Showing Up
No matter what. (Sunday Reflection)
I still recall it vividly. Over a decade ago, my first yoga teacher told me a story.
There are many styles of yoga — some more strenuous than others. The style I learned is quite energetic and it takes stamina.
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One’s teacher is important in the yoga community. People speak of their “lineage” — part of a chain. I learn from a particular teacher, I may go on to teach others.
My teacher had set her mind on a trip to spend time with her own teacher, the creator of our style of yoga. It was a big deal. She looked forward to the trip for many months.
Finally, she arrived at the studio, ready to practice. Suddenly, she was hit with crushing fatigue. She could barely move. On her mat, in the back of the room, she remained in child’s pose the whole time.
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I imagine how disappointing it must have been at first. So much anticipation. But in yoga, we learn to work with the body that we have, on that day. Some days we are strong. Others, weak.
Sometimes all you can do is curl into a ball.
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In all cases, we give 100% of whatever we have. Maybe I’m at 10% that day — but I can give all of that.
My teacher’s story opened the door for me to show up anyway — even when I am imperfect, weak, tired. It is a practice I try to pursue, and one at which I fail often.
– from the mountain
Consider:
What could I show up for today — even at my most diminished?
Reading:
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.” — Kahlil Gibran
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“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
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“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him.” — Psalm 34:6 (KJV)
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