an easter egg in warrior III

A few months back, our teacher talked about moments that remind us of where we've been and how things have changed since then. He said that these are reminders and that they sometimes come in random moments that surprise us and immediately puts us in a place that allows us to reflect on the present moment through the past. Easter eggs, he called it.

I had that moment a while ago while in Virabhadrasana III or Warrior III. As I balanced on my left foot and worked on reaching back with my right foot and extending the crown of my head and my arms forward, I heard our teacher (who was at the back of my mat with his hands near my foot making sure I am not forgetting to work the pose the way that it should be done) say "great job". Though it may not necessarily be for my benefit alone, I felt that I deserved it too along with all the other students in class, who like me were doing their best wherever they were in their practice. It was then that I remembered the very first time I went into Warrior III.

I can't remember exactly when but I remember how it went. The shaking of my standing leg and the difficulty I had in balancing. I couldn't even reach my arm forward. I kept them on the blocks and even then I wobbled and stumbled. The second time I tried, I was able to hold the pose but only very very briefly. But even then, I felt it was such an achievement just to be able to try.

Through time, the pieces of advice I've amassed from different teachers who incorporated Warrior III in their lesson have helped me. I find so much beauty in balancing poses. It's a delicate challenge that requires focus, strength and faith. And more importantly, I think it teaches us a lot about balancing in life.

Virabhadrasana III or Warrior III

Photo grabbed from Yoga Basics