I’m not good at it”
I’ve been hearing this one a lot lately. An even better variation is, “I’m not VERY good at it”
Inhale. Exhale.
I understand. We, and the rest of society, have trained ourselves to only focus on the things that we are good at: the roles we serve, our careers, our skills, our hobbies…the list could go on forever. We are in constant competition, always fighting for the top tier position, even within ourselves.
The next promotion.
The best workout.
The next life milestone.
But let’s really ask ourselves, “WHY!?” Why do we have to be good or even better, VERY good, at something to consider it a success?
The Good to Bad Spectrum: Two Arguments
1: Good vs. Positive Impact
Measurement is positive. We set goals, we measure our progress, and we reach them. But why is it assumed the final destination always has to be good to have a positive impact? This goes without saying “good” is subjective. There is no universal measurement of good and bad. My first argument: experiences, regardless of judgement, create positive impacts.
2: Point A to Point B
Next, it’s almost like we forget there has to be a space between where you start and reaching said destination. Last time I checked, we don’t wake up good at everything. We wake up good at nothing! We give all of our time, energy and love to the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, which is later translated to success. But, it takes time, and different amounts for different people to get from point A to point B. Why is the focus only at the end…what about everything in-between?
The Practice of Yoga
Yoga literally means unity. It is a practice that aims to unite the mind, body and spirit, as well as one to the surrounding universe. How do you measure unity? I personally don’t believe the good to bad spectrum does a justice.
Practice can be defined as a habit to improve or maintain proficiency. Yoga is always a practice. There is no destination, which means habitually improving or maintaining your OWN unity. Again…where is the good to bad spectrum appropriate here?
At first, it kills me to hear people say this. But after a moment, it brings me back to my foundation. Every yoga practitioner, without a doubt, once believed the same thing, “I’m not good at it.”
But here we are now…still not good at it.
Rather,
#Lettucebowandsay “We ARE it”
Asana
My personal asana (sanskrit for physical practice) is rather expansive. I choose those words to describe it very intentionally.
As a trained dancer, I had years of strength and conditioning prior to finding my physical practice. My body can move in some ways that others can’t. But the truth is, that’s true of anyone that unrolls their mat beside you, not just me.
I’m truly flattered when others admire my practice, often stating it is, “beautiful.” I do take it as a compliment, but towards my dance training. Not my yoga practice.
My practice is not good, not better than anyone else’s, and most importantly, not anymore beautiful. The practice itself is beautiful. Traditionally, there are no levels in group classes for this specific reason. We practice to find unity, not to be good at a practice. You can not be bad at yoga.
You Can Not Be Bad at Yoga
You can not be bad a yoga because yoga is practice of life. Next time you shy away because of your thoughts, consider these alternatives:
I have never done this before”
And embrace a new opportunity.
I want to be more flexible”
And show up for yourself, again and again, to make that happen.
I am scared of what I don’t know”
And remember that the any journey starts with a first step. Lean into the practice and let it guide you.