During the early years of my yoga practice, I did not quite understand how the physical and mental and spiritual aspects of it all fit in the big picture. What I knew was simply my own experience, that I felt yoga has some effect in recalibrating my body and resetting my mind. Even while there are times during the practice when it feels tough or even unbearable, after practice it always always feels great.
On the physical aspect, the first time that I encountered side leg lifts, I stopped to look around the room, because I did not believe that it was physically possible for the human body to do that. But through time, I learned that that range of motion is possible. I learned through practice what my teacher Sharon Gannon often says: Through repetition the magic is forced to rise. This “magic” arises with two elements present; Abhyasa which is to sit with something for a long time, and vairaga which is detachment. Every time we show up on our mats, we practice getting deeper into these two aspects. It doesn’t mean it’s perfect, there are times we think, what, side leg lifts again? What, handstands again? What, it’s the same sequence? But every time we show up anyway, we humble ourselves to the humility of the practice. We humble ourselves to the discipline, to the commitment, to the predictability and yes, even to the unpredictability. Even though it’s basically the same repertoire of poses, you’re not quite sure if the day’s practice is going to be your thing— your favorite poses— and when it’s not going to be. You persevere just the same, and many if not all of us are already reaping the benefits. So today, let’s continue to work the magic. Let it arise.
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