Trust the Journey
As much as the end results of a good workout is, there is a great deal of fulfilment in the journey. Yoga and fitness is about what you gain out of the process. It is about learning and enjoying the highs and lows along the way. This is what is almost addicting about yoga and fitness. There is no limit to what you can learn or achieve.
In the beginning the focus of your practice is to learn the asanas (poses), from there we develop the understanding of the alignment. Through the commitment in practicing consistently, the strength is built and limits are pushed. The safe and supportive environment of the class allows for quick acceleration in your practice. Clients often say they never thought they would be able to do what they do now. The experience in the classes and witnessing their progress makes it worth every minutes. And no matter how advance you become there is always something new to learn, or some personal challenges to over come.
What makes the difference in finding fulfillment in your practice, whether in yoga or any thing else in life for that matter, is how we handle our lows. It is extremely important for use to understand the mind, body and life have cycles. There are number of reasons why our physical practice may be not as good as it used to be. In yoga we are taught to honor those lows. We must understand and except that we might not be at 100% all of the time. Even if you are just beginning your practice, honoring yourself for making the initial step of starting is what will set your up for success in continuing.
Knowing that it is OK to go slow, it is OK to reduce to lower levels even if your could once do more advance levels. As long as you keep at you will progress. Sometimes pulling back gives a good opportunity to fine tune alignment or re focus on a weaker part of the body. Again, the perks of coming to class is having an instructor there to support you and other members to inspire you.
Don’t let your own judgment or insecurity hold you back. We can be our own worst enemy at times, but we can also change that and be our number one supporter and motivator. Everyone has low points in their physical practice. Just like in life, without the lows there would be no satisfaction in the highs. The self judgment is what will be your only set back. The uncomfortable feeling of getting back into the swing of things, should not be what stops you as it is only temporary.
What we learn along the way is what makes the process exciting. When coming to classes everyday is different, with something new to learn. Not just learning new poses or exercises, but learning new ways to excel at them. The ability to understand and listen to our body when we need to pull back will help with the same in our daily life. This teach us to be flexible and compassionate to ourselves and other who are feeling the same. Be proud of the progress made. Honor your accomplishments even if it something small at first. Appreciate yourself, trust the process and never give up!