Perspective

 I engage in two organized exercise classes. One is a relatively high intensity "boot camp" type class. The other is yoga. 

At the boot camp studio there are posters around the room admonishing us to "give 110 percent," "you're stronger than you think," "play like you are in first place, train like you are in second." The overall vibe is don't try, do, don't make excuses, push, push, push.  We are encouraged to set goals, be ambitious, and always strive to improve.

I've been struck by the contrast to yoga where the instructor says things like, "let go of any expectations of what you should be able to do."  She reminds us of resting poses that "are always available to you."  We are asked to honor where we are today, what we are able to do that day.  In yoga there are no judgements, where you are is where you are. One of my favorite phrases, that I've heard more than one yoga instructor say, is to use props, like blocks, "to bring the ground to you."  The very idea that it is the ground that should be moved, not your body, gives a totally different perspective on how to approach life. 

I once heard a Jewish creation story, that I probably wrote about here years ago, that ends with the statement that you are exactly who you are meant to be. While I enjoy the challenge of building my physical strength and stamina, I prefer to live my life as a yogi.