Sweat pours off my face, my muscles scream in protest, and I’ve forgotten which is the right and left sides of my body. You’ve just joined me on my journey into the world of yoga.
As adults, it’s easy to fall into a pattern where we do the same things all the time. While we have the independence to try anything, we limit ourselves to a few, safe activities. When was the last time you tried something new? How did it make you feel?
I spend a lot of time hunched in front of a keyboard, talk to audiences for long stretches, and realize that my aging body may have lost some its new car smell. So some change seemed like a good idea. I’ve heard great things about yoga and people who practice it always seem very relaxed. With this in mind, I decided to discover my inner ashram.
Going in, I knew that I probably was not going to discover a hidden talent. I was prepared to be humbled as I didn’t know any of the moves. In a lot of ways, it’s like learning a foreign language.
In class you’re told not to compete with anyone as each person brings their own set of skills. My mind is in a constant competitive mode, so learning how to disconnect myself from the outcome was a challenge.
You also have to deal with your own physical limitations. Some stretches I can’t do very well because my arms are apparently not very long, making me feel like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. At times, I hear a voice inside my head saying, “Uh, we can’t do that.”
Starting out, there also seems to be a connection between doing a move correctly and the amount of pain you’re feeling. And while I do a ton of cardiovascular work, simply occupying a small space in yoga can be exhausting.
Despite these challenges, I’ve kept going to class and I look forward to the experience. It’s good to be challenged by something new. Right away, I noticed that my posture was better, my muscles were more toned, and my energy went up. And from time to time, even with my short arms, I find that I’m able to do what once seemed impossible.
Had I stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have experienced any of these benefits. I’ve also gained a new benchmark for trying something new. The next time I’m presented with a challenge, perhaps in a professional environment, I’ll be better prepared.
And if I feel overwhelmed by it, I can always go into child’s pose and hide.
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Copyright 2010 Ken Okel
Ken Okel helps people and organizations get around the obstacles that are blocking the path to success.
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