A Single Step

Begin with a single step.

Treat your yoga practice this way. The first step in mastering an advanced pose is simply giving it a try. And knowing that there is no such thing as failure. If you fall, that's great...you're one step closer already because you tried, you gave it your all. And you can try again. Don't let fear stop you. 

Start right now, take the step - take a leap of faith. Trust in your body, for your body can do amazing things. 

Drop expectation, drop judgement, drop your ideals, drop jealousy. Don't look at anyone else's practice.  Pick up strength, pick up determination, pick up faith, pick up trust. Look at your practice and your own journey in yoga. 

What can you work on to help you achieve the advanced pose? Never ever give up. Be patient. 

Feel good in your practice. Trust your body and listen to it. What does it need right now? Don't push yourself, with each day and each step you take, you are inching closer to your goals.  Yoga teaches us to love our bodies, to love where we are, right here, right now. 

Take the step....hell, take a leap. Jump in. Enjoy the ride. 

(be) a fighter

I recently woke up with sharp pains in my chest....one of the most terrifying feelings. After a trip to the ER, and multiple doctor consultations, I was at a loss, and so were they. No one could figure out why I felt such sharp pains to the left side of my chest. I couldn't take a deep breath, I couldn't lay on my back, I couldn't open a window, couldn't reach down to put my shoes on...it was all too painful. I was scared. 

After two days of resting, and no results, I really began to think about what stresses I had put on my body this past week. I began to reflect, and to listen to my body. Then I remembered I did take a fall out of handstand last week, twisting my shoulder. It hurt a little, but then nothing came of it. Reflecting back, that type of rotation though? Something must have popped. 

So off to the chiropractor I went. 6 of my ribs were unaligned, my shoulder had slightly popped out, as well as my bicep. He worked on them, and the sharp pains lifted. I felt a sense of relief.

Later that evening, the pain returned. I couldn't breathe deeply, and even my regular shorter breaths hurt. Blood work came back showing I have some type of infection....Another restless night of sleep, interrupted by shooting pains. Fear took over. 

But I woke up this morning with a new outlook, despite the ongoing pain. I had to let go of my fear. I am going to be ok. I am going to fight whatever this is. I can get through whatever life throws my way. I have an incredible support system, I am a healthy 23 year old, and combined with positive thinking, I will fight whatever is hurting me, and come out stronger. 

I have learned to listen to my body. I have learned rest is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. I have learned to never give up. I have learned it's ok to rely on others for help and support. 

I am a fighter.