Yoga and the "F" Word

Last Wednesday night during our moonlight Hatha Yoga class in the garden, we went through a sequence of standing poses. As we flowed through our exhalations and inhalations, we moved from standing split (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana) to Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III). One of my students who is an athletic, healthy woman, lost her balance and came out of the posture suddenly.  As that happened I distinctly heard the "F" word escape from her lips in dissatisfaction with her body's movement. 

"I always fail when I try that asana." she complained

"Did I hear the 'F' word? ...Fail?" I questioned, "There is no fail in yoga. There is only acceptance of where your body is at this moment. You are here on your mat, sharing the practice with me. How is that a failure?" I inquired

In western society we are inundated with images and videos of perfectly posed yogis in very challenging, often advanced, postures. It seems the focus of yoga has changed from linking the body, mind and spirit - the very meaning of yoga -to looking camera ready at all times during our practice. The voice of the ego is strong and alive in all of us. How many of us can say that we've never felt envy or even jealousy as we watch another yogi in class achieve the very posture that our bodies have not been ready to reach? These emotions can be self-destructive. 

Photo credit: http://media-cdn1.pinterest.com/upload/65654107037510272_kucbdi3x_f.jpg

The way I feel about yoga is embodied in Judith Hanson Lasater's quote, "Yoga is not about touching your toes; it's about what you learn on the way down." Some of the many benefits of the practice are finding joy in the little moments throughout the day, focusing on gratitude even in challenging times and connecting with the divine within, allowing its peace and love to emanate through all areas of our lives. The fact yoga practice also helps your body to become more physically beautiful, toned and healthier are just icing on the cake! 

So the next time you fall out of a posture, allow yourself to smile, even laugh at the joy of your body's movement, feeling gratitude that you have taken the time out of your hectic schedule to do something wonderful and nurturing for yourself. 

Oh, and leave that four-letter "F" word at the door.

Photo credit: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICv3DqIr_EA/UEQbuKxdjaI/AAAAAAAAEcg/SO1gfXa8SSk/s1600/yoga+life+whereyouarenow.jpg

Fields of Yoga Class Schedule

Mondays & Wednesdays @ the home studio 

HATHA FLOW in the Garden 7pm-8:15pm

Tuesdays @ the home studio 

TRANQUIL TUESDAY MEDITATION 7pm-8pm, 1st Tues of the month
YIN YOGA 7pm-8:15pm, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month & by request only

Saturdays @ beach in Umm Suqeim 1

 SUNRISE BEACH YOGA 7pm-8:15pm

prebooking essential: fieldsofyoga@gmail.com