We hear phrases such as, “work at your own pace,” and “listen to your body,” everyday in class. So how is it that our ego still can take over and turn our practice into a “look what I can do” show?!
Even the most practiced yogis fall into this trap now and again. I am very guilty! During my practice today, I fell out of headstand and crushed my pinkie and ring fingers. They are swollen, bruised and I have very little mobility in them. This was no ordinary fall; I was “showing off” by rushing into my headstand. As a result, I ended up injuring myself (thankfully no one else) instead of taking my time and listening to my body. I’m sure all the signs of my pending fall and resulting injuries were there- I just didn’t listen. It is a painful lesson about the true meaning of yoga. We are practicing awareness, not commanding a performance. We are always learning and discovering. We never master a pose, no matter how many times we practice it.
Be aware of your desires to try a challenging pose, rush, or to stretch deeper. Is it an inner calling of your body or is it the need to impress the yogi next mat over?
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