When I first started my journey I had this belief that meditation is only meditation if you are sitting on the floor with your legs crossed, eyes closed and an empty mind; that yoga is only yoga if you can touch your toes and stand on your head. These perceptions left me feeling inadequate and unqualified for these practices. I can remember being excited to go to a yoga class, only to leave feeling defeated and disconnected by the time I walked out the door. I realized I was in class trying to look the part, trying to stretch and reach beyond what my body was prepared for, just for the sake of keeping up. With the benefits that people raved about regarding yoga and meditation I knew I was missing something. I followed my intuition and decided I needed to learn more, to lean in and find what fit me. Maybe where my journey led me will resonate with you on your journey, take what fits and leave the rest.
Before you begin your practice I invite you to listen to what your mind and body requires that day. What works on Monday may not work on Thursday. I had this belief that I had to stick to rules and look like a professional the first time I tried something. Wherever these beliefs came from, be it culture, the fitness industry or childhood wounding that had me always striving for perfection, I began to welcome a practice that gave me the opportunity to create a better, more aligned relationship with myself. Try taking a moment to breathe and listen to your body. You do not have to force your body into something in order to make progress. You are able to welcome a more gentle practice, one that feels kind and loving, rather than forceful and difficult.
Walking meditation is a great option for the days that stillness feels impossible. Surround yourself with nature, leave your phone home and allow the birds and the world around you to be your music. Be mindful of how your feet feel as they meet the earth. Notice your breathing, and how the air feels filling and emptying from your body. Notice where you're holding tension in your body and mindfully release. Appreciate everything you see, the colors of the trees, the beautiful people you may pass, the incredible infrastructure that surrounds you. Immerse yourself in the present moment, enjoy being in your body, let go of any other to-do list or obligation, this time is for you and only you. This walk can last for five minutes or fifty minutes. Know that any time you take to be present will never be wasted. Once you are finished take a moment to notice the quality of your thoughts and your mood, and soak in the positive effects, this will be your motivation to continue this practice.
When it came to my yoga practice I changed my language in order to change my expectations. Yoga is now known as movement in my mind. I am aware there are poses and sequences, and I am always practicing with safety and alignment in mind. However, forcing myself into poses that do not feel good is not the answer for me anymore. The word movement welcomes a sense of freedom for me to listen to my body.
When you begin your practice, I invite you to tune into what your body craves. Maybe you feel like dancing, maybe staying in one position and feeling a deep stretch is what your body needs today, maybe one side of your body requires something a little different then the other. Allow yourself to become fully embodied. Feeling your muscles, your bones, your blood flowing through your body, and your heart beating. Decide not to rush your practice, decide to stop performing and begin feeling. Notice how this reframe changes your approach to your practice. See how this feels for you. Keep in mind if you try this for yourself you do not have to stop your structured practice all together if you have one. Simply invite change into your routine and see if it resonates with your body and mind.
It is important to remember that your practice is for you and no one else. Meditation and yoga leads your path inward. Embrace your autonomy and create a practice that feeds your soul.