One of my students gave me inspiration
today as we were walking out of class she started talking about the course she
was studying in college…. In her final year of a Masters in psychology she said
she was constantly told to forget the studies and works other people had done,
to not listen to other people or be influenced by other peoples works in order
to determine her allow her own judgment and opinions to form…. This translated
into a really simple analogy for me regarding yoga… As much as listening to
other people’s theories, ideas and opinions can influence your own thoughts,
decisions and actions on a daily basis the same is true for your yoga practice.
As a teacher I see it all the time, some
students become so focused on what other students are doing they lose their own
practice. When I am teaching a class I try to subtly remind my students
throughout very class to be mindful of their own bodies and how they are
feeling in that practice. I encourage them to listen to their bodies and work
within their own limits not worrying about what other people are doing but yet
often this falls on deaf ears. No matter how often you offer modifications or
alternatives some students will be totally led by others around them and they
totally lose their own practice.
So why do we find it so hard to listen to
our own bodies, work within our own limits and work to get the most we can out
of each practice, for our own bodies on that day? Is it a competitive thing, a
need to impress those around us in a work environment, which somehow carries
through to the yoga studio or even a social setting?
It made me think… In self-practice it is
easier to stay focused on your own mat space and work within your own body
because there is no one else to disctract you…. As in life! Often when we are
on our own we feel strong and confident in our decisions but then crumble or
loose faith when we listen to other people’s comments, opinions and criticisms.
Over the last few months as I have dived into my little yoga buzz I have been
faced with many challenges on and off the mat. I have had to make some tough decisions,
which caused adverse reactions from friends and family. I have had countless
people wanting to give me their opinion on what I was doing with my career, sometimes
positive, sometimes negative. At first I listened and tried to ignore the
negativity and focus on what I felt inside and tried to stay true to my
feelings but the more I listened the harder it became and I got lost.
No matter how strong you are or how
determined you are when you are in a negative environment or are continuously
knocked back it is bound to rub off in some way. It may spur you on to be even
more successful, it may throw you totally off course and allow the fear gates
to flood open so that you lose your confidence…. A 101 things could happen but
whatever the impact, it will absolutely cause a reaction and have an effect.
Having experienced this in both a
professional office setting and also on my little yoga journey I can only share
my learning’s as I have found them… the most important person to listen to is
yourself, on and off the mat. Do not rely on the opinions of others to
determine your path or your practice…. It is your life live it your way and
always remember be true to yourself, the important people in your life will
always love you…. Even if you make a mistake!
Don’t be afraid to fall down, believe in
your ability to pick yourself up!
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