The Never Ending Class

You always hear teachers say that yoga is not about mastering poses but about cultivating a mindset that helps in every aspect of our lives. Yet, when you look around, you see pictures of advanced postures that most of us will likely never do. So, what does this really mean?

Seeing Ourselves on the Mat

When we step onto our yoga mats, we create a sacred space for self-reflection and growth. Here, we confront our limitations, celebrate our strengths, and learn to embrace the present moment. Through consistent practice, we begin to:

·      Cultivate self-awareness: We become more attuned to our body's signals, our breath, and our thoughts.

·      Develop patience: We learn that progress takes time and that each day on the mat is unique.

·      Build resilience: We face challenges in poses and learn to breathe through discomfort.

·      Practice self-compassion: We learn to treat ourselves with kindness, even when we struggle.

Translating Mat Insights to Life

As we deepen our practice, we start to notice how these on-mat revelations influence our off-mat experiences:

·      Embracing imperfection: Just as we accept wobbles in our balance poses, we learn to embrace our flaws in daily life.

·      Finding strength in vulnerability: Opening up in heart-opening poses teaches us the power of emotional openness off the mat.

·      Staying present: The focus required in challenging poses helps us stay grounded in life's ups and downs.

·      Cultivating gratitude: We appreciate our body's capabilities, which extends to gratitude for life's blessings.

The Power of Community

Yoga isn't just a solitary practice; it's a journey shared with others. The supportive community we find in yoga classes reminds us of the importance of connection. This sense of belonging helps us:

·      Feel accepted: We learn that everyone, regardless of their level, is on their own unique path.

·      Share experiences: Both struggles and triumphs become moments of bonding.

·      Offer support: We learn to lift others up, both on and off the mat.

Yoga is Not for Everyone

It's important to acknowledge that yoga is not for everyone. We all have our own paths to wellness. But for those of us who've found growth through yoga, giving ourselves mat time is invaluable, no matter what it looks like.

At the end of my classes, I always remind students: "The asana practice is complete, but the true practice continues." Simply meaning that the physical practice is just the start. The real magic happens when we take these lessons into our daily lives, practicing mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness long after we've rolled up our mats. To me, this is what being 'advanced' is all about, and honestly, it's the toughest part of yoga. But hey, as the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect!’

Enjoy!