Overlooked

Overlooked: 

with age, injury, and maybe a slight amount of wisdom, my yoga practice has been transformed from another athletic feat to a more gentle, mindful practice. Asanas that were once overlooked have become the core of my routine, an entire session might be built upon just a few simple postures, favorites now, and most importantly, healing body as well as my emotions. There are hidden depths to these asanas that I never cared to notice or explore due to my penchant for the more dramatic and demanding poses. But I seek healing now, a different approach is called for and my stubborn approach is finally laid aside. It's time for me to explore what these gentle poses offer. 

the truth is, 

that even these seemingly inauspicious postures present a challenge.

and perhaps that's the reason that they were once overlooked, that they demanded more from me than I had wished to give, asking far greater focus and attention on simply being still, patient, settling into each asana for whatever length was asked for, content within its gentleness and ease. Not every challenge is meant to be conquered, force isn't always my best and only answer. That was a big revelation for me, one that took me far too long to apply in yoga and life as well. My practice isn't meant to be an achievement, it's not an event, and shouldn't be approach as just another workout. It's taken decades for my ego to be laid aside and to just allow myself the joy of motion and ease of stillness found at the end of each pose. Or more truly, that every asana is a complete practice on its own, calling only for my attention and a mindful approach, and what's revealed isn't a secret at all, but simply overlooked in my haste to reach those more dramatic poses and the answers I believed they held. 

so there's only a few poses each session now, just enough, and each asana is honored as an all important lesson for me to learn. There's no secret here, only a commitment to be open, humble, and honest in my approach to every pose. 

no asana is overlooked. 

and with this...

life becomes my practice. 

~

Peace, Eric