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!
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| 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?
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