So, as I've mentioned before, I am LOVING yoga. I finally started a foundations class at PAI YOGA and am learning the basics of yoga. I am hoping to give the hot power yoga a try again soon but have realized that I was missing the foundations I needed to really enjoy yoga before. I was way out of my league trying to do the yoga my 22 year old daughter does:-) The teacher I have is amazing and because I am in a very basic class, I'm not frustrated throughout the entire class, and I can really listen and learn.
A few weeks ago, I was asking the instructor about the difference between this class and the higher level classes as I want to try some of the others before the school year begins. I said, "I can't do a chaturanga and I'll never be able to. Can I still go to that class?" She paused, looked at me and said, "Let's change your words a little." She talked to me a little bit about what I COULD do and that I could have a full life of yoga without ever doing a chaturanga. As a teacher, I immediately saw what she was doing, realized my own issue and wondered quietly whether my yoga instructor had read Choice Words by Peter Johnston....
I started to pay attention to my inner language throughout class that night. As Kara was telling us to have our eyes looking toward our knees and appreciate their strength, I would notice my inner voice wondering how and when my knees had become so fat:-) When Kara was marveling at our feet and how amazing that they carry us from place to place, I was obsessed with the bulging veins and how old they looked. Over the last few weeks, Kara's six words have helped me to see that I have not been so kind to myself during this decade of my life. It has not been my healthiest of decades--I've let healthy eating and exercise (and a balanced life in general) go a bit as life got in the way. I wouldn't trade where I put the time these last 10 years, but up until 10-15 years ago, I felt more healthy than unhealthy; more in shape than out-of-shape most of the time. But I finally realized how much the inner language of my 40s has changed part of my days and what impact it is probably having on me as I try to regain a healthy lifestyle.
2012 was a year where I really committed to regaining control of my health. And I really worked hard to get healthier, run 2 5Ks, etc. Then my concussion happened and I had 5 months of no exercise so I am back to Square One. Believe me, starting an exercise program over and over and over again is exhausting. I guess what I have learned though, is that it is what it is. And what I do have control over is that I can enjoy that I can move forward today.
I think part of the reason I am enjoying yoga is because it really is impacting the way I live my days. Since that conversation with Kara, I am noticing other times during the day where I need to "change my words" ...just a little. There are patterns to the times in my days where I beat myself up, where I don't believe in myself, where I give up, where I lose energy. These 6 little words that Kara gave me have given me a strategy to stop and breathe and revamp my thinking just enough to move beyond my old habits. I love this about the impact of leading a healthier life. Thanks, Kara!
A few weeks ago, I was asking the instructor about the difference between this class and the higher level classes as I want to try some of the others before the school year begins. I said, "I can't do a chaturanga and I'll never be able to. Can I still go to that class?" She paused, looked at me and said, "Let's change your words a little." She talked to me a little bit about what I COULD do and that I could have a full life of yoga without ever doing a chaturanga. As a teacher, I immediately saw what she was doing, realized my own issue and wondered quietly whether my yoga instructor had read Choice Words by Peter Johnston....
I started to pay attention to my inner language throughout class that night. As Kara was telling us to have our eyes looking toward our knees and appreciate their strength, I would notice my inner voice wondering how and when my knees had become so fat:-) When Kara was marveling at our feet and how amazing that they carry us from place to place, I was obsessed with the bulging veins and how old they looked. Over the last few weeks, Kara's six words have helped me to see that I have not been so kind to myself during this decade of my life. It has not been my healthiest of decades--I've let healthy eating and exercise (and a balanced life in general) go a bit as life got in the way. I wouldn't trade where I put the time these last 10 years, but up until 10-15 years ago, I felt more healthy than unhealthy; more in shape than out-of-shape most of the time. But I finally realized how much the inner language of my 40s has changed part of my days and what impact it is probably having on me as I try to regain a healthy lifestyle.
2012 was a year where I really committed to regaining control of my health. And I really worked hard to get healthier, run 2 5Ks, etc. Then my concussion happened and I had 5 months of no exercise so I am back to Square One. Believe me, starting an exercise program over and over and over again is exhausting. I guess what I have learned though, is that it is what it is. And what I do have control over is that I can enjoy that I can move forward today.
I think part of the reason I am enjoying yoga is because it really is impacting the way I live my days. Since that conversation with Kara, I am noticing other times during the day where I need to "change my words" ...just a little. There are patterns to the times in my days where I beat myself up, where I don't believe in myself, where I give up, where I lose energy. These 6 little words that Kara gave me have given me a strategy to stop and breathe and revamp my thinking just enough to move beyond my old habits. I love this about the impact of leading a healthier life. Thanks, Kara!
