It has been three days straight now since I, together with my husband and daughter, have been attending Bikram Yoga at its Alabang Branch. We took advantage of the P1,000 fee (per person) for 10 consecutive sessions. Since such seemed a convenient exercise over the long week-end, we gave it a shot. And, "thank God", the experience had been awesome, so far!
But being such a reflective person as I am, I cannot help but relate every meaning of my yoga postures to life's principles and allowed all the "breathing moments "as reflection-time as well.
Thus, may I share what I learned or "re-learned", so far:
1. How Do You Know When You Are Ready for Something?
When your knees are not locked in, not yet straight, and still shaking, then, you are not yet READY to charge. Be patient. Stay calm and listen to what your body is saying. It will tell you exactly IF the right moment " to change" has come.
Now, isn't this what we should always remember before we plunge ourselves to any life-changing decision?
2. Is there a difference between QUALITY & QUANTITY?
Nawwh. "Quality is determined by the quantity of dedication you put to a movement", Betty, the instructress said.
That got me thinking. I've always believed the two words are two worlds apart. But, my Yoga posture, just reminded me that these words may be not entirely the same, but, certainly, they determine one another.
Quality is achieved when there is enough dedication or commitment you exert in one's endeavour. Isn't that quantity in itself?
Quantity, on the other hand, when adequate & sincerely rendered, redounds to a favorable and / or acceptable output. Tell me, isn't that quality as well?
Yeah, food for thought, indeed!
3. How Can You Prepare Yourself To Charge Or Change?
"Breathe the right way". "Through your nose, inhale good, exhale well". "Listen & feel the air rushing in & out". "Allow your heartbeat to slow down with the right breath". Your mind, after, will be able to take control.
Simple and practical, right? As I pondered on that, I remembered moments of "nervousness" when I had to close my eyes and allowed good breathing to start. I did not know scientifically then why I always did this act to save my sanity. But I can tell one thing... it always worked! Whenever I internalized my breathing, the act never failed to relax my brain cells which, somehow, always helped me relax my body, my hand, my voice. Thus, whenever I had to deliver a speech or take the front-line, that has been my special way to "pocket" the "unwanted shivers".
With my Yoga exercise, I realized more how "simple breathing" can console one's disturbances, indeed!
4. When you are losing breath, STOP! Be kind to your body. Relax & let good grasp of air fill your lungs....BUT, NEVER STOP TOO LONG!
"Pushing yourself too hard will harm your body". It may lead to uneasy panting or unnecessary body injury. Come to think of it, what a good analogy this is about our life-race, at most times. Depression, fatigue, burnt-out and "loss of social connection" always lead to physical, mental and, worst, spiritual dysfunction. So, "STOP" is the simple, magic word. And, yet, "it is so difficult to do such ... even if we know it is the only way to be rescued".
In the Yoga session, I have learned, once again, that it is "I" who must decide and strongly desire SELF-REJUVENATION. No one and no circumstance will decide such for my own sake. Otherwise, I waive my right to live longer. "Pathetic", if we fail to realize this on time.
But here's the "next priceless realization". "Don't pause so looooooong". Too much rest may lead to boredom, loss of worthiness, blurriness of life's purpose, destruction of skills and commitment ... and, then, "Heaven forbids", atrophy.
4. When you feel like giving up, FOCUS. Look straight in the mirror and see that ONE BEAUTIFUL PERSON you are doing this exercise for.
During Yoga, one need not be conscious of the others. The center of attention is SELF - the beautiful union of mind and body.
Aha, self-romanticism, inspiring, for me! There are two words that struck me in this wonderful thought --- FOCUS ON SELF, my beautiful self.
It's not new. It's not philosophical. It only means "just the right amount" of self-love. The kind that will make you believe in yourself, trust yourself, enjoy yourself ... so that you can give just a bit more for others.
When we lose our way in this world (and no one is spared from this truth!), we must not forget that there is one great "instrument" GOD has given us ... ourselves. But, sometimes, we tend to give up when we lose the people or the material things we cling on for support. Sometimes, we do fail to remember how easily we should depend on the innate beauty & strength within us.
Thus, while doing the "Warrior Pose", I looked staright at my body in the mirror and I told myself silently, "I can do this. Must do this. Will do this more". Oh well, as a neophyte, I still saw the legs trembling with my weight. Guess, I haven't mastered the "art of balancing" yet. "It will take time", the instructress said.
But I loved how my body was coping with the challenge, even if I was shaking & sweating all over. I was completely awed by the courage my stand projected. It was a "liberating!" posture. It was exhilarating.
Yes, my knees, probably, weren't locked-in yet. But I believe, I believe, that the "woman in the mirror", in time, WILL BEGIN TO CHARGE majestically!
Faith in God, Faith in Me ... Faith in Life!
Rox
