There is a happiness that overcomes my spirit when I settle
myself down on the mat, a smile that lights up from the inside and a pride in
taking the time to care for myself. I love the pace of Hatha and the patience
of the movements and I love the message delivered by my instructor today…..
“In your practice today I want
you to focus on wilful determination and non-concern for results”
What a beautiful way to treat yourself.
The statement is a simple reminder that there are two
aspects to every undertaking; the effort and the success. Being in a mindful
state asks us always to be focused on the effort. What a great relief of
pressure it is to give yourself permission to concern yourself only with the
action and effort at hand understanding that the results or success will
determine themselves. If you love what you are doing success is a natural
consequence.
Most successful people will tell you that the success they’ve
ended up with looks nothing like the success they set out to achieve. In most
cases it surpasses anything they could have limited themselves to in their
wildest dreams or think-tank sessions. In most cases people find themselves
surprised by the results.
They are not alone, I find myself astounded when I suddenly
realize that I am looking at my own ass.
The truth is that if I set out focused on making this happen
I would be celebrating my wretched failure in traction, and gulping down a Robaxacet
cocktail.
But by simply keeping my focus on the effort, the breath, the
push and surrender of the instructed posture… to my amazement I find myself in the
most astounding postures!
This is the beauty of yoga. Success or failure is never a goal
but success always emerges; much to my surprise and generally doubled when I
manage to untangle myself back out of any given pretzel pose.
I love the line the instructor leaves with as the session
ends as well…
“Maintain this subtle state of
mind and carry it with you throughout your day”
And suddenly yoga is right up
there with coffee in the ‘must have’s’ of a successful day.
Happy Pancake Tuesday!
Love
M
