Here’s what I have to tell you. Shhhh, come closer. Closer. Okay:
I don’t feel like doing yoga anymore.
I practiced a couple times last week. Nothing this week so far, but I have plans to practice with the Engineer tomorrow morning. Our yoga practice & potluck is on Sunday, so I’ll practice then, too.
I don’t know if it’s the back injury, or everything else that’s going on in my life, but I’m just not feeling it — the yoga, that is. But the thing about this practice is, even if you’re not feeling it: you do it. Or, as Guruji says, “You do!” That’s precisely why I’m bothering with this whole WoYoPracMo thing, even with all of the added stress* right now, because I know I need to get back into some good practice habits. Yoga is something that helps me cope, and I need to cope.
Resistance is an interesting thing. I’ve always felt that resistance occurs at precisely the place at which you should dig deeper — like a treasure chest guarded by a protective spell. There is so much to be learned by working through resistance, if you can make yourself pick up that shovel and start to dig.
* My husband’s foot may or may not be broken. It could be a sprain, or a stress fracture. No cast for now, but he has to stay off it. No driving yet. Followup in two weeks. Dad’s radiation treatments are going well. We are planning a blowout Christmas dinner.
December 13, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I’m doing the WoYoPRaMo, in part, to bring my yoga practice outside of the yoga studio I go to once a week and into my living room. This is something I have intended doing for years now. Reading your blog last month, and just recently concerning Mike’s problems and your husband’s inconvenience, brought me to the point where there really is only NOW and not later to practice yoga. You made me realize how unlikely it would be for life to miraculously become manageable.
And even though you might not agree with this but, isn’t a moment of prayer, or ten minutes of breathing, or a quiet stretching excercise yoga? Please tread gently with yourself.
December 13, 2007 at 4:19 pm
One part of me says: I think it’s okay to be where you are and you should listen to that.
Another part of me says what you said:
“Resistance is an interesting thing. I’ve always felt that resistance occurs at precisely the place at which you should dig deeper . . .”. Like lilalia says, you don’t have to do a full practice to stick with the practice.
No easy answer. Both sides can be argued. Decide on one and stick with it!
December 13, 2007 at 5:13 pm
hi there – i’ve just found your blog and really enjoy your words, despite your tough times you express yourself so well.
i especially love your statement about resistance and couldn’t agree more. the time i become depressed or despondent are the times when i stop doing the things i love because of stress. it might feel nice at the time, but in truth it’s only causing me to slip further away from my goals and loves and deeper into sadness.
on the other hand, don’t be afraid to ease up or to try something totally new.
i’ll be back to visit. best,
- seaswell
December 14, 2007 at 2:39 am
I’ve come to listen to see resistance as a friend instiead of an enemy. When resistance speaks up, I see it as a bright red arrow that’s pointing me in the direction of whats best for me by trying to point me away from what’s best for me. I know, its a little complicated and involves reverse psychology, but to me, resistance is a red flag that says: Do it!
December 14, 2007 at 9:06 am
Practice, you taking! Good, good.
December 14, 2007 at 10:07 am
Yeah, that’s a thing we have in common. The additional stress, the resistance. There’s nothing I can say to make you feel better. Or myself, for that matter. Except for this old story of King Salomon and his ring…
Hugs, dear. Hang in there.
December 14, 2007 at 10:50 am
It’s so good that you’re able to recognize that resistance can be a good thing — that’s not an easy way for me to think.
And don’t forget about restorative yoga! My favourite sequence: a little while in child’s pose, some time in a well-supported supta baddha konasana, legs up the wall, and a nice long savasana. Aaaahhhh.
December 14, 2007 at 11:02 am
[...] much like Yogamum I don’t feel like doing yoga, or any kind of practice, for that matter. I don’t even [...]
December 14, 2007 at 11:30 am
I’ve felt the same about writing this week — I don’t feel like writing every day, but I know the process is good for me, plus I publicly announced to friends and family that I would post every day in December, so now I’m stuck! Thanks so much for WoYoPracMo — I look forward to practicing with you every day in January.
December 14, 2007 at 12:04 pm
I implore you, do not give up yoga right now. There is a vast globule of spiritual energy hanging in the balance. The health of your family is at stake. Maintaining your strength and training will give you the inner-solitude to be the rock for everyone in your social sphere. I pray on this.
December 14, 2007 at 1:57 pm
You know that you’re practicing yoga. This blog is a practice, right? And, it’s in all the ways you take care of others and celebrate life. Hold it in your heart and go back to the mat when your body and mind say it’s time. Right now, chant a little, breathe a little, have gratitude, and practice savasana every chance you get! Namasté & Blessed Be.
December 14, 2007 at 6:56 pm
i feel the same way, sort of . . . the more i work the less i feel i have energy for yoga, but the more i work the more i would benefit from practicing.