“Dear Sara…”

The other day, one of my favorite members walked into my office to seek my counsel. Let’s call her “Sara.”
Sara had just recently tried a Yoga class. She was concerned because she didn’t feel overly comfortable with the slow moving format of the class. Sara enjoys more active movement in her exercise routine, and wasn’t connecting with the objective of the class. “What should I do?” Sara asked.
It became obvious to me that Sara had touched upon a part of herself that she was unfamiliar with. It takes a great deal of calm, quiet focus to really get something out of a Yoga class, especially if you’ve never tried it.
I can totally relate to Sara’s uneasiness.
Once upon a time, I attempted to take a series of meditation classes. Trying to get me to sit still and stop my thoughts long enough to find peace was like trying to get my 3-year-old nephew to sit still in church on Christmas Day. It just didn’t happen right away. (At least my nephew was allowed to bring a coloring book.)
Fitness classes and exercise programs are set up like holiday buffet tables. You are invited to enter and peruse the environment. You are encouraged to sample the menu and ask questions about the ingredients of the classes and the goals of the program. We expect that you will favor some instructors more than others and that you will simply connect with certain aspects of particular exercise experiences more than others.
However, by keeping an open mind, and being a continual student of life, you will certainly broaden the scope of your vision, and allow yourself to become more willing to taste different exercise styles, and even take little risks to reach slightly “outside of your predictable comfort zone.”
When I look back at the meditation classes I had attended, I remember clearly that with continual practice and focus, as well as being guided by a wonderfully spiritual teacher, I was able to reach into myself and witness a unique picture of the landscape of my life, which happily brought tears to my eyes.
Over time, I was excited by the results of the meditation, and I was amazed that even “I” could teach myself to stop the endless chatter of dialogue that many times crowds the busy streets of my mind, and all in the name of personal growth.
Being a good teacher can change lives, but being a better student simply makes us a better teacher. Once we think we’ve “learned it all” our growth has stopped. Every day, and I mean every day, I learn something from my experiences. Many of you have taught me life lessons, and I have in turn tried to teach some of you how to take better care of yourselves.
You must continue to remain open and willing to find new ways to make your lives better than they are today. Perfection is overrated. I simply don’t buy into it. However, being better today than I was yesterday is a very achievable and worthwhile goal of mine.
And so dear Sara, do not worry about Yoga. There are plenty of other enticing and satisfying items on the “exercise buffet table.” Take the time to see for yourself, which is best for you. Make choices that safely and effectively fit your life.
I promise you, Sara, that as you search, so will you find.