change

Leap of Faith

by ultrapeg

leaplarge

It continues to amaze and sadden me to hear people proclaim certainty about their inability to do yoga or Pilates even though they have never tried.  Or maybe they tried many years ago but are sure that the interim time span has zapped their capacity. The time for these efforts has passed, they reason, it’s pointless to try now.  In the next breath, however, I also commonly hear “but I have to do something!”  Well, there you have it.  You can either spend your time wishing you could do something and lamenting your perceived inability or you could spend that same time actually doing something.  Granted, making the effort takes a leap of faith.  It requires overcoming fear and venturing into the unknown.

One thing that might help is to remember those times in the past when you did manage to overcome your fears and venture into the unknown.  We’ve all had those experiences.  Think of a time when you wanted or needed to do something bad enough that you dropped your resistance and moved into it.  No matter what the outcome, I think it’s safe to assume that you learned something from that experience.  And chances are what actually happened is nothing like what you thought might happen.

Another motivation might be to consider the consequences of doing nothing.  You will continue to feel bad about yourself both emotionally and physically.  That negativity can produce a downward spiral.  The mind-body connection between physical illness and emotional attitude is increasingly well-documented.  Yoga and Pilates both work on strengthening that mind-body connection helping you to focus your mind, get to know how your body works and bring body and mind into better alignment.  Why let yourself sink into a rut when all you have to do is take that first step in a new direction.  The first step is the hardest, but once you take it and begin to move forward your confidence will grow and you may find your attitude changing.  After all, others have done it and you can do it, too!

Finally, all of us have friends or neighbors who are doing those things that we wish we could do.  I don’t mean your children or grandchildren or anyone who is half your age or pictured in a magazine.  But others who are in similar situations to your own.  You know who they are.  Ask them about their journey.  They probably do not have any special powers that you lack.  But somewhere along the line they took that leap of faith and tried something new.  Is it working for them?  Will they support you in your effort to try?  Having a system of support is a huge asset when you are trying to make a change in your life.  That’s why classes can be so helpful.  All the others in the class are working at the same thing.  We all need each other to stay on track. Working in a group with the similar goals is powerful.  Take advantage of that and let the group’s momentum pull you along.

So I would like to challenge you to try again to make that leap of faith.  Take your fear to the limit:  what’s the worst that can happen? If you move slowly and thoughtfully, paying attention only to yourself and how you feel, making movements only in a way that works for your body and stopping when you need to you are unlikely to hurt yourself.  You may even surprise yourself by finding that it feels good. Maybe you won’t like it.  That’s fine.  Everyone has to find the form of movement that works best for then.  But we all need to move, regardless of age or physically limitations.  You’ll never be able to form an opinion until you try.

Hope to see you all in a class soon!

Adventures in Learning

by ultrapeg
redhirtclimber
Photo: Peg Ryan

There are few certainties in life.  No matter how much knowledge we’ve accumulated, it’s still safe to say that life is about learning.  One of my favorite song lines comes from Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock song: “I don’t know who I am, but life is for learning”.  So if you’re afraid to come to a class because you think you won’t know what to do, try to remember that none of us (myself included!) knew what to do when we first started.  Everything I do now is a result of trying, adapting and practicing.  There was no innate ability or talent.  Just a desire to learn and consistent effort.  Often in the beginning, and certainly as my body as changed through the years, I have had to accept the realities of my abilities and adapt my practice accordingly.  Surprisingly it is not that difficult.  I’ve been able to continue to benefit from my practice even though my movement may not look the same as someone with a different body type or capabilities.

For the past few weeks I’ve been suggesting that we reframe some of our approaches in order to let go of what has become the default reaction and allow ourselves a different experience simply by thinking differently.  So here is another opportunity:  instead of approaching a new activity with fear and insecurity, try thinking of it as an adventure in learning.  When we were children everything was new and unknown.  The only way to learn was to take that leap without knowing what to expect. Meditation teachers often use the term “beginner’s mind”.  This refers to one’s initial experiences with the practice when everything is new.  No preconceived notions.  No judgments.  No right or wrong. No expectations. Try thinking of your movement practice this way.  Start slow and simple and give it some time.  Stay with the experience rather than focusing on outcomes or even goals.  If something seems difficult, instead of saying “I can’t do that” try instead thinking “Maybe I can find a different way to do that.”  Make the movement smaller or slower or do fewer repetitions.  Try different approaches like bending your knees. Use your fists or forearms instead of your wrists.  Incorporate props like pillows or blankets.  There are so many different ways to make your practice your own.  Each day your experience may be different. Approach each effort with a “beginner’s mind” and allow it to be a new experience.

The bodies we inhabit are miraculous.  Each of us is a precise collection of muscles, bones, veins and nerves with systems that keep it all working together. Work with your systems and let them work for you. We have the incredible senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell.  Instead of lamenting what you can’t do, remember all the things you can do and adapt what you want to do accordingly.  Celebrate your ability to move and breathe and treat these profound capacities with the reverence they deserve.  It’s never too late to try something new.