6 Unexpected lessons I’ve learnt from my yoga practice.
I would love to tell you that the first time I stepped on a yoga mat it all just clicked, but that was certainly not the case! My love of yoga has been slow building over the years. Yoga was either my main choice of activity or it was so inconsistent I could barely call myself a yogi.
I certainly never considered practicing on my own or becoming a yoga teacher - how times have changed!
Over the many years that yoga has been in my life - in whatever form this has taken - I have realised that it has taught me so many unexpected things that have shaped many areas of my life. Maybe some of these lessons you have learned too, or maybe you’re just starting your journey with yoga and if that’s the case here’s some of the reasons why I think creating a consistent practice can be so beneficial.
1) I will always be a beginner
I was a very competitive child, I grew up with two older brothers and as far as I was concerned whatever they could do I could do better. After years of trying to win at yoga I realised there was no act of winning. I accepted I would always be a beginner in many ways as postures can be modified, deepened and our bodies change over time, so there is always something to learn. Now this is what draws me to my practice so trust the process.
2) Appreciation of my body & it’s capabilities
Like a number of woman, and men, I have that inner critic voice who likes to to show up just when my stomach has popped out of my leggings or my shorts are revealing cellulite on my thighs - anyone else hate that inner voice?! But yoga has taught me to appreciate everything it is capable of. Wellness is not all about biceps and 6-packs it’s about feeling good. I may not be able to do some postures but I recognise the progress I have made over the years as well as knowing that somethings are just not accessible for me - never realised my arms were a little short until I tried to nail some arm balances! So for now, that inner critic is but a whisper and my inner fangirl is winning!
3) I can’t silence my thoughts
Ok I admit as a yoga teacher to using the phrase quiet the mind - apologies for this my wonderful students! Research has shown we have around 6,000 thoughts a day so silencing them is clearly not possible. This used to be such a resistance to me getting on the mat, I’d use excuses like ‘my mind is too busy’, sound familiar? I’ve realised those are the exact times I need to get on my mat. If my mind wanders I’m quicker to notice it and bring it back. Especially in the middle of a balancing posture!
4) Being vulnerable creates connection
I used to be a very guarded person, not open to sharing my troubles or emotions with others, especially not people I didn’t know. Yoga has taught me put that guard down, to show up authentically and that we can build better relationships with others if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to be seen.
5) Stop taking life so serious
Yoga has taught me to laugh at myself more. Over the years arm balances have turned into face plants, I’ve failed epically at trying to master headstands and don’t even get me started on handstands. During my time as a teacher I’ve taught a classes where no one speaks english, the power has disconnected my internet (thank you tropical climate) and the gardener has decided to use the strimmer right outside my window half way through class. Now I could let these things frustrate me but instead I choose to see the funny side and embrace these little challenges.
6) Spirituality isn’t all woo woo
At some point over the years I’ve slowed embraced the essence of having a spiritual practice. I used to find this all a bit ‘woo woo’ and was very happy to say it wasn’t for me, meditation fell into that category. I wanted to show up on the mat and move, not sit still. Learning to discover a spiritual practice that I resonate with has been key in changing my view. It is whatever you want it to be, it isn’t about the clothes you wear or how you are sitting, it’s about finding that connection with your true self.
Yoga has become a way of life for me, on and off the mat. I can look back on those early years and have compassion for the person I was back then. I didn’t know any better and I wasn’t ready to accept the learnings presented to me. I thought I had it all figured out but truthfully I was scared to open up to all the possibilities that life was guiding me towards. I know I have a long and joyful journey ahead with many more lessons to be learnt.
What have been your biggest lessons from your practice? Let me know in the comments below.
