Change Through Challenge

"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go."~Unknown

I heard someone say recently, "It's going to be a long time before we get back to normal." We are now trying to get used to "the new normal". We want to safely connect with others again of course. But what if we aren't supposed to go back to what was? What if we are in a place of transition, opening into something new and better? In our current state, there have been challenges for all of us. It's hard to imagine how a global health crisis, a divisive political climate and a struggling economy can be a forecast for evolution.

We don't grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges. We may not know what's on the other side. If we trust that our challenges are opportunity to gain greater strength and wisdom, and let go of things that are no longer serving us, we open up to our best selves and ultimately transformation.

On the mat, if we only practice the poses that are easy for us, our practice can't progress. The poses that challenge us, are the ones our bodies need to become stronger and more flexible. Yoga teaches us to go inward and find a calm and steady mind even in our discomfort. We are challenged to find the ease within the effort. With practice, we learn to access that same calm mind off the mat when chaos is around us and within us. A calm mind is where we make the best decisions. Our practice helps to keep us grounded, strong and more flexible in life.

What have you gained during this time and what have you let go of? How has it changed you? How can you embrace change right now? Go inside. Find that calm place and trust your truth.

It can be a challenge to get on our mat. Whether we're choosing to practice at home or in the studio, just showing up is the hardest part. Once we make the time for self care, we are reminded that our practice can keep our mind and body free from build up of fear, stress and tension, that ultimately weakens the immune system. If you are struggling with it all, find your mat.

Like the trees letting go of their leaves, fall shows us that everything in life is fluid and changing and in order to move forward, we need to embrace the change. Without the fall, there would be no spring nor summer, and nature embraces this temporary death or dormancy to be reborn again in spring.

"You cannot spell CHAlleNGE without going through change." ~ Lolly Daskal