It’s easy to feel like we need to have everything together, all the time, including at a yoga studio. Sometimes we all feel like we need to put on a show when we come to a yoga class. We all want to feel like the person who has it all together wherever we go, including on our mats. In short, sometimes, you feel like you need to meet all the “requirements” to do yoga.
This is not what yoga is.
Try not to view yoga as a checklist item. Yoga is something that invests in all parts of your day. It affects your mood, your mindset, and it gives you energy and relief. It’s a detox, a challenge, a healing, an exploration, an acceptance, and an appreciation.
If yoga were about expectations, there would be no point in practicing. Yoga IS a relief because it allows you to express how you feel. Every feeling demands to be felt. Yoga allows you to feel it in a healthy process.
Yoga is a constant journey; a constant change. Wherever you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually, it’s about thanking yourself in where you are today. You can’t help your body or mind by judging, or scolding yourself. And you certainly can’t improve anything without accepting how you feel. With love and kindness comes acceptance, with acceptance comes change, and with change comes improvement.
I invite you to bring everything you have onto your mat and be honest with yourself. Take a moment to fully take in what you are feeling through yoga. Listen to yourself like you would want someone to listen to you; compassionately and without judgment. Listen to what your body has to say, and choose to let it go. You are human, and you did the best you could. So breathe it in, and breathe it out.
If we’re honest, we all know what it’s like to feel ten inches tall compared to everyone else. Sometimes, we all feel like everyone else is staring. But just take a deep breath, because it’s more than likely that someone else in the yoga studio feels the exact same way.
It doesn’t matter who you are – we all have brokenness to bring to our mats. It takes strength and courage to be honest. Whether you’re feeling content, or frustrated, just thank yourself for being strong enough to step on to your mat.
When you step on your mat ask yourself, “how are you doing?”
Then, let your practice be a reflection of how you are doing.