Yoga: Finding patience and gratitude on my mat!

One of the things I love the most in my life is yoga! As someone who struggles to stay focused, yoga became an inspiration for me to change the way I live my life. It inspired me to slow down and be thoughtful and grateful for the moment that is now. Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I haven't even come close to the slow down part, and I am still working on the being thoughtful part, but the be grateful part, that, I embrace as much as possible.

I know many people who did not appreciate or even like their first experiences with yoga. Many of them are avid yogi's today. The key is finding the right type of yoga for you and your body. The best way I can advise you to do that is to tell you to try different classes. Lot's of them. Take a beginners classes first. No matter how athletic you are, you will likely struggle and just frustrate yourself in a class that is beyond your experience level. If it's too easy, you can always try more difficult classes, but if it's too hard, you might give up out of frustration and that would be unfortunate.

I lived in a pretty cold climate most of my life and I don't have much use for cold weather. But, I had been born in New England and never left. I had accepted the cold wintry weather. Yoga helped me to be more patient with it. It allowed me space and time to get away from malaise of the winters. I tought me to be more patient with the snow, sleet and the turmoils of winter in New England. Now, at the end of lengthy, dragging winters, I stop asking the snow to melt, the sun to warm the earth faster, and the plants and trees to grow into their green or colorful buds more quickly. I have learned to be grateful and find happiness in the slivers of earth as they start to show on the ground, the moments of sun that finally feel warmer on my face, and the young buds of trees and plants as they are starting to show life.

When I think about my yoga journey, I correlate it to a similar lesson in patience and gratitude. I learned to appreciate the buds; every practice, I grew a little bit more. I wasn't flexible in lots of places, I couldn't balance, and a headstand was definitely out of the question. It took time and patience to grow into what my practice is today. I had to realize that yoga wasn't only about the physical aspect of the practice, but it was, even more, about the mindful aspect of the practice. I needed to achieve both to expand my asanas.

I am still broadening my practice, but I have grown exponentially from where I was to where I am today. I still get competitive in classes sometimes. I get frustrated when I can't get into the deepest expression of a pose, especially when that yogi on the mat next to me is doing it flawlessly and seemingly without any effort. This, of course, is not at all the intent of this sacred practice. So, I shift my perspective to ME on MY mat and do what MY body can do. I didn't always have this patience with myself and I still struggle with it sometimes.

It is one of the greatest lessons that yoga has taught me, to be patient. I am not naturally a patient person, but, I have come to realize that the more kindness, compassion and patience we have for ourselves, the more we can understand and learn about others. If we are not patient with ourselves, how will we ever be patient with anyone else? Now more than ever it is time for us all to find some patience in the world, for ourselves, and for each other. Yoga helps me find that inner peace.

It was on my first trip to Santa Teresa that I had what I call my "magic yoga moment". It was there where I really found my love for yoga. Many athletes, runners, surfers etc. struggle with flexibility: It is something you actively have to train. This was a place where my husband could surf, and I could run on the beach and do some of the best yoga in the world. The warm climate, great surf, and beauty of life here in Santa Teresa makes it a magical place. I allows me to do some of my greatest work in deepening my practice mentally, physically and spiritually. I am blessed that I now get to do this work on a more regular basis.

There are still mornings when I can't seem to find the energy to get on my mat. I try to remind myself that a healthy morning routine can undoubtedly set me up for an amazing day and yoga is one of the perfect ways to get that early morning energy boost. Most of the time I find my spirit and go to a class. Or, these days, I pull out my laptop and do a class online. (Check out the free classes on YouTube! Five Parks Yoga is one of my favorites.) Whether I am doing yoga at home or in a class, this combination of physical and mental activity allows me the space for me. I am always glad I took these moments to practice, and I am always grateful for this special "me time". In the end I know that I have done good for my body, mind and soul and I am thankful for that.

Whatever you do, don't give up. It took many studios, many classes, many teachers, all who have taught me something along my journey. In the beginning, I faced many struggles, it was hard, I got frustrated and faced the many common struggles that new yogi's face but I kept stretching. Today, as I continue my journey, I am looking forward to expanding my practice more here and around the world with the patience and gratitude that yoga has provided me.

Live Fully! Dance Freely! Do Yoga! & Pura Vida!

Click the links below to find some of my favorite yoga stuff!

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