Reactions can be poisonous. So often we react before we try something, before we listen, before our minds start to think and wander. I taught a yoga class this morning where I instilled the theme of yoga. Plain and simple. To surrender to what is, to who you are, to be at peace with where you are today. Yet to be strong and committed and driven. To find the duality and the balance. And to react FROM A PLACE THAT IS JOYFUL. So with that being said, we found ourselves in some asanas that are reactive - meaning, that we want to get out of them the minute we get into them. I did that on purpose so that it teaches us not to react immediately.
Why am I telling you all of this, because this week I had a bet with someone special that if I could work my way into tittibhasana (firefly pose... and I have been trying this for over a year) after watching a yoga video, I would have to play a Glee song ~ while students were in SHIVASANA. ha ha ha... right? Well, it happened (my tittibhasana) and I also played the Glee song.
With that being said, I prepped the class and made my confession, letting them know a Glee song will be playing for shivasana. I received some snickers and some laughs. And after class, I was joking around, saying how I actually had to purchase such a song.
And here I am, trying to instill reacting from a joyful place, and I reacted to this bet with a bit of shame. Lesson learned. And looking back - WHO CARES about that song. It made my students smile. And because I had to purchase it, I might just have to use it for future classes. :)
Surrendering, relaxing, and being present, yet staying strong, determined and driven. That is yoga. I am currently trying to apply to my mountain bike training... staying determined and trying my best NOT to react from a poisonous place. Telling myself things are hard and I can't do it. But I know I am strong and able and I know I am capable of reacting from that place of joy. This is why I have a love affair with yoga; because I can apply everything that yoga has taught me on my mat to my daily life. And for me, that's deep.
Ask yourself where you are strong yet calm? And bring that into your world, staying present and keeping reactions at bay (or at least brewing from a happy place).
And while you practice that, eat this: :)
http://nourishmentnow.com/raw-lemon-bars/
stop sitting around and make them! warning: you just MIGHT eat the entire batch!
