Yoga isn't what you think it is.

Allow me to apologize now. I will undoubtedly post about the merits of yoga. Far too much.

If you practice yoga, you understand my plight and won’t mind my blathering about it. This apology is for those who have snubbed yoga.

photo credit: yogaworkflow.com 

Yes, I know… You’re not flexible. You can’t sit still. You are n-e-v-e-r going to say “om” e-v-e-r.  If this sounds like you, yoga isn’t what you think it is.

The purpose of yoga isn’t about posing like a pretzel. It isn’t about fancy mats or the latest Lululemon outfits. It isn’t about an unlimited class card at the hottest studio. 

Yoga is about uniting your mind, body and spirit. It is about discovering and honoring your self - inside and out. You can practice yoga anywhere with nothing – for free.

To borrow a lovely description by Ann Pizer:

The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will.  Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will improve the longer you practice. Another great thing about thinking about "your practice" is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day. 

(full article: http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/whatisyoga.htm)

Yes, you read that correctly. Yoga is non-competitive. Totally and utterly so. Anyone can start at any time.

Former paratrooper Arthur Boorman was more than 100 pounds overweight and needed a cane and braces to walk. He discovered a former pro wrestler’s yoga DVD online and reclaimed his health, his mobility -- his life. He shared his amazing transformation on YouTube, garnering 7 million views.

http://www.today.com/video/today/50408080/#50408080

One of my most influential yoga instructors taught 14 classes a week through her late seventies. She didn't discover yoga until after she retired. Just last week, I heard about a yoga master who is still teaching and practicing at age 90.

Yes, YOU can do yoga. You are not too old or too heavy. You don’t need a particular body type or fitness level or flexibility. You just need to start. If you stay with it, it will improve your life.

Lessons from the Insult of Injury

It was my own silly fault.

A year ago, my fitness regimen was dialed in. I felt stronger, faster and more flexible than I had in 20 years. My 2016 goal was mastering the "dragonfly" yoga pose, parsva dandasana. I was pushing the envelope with any crazy-fun activity that crossed my path -- acro yoga, dozen-mile hikes, mountain biking, aerial silks classes.  Rawr! Bring it on!

This is an example of parsva dandasan, "dragonfly" pose. Photo courtesy of aayogadance.

And, then.

The four-hour volleyball clinic that got my iliolumbar ligament talking. The ramping up for a trail running group that took out my hip flexor. The impromptu yoga pose in street clothes that caused my hamstring to throw a never-ending tantrum. Whatever was I thinking?!?

For the first few months, I laughed it off.  I always bounce back fast. I'll be up and running again in no time. Several times, I allowed brief periods of respite, then came back with my usual enthusiasm. I can power through this!

After a few months of one step forward, two steps back, I got frustrated. I didn't want to wait any longer for recovery. This isn't my style! I didn't sign up for these pesky injuries! I missed the exertion, the release, and the focus of my usual recreational activities.

I didn't have a choice, much to my dismay. I futilely chased my injuries as they moved around my body. I discovered that the musculoskeletal system is like a brutal gang when you hit middle age. Let's say you beat up a piriformis muscle. It's just a matter of time before a whole soft-tissue group -- iliotibial band, lower back, hamstring -- will be taking you down in retaliation.

So, I got serious about assessment. I can fix this! There is a logical solution! 

I read articles. I sought physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy, I tried acupuncture, foam rolling, ice, shoe inserts, rolls of KT tape, and about a dozen ointments with magical healing properties. I can strategize through this! This is an investment in my health and well-being. 

Some attempts helped somewhat, but certainly not enough to tackle that dragonfly pose this year. Wait, wha-a-at? I'm not okay with that!

I must admit, the realization stung a bit. It really isn't like me to fall short of a goal, at least not without giving it my all and then some.

Alas, as it turns out, my all wasn't defined the way I expected. The purpose of 2016 wasn't what I had planned for myself. It wasn't a year of achieving new heights, after all.

Instead, it was a year of humble learning: To slow my pace down and let go a little. To focus on what I can do, despite challenges and barriers. To be patient with myself. To embrace exactly where I happen to be and make the most of it.

Not particularly glamorous. But, I think we can agree, oh-so important.

Don't get me wrong. A strong, driven must-fix mentality can be useful and motivating. It is what pulls us out of the mud and sparks creative solutions. Yet, untempered, it can cause us to lose balance and a greater perspective. We can do too much, divert too many resources, and eventually burn out -- which sets us back even further.

When it comes down to it, the sum total of your life experience is a much higher priority that any specific goal.

Even mastering the Dragonfly pose. Although, it IS a pretty badass asana...so, maybe in 2017?