Here's the scene: I'm in a yoga class.
In a calm voice, the teacher instructs to do "downward dog" position.
From her tone, you'd almost think it's a calm position, yet for me it's anything but.
My upper calves become strained, so uncomfortable. I think to myself, "maybe running has killed my flexibility."
"How much longer till rest?"
In the background, we hear the yoga teacher say "the entire goal of yoga is to breathe through any position."
And I fucking miss it!
Well I hear it, but it doesn't register.
Maybe I'm too focused on "doing well."
Okay Sam, time to really out-yoga your previous yoga so that you'll leave a proud pro at yoga.
But I missed the point. Because the point is not to be the best, but to feel your best.
The point is to get in touch with the connection between your mind, your body, and your breath. To feel connected to something greater than yourself.
Sometimes, the yoga teacher will say "remember to breathe" and it does register.
I can't shift my energy immediately. But I can make breathing an intention. And when I forget to breathe, I can remember again.
After a few minutes of true intent to breathe calmly, there I am doing it!
Holy shit guys! Our story's hero faced a challenge and overcame it.
Life is about presence, not numbers.
And presence is impossible without calm breath. Remember to breathe. And when you forget, remember again.
Quote I'm Pondering
"When the master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved."
– Lao Tzu
30% of the way to 100 emails! Closer to 50 than 0! I really appreciate everyone who's read these over the past 6 months.
If you have a friend who may also enjoy, please forward to them! If you are that friend, subscribe here.