Yoga is Not a Competition

I have been practicing yoga since 1972. Yup, 41 years.  I am not great at it and there are times when I slack off on the practice. However, from the age of 6 years old, I was hooked.

Lilias, Yoga and You on PBS. She taught me that it was worth trying harder, yoga was not a competition, and to be gentle with my body. Throughout my life yoga has kept me balanced, flexible and strong. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should.

I have encountered many instructors over the years — some good, some not so much. I have actually heard one say, “If it doesn’t hurt it isn’t yoga.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. One of the best instructors I’ve ever had was gentle, patient and amazingly supportive for so many reasons. She made me want to do more; hell, she made me want to show up.

If you can fit private sessions into to your budget and schedule, you will be happy you did. I know that after spending time with my yoga instructor, I am balanced, I have stretched, and I am stronger than I was before.

Remember though, it’s not a competition. Not even with yourself. It’s just about Doing, Being and Breathing, which is something I tend to forget in my normal competitive nature. So try yoga. Do, Be and Breathe.