Gaining Strength

In yoga I attempt to let go, to breathe, to be in the moment. In class we are encouraged to take risks, give ourselves breaks and fall – all without judgment. We find ourselves in crazy positions. Each time we come to our mats we allow ourselves to try and accept whatever happens.

The trick is to take those same principles and apply them to life. Can we breathe when things gets hard? Can we accept when we fall? Can we remain in the moment? Can we suspend judgment? Can we recognize our limits?

I have been working on my arm balance in yoga since this summer. At first I could balance one leg and then the other. But when I tried to get both legs up, I’d fall over. Then in the next class, I’d try again. Then one day I could do it for a couple of seconds. And then a few classes later I could hold it a little longer. The next step is to do some crazy thing where you kick your legs into the air and slowly descend to the mat.

Isn’t it similar to the journey to Baby Barto? I’ve fallen and had to pick myself up. I’ve had to accept what is and let go of what is not. I've had to hold myself up. And slowly I’ve gained strength.