you can't do a posture? Does the ego puff up when you can achieve a yoga posture? Yoga teaches us to witness. I am here to remind you, it's a process of being what is, and it's not easy to face ourselves day in and day out on the mat. I have, on occasion, wanted to run so far away from my mat, from my practice, that I didn't think I could be with myself in that moment, that emotion, that thought, but I stuck with it. I have grown to appreciate that part of the "hate" process. In time, you may too, but be prepared for the raw, invasive aspects of the yoga practice. The proverbial butterfly that set off the tsunami. I say this to encourage you to stay with it, your discipline and diligence in yoga is worth it.
If none of this strikes a chord for you, don't worry. I offer for you to stay motivated and try another yoga class or studio. In fact, try several variations, different instructors, and different times of the day. The body reacts differently in the AM vs PM. You may find you have energy for a more strenuous practice in the evening if you're seeking physical results. The AM will be more for the mind to handle. Things may come up for you. As an example: "I know I can do better" or "I know that this shouldn't be so hard" or "I don't feel very flexible". These judgements and labels don't necessarily serve you. They may be based on what we feel others would think of our practice. Please know that this is human nature, but I am here to offer another perspective. Treat yourself with compassion, encouragement and gentleness. Our own mind is our most severe critic. Perhaps you can replace that dialog with a more friendly approach. It's a choice to move toward the positive nature and not let anything stand in your way. Yoga is also like massage therapy; you need to try a few therapists. Some will beat you up, some will not do anything for your sore muscles and some are just right leaving you refreshed and ready to face the next week.
Your third step is to find what you relatively enjoy (love/hate) in your fitness and stick with it, it may not be yoga. You may also question what you are looking for in your yoga. There's a lot of scientific evidence that it can make you look and feel younger, alleviate illnesses/injuries and give you a more supple, svelte body... but so can a combination of other workouts. Feed YOUR soul, not the souls of your peep's.
The 3 steps of yoga. (A shortened version of understand, question and enjoy diligence)
1. Get on your mat.
2. Be okay with what arises.
3. Do it again tomorrow.
Having dedicated 11 years of practice, 6 years to teaching vinyasa yoga, and 3 years producing this blog, can you tell I'm an enthusiast? Yoga is the journey that will sustain you for a lifetime of truly living. When you seek to know what makes you tick, when you must see what is over the next hill, yoga gives you the opportunity to let go of your past, not to strive toward the future, but to be in the present moment. When life gets difficult, yoga will teach you that 'this too shall pass'. It will give you the courage to face life's challenges and at the same time really enjoy all that you have and don't have. Be the practice, through the love and hate.
Wishing you love and light, namaste.
