When I was 10 years old, I began to practice gymnastics in competition with 5 different assests (floor, bar, beam and vault) with an intense rhythm of 3x per week of classes and week-ends were set aside for racing around town. A sport that suited me and with which I was able to improve myself. Excitement and animated aerobatics affect the body. This feeling of challenge and balance despite a rather moderate level.
During warm-ups and stretching, I pushed every part of my body to become more and more flexible. I remember the stream of my thoughts during each exercise, that tiny voice telling me : ” Strength, pull more, contract to touch. your legs to the ground. Stretch as far as you can if you want to make it to the splits. ” Competitive spirit in my skin, I remember the mind pushing me to do harmful pain endeavors : Contract, freeze the breath push harder and do it again. That tiny voice whispered to me, I’m not going to make it, I’m not good enough, control and high blood pressure in the muscles. Pain was squeezing oxygen-depleted muscles. Gymnastics was a valuable learning experience about life’s movement and such great lessons in daily life. Adrenaline, performance and overcoming fear are powerful acts.
Today yoga is unconsciously taking me to that place where the mind was humming subtly opposite to what was benevolent and good for it. To allow oneself to breathe fully and bring oxygen to the muscles. The air flow provides us with relaxation information. Muscle relaxes and stretches with each exhale in letting go. Through yoga, I have come to understand how important it is to be in the moment, not judge oneself and remove expectations. Simply live your posture deeply without mental fluctuation.
Each person’s needs are different, contests may be a cure, it all depends on the person’s experience and personality. Here, I share with you the sense not measuring up, lack of confidence activate self-sabotage and it has generated frustration and judgment of my own resources.
This discipline is a real key to learn love, non-judgment, self-sabotage and removal of expectations through practice. I was able to open the field of possibilities in body and mind.
A gentle voice, whispering to us that we are all capable of accomplishing what we desire. Be tolerant and kind to yourself because by giving love, we can discover the most beautiful facets of our being. Every day, we learn to master life. The body teaches us to live in harmony with ourselves and our environment.
Namaste Yoginis