I have to be honest, yoga can be intimidating (no surprise, I am sure to most of you!)! It's impossible to walk into a yoga class and not size up the other students; comparing oneself to other students and/or the teacher (just as we do in everyday life events). It can be very deflating and there is usually one student that modifies a pose by doing something really super hard and I can feel the mood change with the rest of the class including from me when I am taking a class. It's these moments that I admit to my students that I am not perfect at yoga and I am honest with them about the poses that are hard for me or took me forever to get. We're all human and nobody is perfect. For example, Crane pose...
Crane (or Crow, as I call it) is considered to be an "entry-level" pose and it looks easy but it takes A LOT of time to master and, I admit, took me years and still struggle at times. When I am teaching and get to Crane in the flow my students either laugh, get nervous or excited. As my classes are pretty consistent the growth I have seen in my students is remarkable. I had a student (and friend) finally achieve Crane and she was on cloud nine! That is the beauty of yoga, it's always an experience of self-growth. If you are honest and patient with yourself you can build up to any pose by setting aside fear, doubt or comparing yourself to others because they had to start somewhere as well, right? They too walked into a studio for the first and I am sure they have had or felt those moments of unrest. But the best and most exciting moment is when you finally get that pose! The hard work and time pays off as well as your dedication and confidence. I like the old saying "practice makes perfect" and with yoga you not only get to do something fun but something good for the inner and outer you!
Travel . Fitness . Yoga -- enjoy yours!
