Remember when you learned something new? It was probably challenging, maybe frustrating at times, and took a while to get to your goal…but then you reach that goal. How amazing is that feeling of accomplishment?!
I LOVE learning and trying new things. Almost to the point of it being a fault of mine because I do tend to get bored easily and crave new routines or experiences constantly. (Yes, I definitely struggle in the area of Santosha ‘contentment’ in my life!) But so long as we can consciously work at remaining content in our lives regardless of what’s going on, we can use this craving for new adventures to our advantage.
I was inspired to write on this topic thanks to a close friend/yoga student of mine. A few nights ago in my Level 2 Vinyasa class we were working on handstands. I love arm balances and inversions and have been intrigued by them from day one. The strength and grace that yogis exemplify while balancing upside down on their hands is such a beautiful art to me. Over the past year 1.5 years I have had to self train myself in learning advanced postures as it is hard for me to get away for workshops. I have accomplished many fantastic yoga poses in my practice this way! (learning advanced postures on your own is not recommended unless you are a certified yoga teacher) Because of my passion for this advanced practice I have been able to inspire my students to challenge themselves and train their body’s to do things they never thought they could do.
So, I have watched this friend of mine grow tremendously in her physical strength since she started coming to yoga. It’s truly been an inspiration. In this particular Vinyasa class, I assisted her into a handstand. She got in it, experienced the true feeling of being upside down, came out of it and said “that’s my first time ever!!” It was such an exciting moment to see her awe and joy for her own accomplishment. For her, learning arm balances and inversions and yoga in general has been a new adventure. She was a true beginner when she started coming. Now, she is reaping the benefits of a beginners’ enthusiasm and passion. It was a beautiful triumph that caused me to step back and think, “Wow. What a moment to appreciate. I forget what that feeling is like.”
So I am inspired to challenge myself to something “new”. Something I am not great at. In fact I am choosing something that I am HORRIBLE at: Running. I hate it. I loathe it. I am fearful of it. Therefore, I am choosing it 🙂 Ironically enough, since my experience with my friend in class the other night, I have had the best 2 days of running I ever had. So I thank her 🙂 And I thank the Universe for reminding what it’s like to be a beginner.
Find something new. Something you are intimidated by. Or something that frightens you a bit. Something that excites you, but maybe you always thought “I could never do that..” This is how I feel about running! I can’t even run 2 miles! But I am going to give it my best effort and see what happens. I am going to embrace being a newbie again and you should too 🙂
Enjoy being a beginner again ❤
ps~ if you decide to pick up running like me, you MUST adopt a regular yoga practice if you haven’t already. I can already feel the harsh impact running is having on my body, but with yoga I am able to soothe my body the way it needs.
MySoulBalm 