Transitions

We seem to be on the brink of spring (or maybe a big leap to summer) with the recent warm weather in MN...but yesterday's cool temps and stiff winds reminded me of the March that we should be having!! March and April are transitional months, with constant surprises and shifts between winter-like weather and the promise of warm spring and summer days.

One of the things that I appreciate about yoga is the practice of moving with grace through transitions. We can work hard to get into and maintain a yoga pose, then we can be asked to rest in a relaxation posture. I think this is great training for everyday life. Ever experience the frustration of rushing from place to place, only to encounter a long line and suddenly finding yourself standing still and waiting??? It's hard to be really busy and active...and then just suddenly stop!

I like to think that yoga is helping me with my patience...but yoga is not called a "practice" for nothing! We can't do yoga one day and then expect that its effects will stay with us indefinitely....we need to practice consistently/daily in order to fully take what we learn on the mat out into our daily life. It's sort of like nutrition....we can't really tell ourselves that we can eat healthy only one day a week and then expect to feel that our body is at it's best. Instead, our bodies needs daily care and consistently good nutrition to function well.

The good part is, we are amazingly made....so even when we deprive ourselves of sleep, good food, or a consistent yoga practice....we are resilient creatures! This doesn't mean we can simply disregard what is healthy...as it does catch up to us in the long run....but it does mean that we can let go of needing to do things perfectly all the time. Persistence, intention and consistent effort are so important. Make a decision that today will be the day that you give yourself all the resources that you will need to face the obstacles, changes, and transitions that come your way.