Finding Peace in Life's Shakiness and Why Yoga is for Everyone.

“Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men. Silently and perceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become. ” ― Brooke Foss Westcott

 I felt sick during my yoga practice the other day. Well, not so much sick, but, rather perhaps ...overwhelmed.

You see, I have a debilitating neurological disorder, one that causes me great pain ~ and, among other things, quite a bit of wobbling unsteadiness throughout my day. I was drawn to yoga, in part, to help alleviate the manifestation of these issues. But, perhaps more importantly, to help maintain a strong sense of 'inner balance.'

Most of the time, I'm very much at peace with my body...understanding full well how limitations can lead often to our greatest introspection. 

But, on this night...I must admit...I was experiencing one heck of a spiritual challenge.

Today, I entered my practice with optimism…determined to find grace in my movement through the positions.

Oh, but that mirror – that stupid, full length, wall-to-wall mirror. There’s no hiding from one’s true reflection, is there?

And, as my body started to wobble, and my hands jittered out of control… my mind snickered,

“Oh yeah? And, just what do you think you’re doing here?” 

My dears, the mind can be a fabulous partner on our spiritual journey. Likewise, it can often become our stinkiest, and most horribly competitive, of 'friends.'

And tonight? My mind's sharp words nearly shattered me.

I felt so out of place – like a stranger standing out in a far off land. How did this happen?

And, just like that, I started to cry.

My yoga teacher, without ever missing a beat, reached out to steady my hand and offer her ‘correction’ (Yoga teachers, I have learned, love correcting things - I swear they must've been elementary school teachers in a former life).

I thought maybe she was just being kind, trying to offer a little nudge of support. But, it turns out she was there for so much more.

Just then, she said something I will never forget – almost as if the universe was speaking through her.

I know…hippie weirdness. But, it’s true.

She said,

“I know you’re upset, but you have to keep pushing through. Turn off your brain, and just move. And, whatever you think you’re seeing as ‘weakness’, is actually a testimony to your own personal strength.

For every moment you felt you couldn't, but did anyway.

For every night you cried yourself to sleep, and yet still woke up with gratitude.

And for every instance you felt yourself lost, but helped someone else find their way…that is what all of this wobbling means.”

Amazing how just a few words delivered at just the right moment have the power to transform the complexity of our being.

So, I think tonight I finally made friends with that mirror ~ and, found peace inside the shakier part of my spirit.

You know, I used to think that Yoga was only for the strong, beautiful girls – with tightly toned bodies, and graceful, unencumbered movement.

But, now that I think of  – it's more so for people like me.

Namaste and many blessings my friends - and may we always be open to these moments of introspection.