Inviting It All In

I had an interesting experience recently; one of those opportunities to reflect on the benefits of practice permeating my everyday life. It began late Sunday night, when I was awakened by a nagging pain in my back, the likely result of a long hike I'd enjoyed earlier that day. My discomfort beckoned me to the freezer for an ice pack, where I was not-so-pleasantly surprised to find the contents of my tepid freezer well on their way to thawed.

It's past 11, I'm tired, and I remember the appointments on my books for early in the morning. All the worst-case lamentable scenarios presented themselves quickly... the wasted spoiled food, will I have to replace the refrigerator, can I get a repairman out in between appointments... And then almost as quickly, I made a choice to just let all the inconvenience in and usher all the worry out. I did what seemed reasonable to salvage food, crawled back in my bed sans ice pack, began long slow deep breath rhythms and simply allowed myself be with what was. As I focused on my breath, I witnessed all the fear, frustration, uncertainty and inconvenience rise and fade away without consuming my energy. I actually slept quite well and woke early to greet my inconvenient truth, my unexpected visitor that put a cog in my normally well-oiled Monday wheel.

When I let everything in; the good, the bad, the ugly and the unknowing, a lovely unfolding of events occurred. I randomly picked a repair service from the phone book. First ring, a pleasant woman answered and I was able to get an easy appointment. I called my first client and asked to move our time, which was not a problem. I decided to cook the food I'd salvaged and texted my teenage son "Bring your friends home for lunch." I enjoyed the appreciation of these young men, happy and so grateful for an unexpected home-cooked lunch. The repairman was a funny, efficient gentleman who quickly fixed my problem; a minor inexpensive replacement part he had on his truck. The day had turned out to be pleasant and fed my energy rather than exhausted it.

I wondered if my choice to not turn anything away in resistance had an impact on such a seamless string of affable solutions presenting themselves. I'd like to think so. Like attracts like energy. Reflecting on similar past experiences in which I had allowed an unexpected problem to usurp my energy, the experiences had not always gone so smoothly, and I'd often end up feeling depleted.

When I practice Yoga asana and meet resistance or pain, I know how to acknowledge what is unfolding without judging or forcing my body to yield. Bringing awareness to the sensations and breathing, the body may unwind by virtue of simple awareness and breath; I may make a simple adaptation; I may choose to let the pose go. This kind of sensitivity is bourne out of practice. A consistent practice on the mat extends itself into everyday life. Not only do our bodies become more relaxed and supple with practice, but so too do our minds, our attitudes, our relationships. Life often seems to respond in kind. Even when the painful, unexpected or inconvenient knocks on my door, when I relax in to what is, solutions present themselves.

Life is practice, practice is life! It's a joy to see the fruits of my practice ripen in such simple yet meaningful ways. As I age my joints may not be happy to do the same complex asanas I once did, but my mind continues to expand and the practice of living Yoga gets deeper and better all the time, my heart opens to include, include, include. Twenty or so years ago when I began dabbling in Yoga, I had no idea this practice could have had such a profound impact on my quality of daily life and relationships.

While the challenge and pleasure of asana practice remains, as a practitioner and a teacher, I realize the most delicious benefits of practice are truly off the mat. I often encourage students to remain disciplined in the regularity of their practice for this very reason. I invite each of you to recommit to your practice, to relish in the support of your teacher and fellow students. Become an observer of your own life's challenges and reflect upon them in the context of the essential teachings of Yoga.

Peace, and Many Blessings,

Namaste

Cyndi