Life Happens In Transition
Transitions in life, a graduation, a new job, the first or last day of school, are full of moments we often rush through. In yoga, just like in life, the real lessons happen in the spaces between poses. By slowing down, paying attention to breath, and practicing mindfulness on the mat, you learn the benefits of yoga extend far beyond strength or flexibility. Being present in these in-between moments builds awareness, focus, and intentional living - on the mat and in daily life.
From childhood we are always hurrying towards a certain age, waiting for life to start while life is happening in between the numbers. Why is the present moment so underrated? Checking the phone relentlessly, disregarding the moment we are in with the people we are with. Wanting to speed forward to the next phase or goal. Shifting so fast from one thing to another, periods of time in our lives become a blur.
It can be the same on your mat. Are you frequently in a hurry to do the same pose, the same way you’ve done it 500 times before and check it off the list? Rushing can be a sign of resistance. So what is it you are resisting? Is it a conflict or a challenge? Maybe it’s being uncomfortable or unsuccessful. Do you become pose oriented instead of building the skills necessary to maintain or obtain the shape. Do you force, move at warp speed, or sacrifice alignment for the money Instagram photo? When poses are challenging why are you convinced you need to get it done immediately and accomplish the goal instantly. What if the goal wasn't the pose but the experience you gain on the journey? The practice is actually the whole point. Knowledge occurs in the space between the poses. Could you imagine being a professional athlete without putting in hours and hours and then even more hours of practice? The practice is what builds the players character, ability, and team unity.
At its very core, yoga is a practice of present moment awareness. Being in the pose you’re in and noticing the details, rather than creating them. The more awareness you possess, the more resourceful you become. Slowing down, processing the situation, and connecting to breath can build skillful, purposeful, intentional action both on the mat and off.
Transitions could potentially be some of the greatest missed opportunities in your life. Life is constant change. Moving slowly invites you to feel rooted, present, and connected to breath. Your breath is truly your life force and what allows you to have human experiences. Don’t you want to take the time to enjoy the moments you have? I mean, who wants to hike to the top of a mountain just to get there and close their eyes the whole time and miss the view?