We are in a new year, and maybe in a multiple-week break from yoga or other things that have been in the routine, that have been seeing progress. If so, just a short break can have the sense of “beginning again”; for me, I hate it. I am naturally goal-oriented, motivated by progress, and (unfortunately) progress is habitually gauged in asana/poses. I then realize that, like many things on the mat, this may be an opportunity for growth…growth and progress outside of asana.
“Beginning again” is a principal idea in yoga: yoga is always a “practice”, not a “perfect”, and definitely not a performance. We are taught to address each practice as a beginner: open-minded, unclouded by past success or failure, eager to learn and experience today’s practice. We can know this, but to apply this in a genuine way is a different story, and more difficult for some than others.
So, I remind myself that breaks can be okay. In fact, this particular Christmas and New Year break occurs simultaneously with Winter Solstice. In the natural world, these darker days are synonymous with hibernation: rest, drawing inward, healing. It is natural to take this break from the go-go of routine and “progress”. I am personally appreciating this time of healing over-worked joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is good.
I remind myself that other activities, that are not aligned with my goals, can be okay. Priorities can shift at times, that is needed. It is nice to shift, maybe work on a parallel path, and find something good shift in the yoga practice upon return – could be a physical shift, or a renewed pleasant and smiling feeling in simply returning to the practice, to the routine. Additionally, I have seen benefits of cross-training: in physical practice/sport/gym work, but in life as well. Try new things, and the old things may also be enhanced.
I remind myself that, no, I am not starting from scratch. If my head and my heart see challenge and setback, my muscles and nervous system have a memory of this work before the break. While the first practice or few may be difficult, my body will respond and I will see progress again.
I remind myself that, yes, what I do on the mat does reflect what I do off the mat. I am practicing addressing this mental and emotional challenge of “beginning again”, so that I can be more resilient (and compassionate!) in the setbacks in life.
I consider that it is in beginning again that I may find a new path and a new way forward, I just have to get back on the mat and see. Now that is exciting, inspiring.