enjoy getting there

Fresh from yoga class and feeling very tired but on the other end, feeling so great. TS taught us crow pose (bakasana) today. I wasn't able to do it but it's ok.

The practice today consisted of hip openers and core work. I'm happy to share that I am now able to reach the mat while in forward fold with my legs straight. Amazing! I find it immensely fascinating how the body improves its flexibility just with constant practice. Teachers have been telling us it was going to happen and I've read countless articles on how yoga has the capability to increase the body's flexibility. I have held on to the hope that yoga can do my body good. And yet it's still surprising when it happens to you - those wonderful moments when your body debunks your idea of the range of motions it can only do.

I have to admit that I am intimidated with bakasana. I have yet to build my confidence and trust that I have enough strength to hold this pose. I like the last moments of practice when Tara reminded us that it's ok if we didn't get to do the pose, that there was no judging in the studio. The mat does not judge. The thing that I appreciated the most is when TS said that we should remind ourselves to enjoy the journey of getting to a point where we find enough strength and confidence in ourselves to hold the bakasana. I liked that the most I guess because that's where I am in my yoga journey. While a part of me really wanted to do the pose (that up until a 30 minutes ago, I've been practicing at home), I must remind myself that perhaps it is not yet time but in time, I will get there. Sometimes I tend to be fixated on achieving something that I forget how equally satisfying not to rush and just enjoy as things unfold. For now, it should be enough that I was able to reach the mat while in forward fold and that I was able to do half a bakasana (in preparation for the pose). Little victories that are not often celebrated but victories nonetheless that contribute to the greater goal.

My key takeaway in today's class is to always remember to enjoy the journey of getting there. So even though I wasn't able to do the bakasana just yet, I feel great because I know my body will slowly work its way to that someday.