Advancing in Yoga

When I first started out in yoga (the end of April 2010), I was so frustrated.  There was so much that I could not even come close to doing.  I couldn’t touch my toes or the floor from a standing position.  I couldn’t touch my forehead to my knees in ANY position.  I couldn’t hold any of the balance positions.  Last night, I actually looked around some while doing the class, and with the exception of the teacher, and maybe one other person, I was doing everything better than most people in the class were.  Understand, yoga is NOT about competing with other people; it’s about going further MYSELF.  I was able to put my hands flat on the floor from a standing position.  I could touch my forehead to my knees in every position we did last night. 

My teacher was right – with practice, I am able to do many of the things I first thought impossible.  Granted, my form may not be perfect – (OK – DEFINITELY IS NOT PERFECT!) – and I may wiggle when I try to balance – but I can stretch now like never before.  I still get a little dizzy when I’m upside down – (thanks to some of my meds) – but my heels are firmly planted on the ground in the Downward Facing Dog pose.  And last night, I was even able to do some of the poses requiring me to be on my knee – that is the first time since starting yoga that I have been able to do that!   The new meds are definitely working. 

I’m thankful that my teacher kept encouraging me when I didn’t feel like I was making any progress – because now the progress is measureable.  I’m grateful that she is so committed to yoga – because there have been times I went to class just for her – and now I hate to miss it.  Persistence and practice have certainly paid off!

So here’s to Sun Salutation, Relaxation Pose, and all of the other poses in yoga!  Can’t wait until we do it again!