Flexibility

Flexibility.  That word holds a variety of meanings and can describe many different things.  Flexible schedules...flexible bodies...flexible attitudes...even flexible garden hoses.  But in the middle of yoga class last night I realized that I can become more flexible when someone else applies a little pressure...if I will simply breath and release my resistance.

The instructor guides the class into Staff Pose then instructs us to inhale....then exhale and lean forward from the hips keeping the back long.  I move my torso forward into Seated Forward Bend...reaching my hands toward my toes.  The tightness in my hamstrings and lower back limit my forward movement but I continue to breath and try to relax into the stretch.  That was when I felt the instructors hands lightly on my back.  She cued my breathing and on my exhalation she applied a firm pressure to my mid back region.  My torso released forward...my fingers crept closer to my toes...and the muscles in the back of my legs relaxed slightly.  She released for a breath cycle then repeated the sycronized breath and manual pressure again.  My body released even further forward into the stretch each time she pressed her body weight against me...as long as I did not resist the pressure.

That was when I realized the application of this lesson off the yoga mat.  Outside pressure can increase my flexibility...not physically like in yoga class...but emotionally and psychologically.  I can become more flexible in my attitudes and in my views when I am challenged by the pressure from others.  I do not have to agree with their views or attitudes.  However, when I give up my resistance and judgement and open myself up to their viewpoint, I have the opportunity to stretch my own perspective and hone my own opinions.  I must remain calm...breath...and let go into the moment of experience.  I must be willing to endure the external pressure while releasing and relaxing within.  If I do...my flexibility will increase and I will be able to adapt to the challenges that life brings. 

Grounded

We all need a place to land...a place that keeps us grounded and nurtures us.  For some of us it is a location such as a house.  But for others it might be a relationship.  Yet for others it is a religious practice.  The important thing is that we discover what or who helps us stay grounded, keeps us centered, boosts our energy and nurtures us.  Then it is crucial that we cultivate that relationship or practice...that we care for and tend to our home.  We must give attention and energy to what supports us.  Not only in the difficult times of life, but in the easy times as well.  So...pay attention to what and who elevates your energy...inspires you...makes you feel alive and happy.  Then take every step necessary to bring more of that into your life.

Getting Back Up

I fell out of a pose in yoga class yesterday.  Nothing but my pride was injured and surprisingly my pride didn't suffer much or for long.  It was a very basic shoulder stretch before the instructor gave an unfamiliar option to increase the difficulty.  Without hesitating, I lifted my right leg into the air and moved into the more difficult positon...for a very brief moment.  Then, I lost my balance and rolled onto my side.  Immediately I thought of a little child learning to crawl...how they wobble and fall over again and again. 

I laughed out loud as I toppled over. But I was immediately encouraged by the instructor who said that everyone falls out of the pose the first time they try it.  So...back into the pose I went.  And this time my body adjusted...muscles were contracted more fully...my body weight was more evenly distributed....and my breath was more even.  And...I lifted my right leg and held the pose.  It wasn't long until we move into a different pose but I successfully held it. 

My most recent yoga lesson is a reminder to myself to continue to get back up.  To learn from the initial experience and make adjustments for success.  For there is truly no shame in the falling...everyone does it.  The only shame lies in refusing to get back up and try again.  For if we don't try we will never succeed.   

Comfort Zones

There are times in my life when I need someone to challenge me...not in an adversarial way...just a firm, solid push that moves me across the outer perimeter of my comfort zone.  I am quite familiar with the well-defined boundary of my comfort.  I cling to it...balancing right on the edge. 

Often I see something just outside my reach.  Something alluring that speaks to me.  I rise up on my toes...balancing....teetering...stretching my outreached fingers toward the goal.  Predictably, I lose my balance and pull back.  I collect myself and regain my composure having barely escaped the vulnerability of a fall outside my comfort zone.  I catch my breath.

Other times I reach with determination, grasping the target of my reach and swiftly pull it toward me.  But I do not venture across that treacherous line.  This feat may initially feel like an achievement but the successful feeling quickly fades - constricted by the size of my comfort zone. 

What is truly amazing is when I teeter on the precipice of what I know then choose to step with purpose and intent beyond my previous experience.  When I acknowledge what is possible beyond that boundary and choose to step toward it without the guarantee of a specific outcome...that may be uncomfortable, but can also open me up for incredible personal growth.

I have experienced this opportunity for personal growth many times.  Recently it came during a yoga class.  I was moving up from the beginner class and making my first attempt at Power Yoga.  The name scared me.  Power.  Yoga.  But I unrolled my mat...determined to give my best during the class.  As the class progressed I realized that I am accustomed to stopping an exercise when it becomes difficult.  I am a fitness instructor and I format my class.  I determine what exercises we do...what the duration and intensity will be... and we definitely don't do anything I don't like to do.  So...as we held Goddess Pose and my thighs began to quiver and sweat started dripping off my brow, I realized that I need to be the student.  As we moved into Half Moon, I understood the need to give up orchestrating and do more enduring.  I need to do things that are difficult...not just the things that I am good at or that come easily.  I need to be pushed beyond what is comfortable.

So...thank you to all my teachers, mentors, family and friends who nudge me ever closer to the edge of change...through discomfort...through uncertainty...through fear...and into a new, much larger comfort zone.