Do you journal?
Would you consider journaling after taking my yoga classes, or any yoga classes?
Personally, this year has been a year of a lot of introspection so far. I’ve been reviewing, reflecting, revising, receiving, and doing a lot of writing. I must admit, I feel a book coming together. It excites me and scares the shit out of me at the same time. But nonetheless, throughout this time of inquiry and discovery, I’m learning more about who I am and my purpose. And, if you know me, when I gain insight, I share it. Have you ever asked yourself, “Who am I?” Regardless of how many times you’ve answered this question, I encourage you to ask yourself again. This inquiry offers an opportunity to discover our purpose, to better understand our gifts and wisdom, and to ultimately help us serve something greater than ourselves.
So why not buy a journal, grab a pen and start journaling on some of these questions! That wasn’t a question; it was an emphatic recommendation. :) So in true MaryBeth fashion, “Do that!"
1. What did I hear during the class that resonated with me? Why?
2. What came up in class? What thought, judgment, feeling, label? Resistance? Discomfort? How did it make me feel? What did I do? How did I react? And how did my reaction or inaction make me feel?
3. What can I let go?
4. What can I accept, in life and on my mat?
5. What can I cultivate or manifest in my life and on my mat?
6. What am I grateful for today?
It doesn’t have to be a 300 word essay. It could be something so simple as this:
1. Today while on my mat, I heard MaryBeth say “You can do it. You’ve got this." It resonated with me because at that precise moment, I was doubting myself, and thought well if she believes in me, I should too.
2. While in our third chair pose, I noticed some resistance and a story around how I feel about this pose. I wanted to come out, but I stayed. I brought more focus to my breath and felt less discomfort in my legs just in time for another Sun A and onto another sequence. I felt stronger and more capable, proud for not quitting.
3. I want to let go of my self-doubt. I know my body is capable of more than I give it credit.
4. I accept that I have some limitations and sometimes take different variations of the poses. I am doing my best and that is enough. I accept that some days are going to be tough, no matter what, and I’m not exempt from pain and loss.
5. What I plan to cultivate on my mat is more self-compassion, meeting my practice where I am today, not where I once was or ultimately where I want to be. I plan to cultivate this same self-compassion off of my mat as I become more patient with myself, making time to better know myself so that I can better create the life I want.
6. I am grateful for this practice and that she only gave me 6 questions to answer.
I spend a lot of time creating themes for my yoga classes and working on my delivery so that it lands on my students with the best impact. I know I often fall short or could be a much better teacher, but each class I teach, I teach from my heart. Like you, I am doing my best, meeting this practice and my teaching where I am right now, not where I want to be in the future, and that has to be enough. It is enough. I’m not much different than any of you. I simply found something that has transformed my life, ignited a passion, and led me to a purpose. The gift of yoga, living my practice, both on and off the mat.
Namaste,
MaryBeth