Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” -George Bernard Shaw
"I am too tall, my arms are too short, my hips are naturally tight,that is not for my body type, I am too old for that , it is impossible for me to straighten my knees etc." 99.9% of the time, it is not true. To have a reason means, you don't have to try. Instead of using yoga to go against your demons and break through walls, you set up new ones. You gravitate towards teachers, poses and yoga styles that agree. Thereby remaining safe in your delusion.
As We Think, So Shall We Be. Whatever limitations you set on yourself, they will manifest. For example, if what you really want to have is tight hips, keep saying it every chance you get to anyone who will listen. Keep practicing poses where you avoid them. Keep making faces and rolling your eyes when the teacher introduces hip openers. Keep being the first one to come out of the poses. Keep leaving class after the standing poses so you can avoid the floor work.
If you want it to be different, never mention it again. Do the work. Gravitate towards those teachers, styles and poses that are going to result in change. Be positive. Be courageous!
There is a difference between preference and can't. This post is not about preferences. Everyone has those. I can drive to New York but I would prefer to fly because it is much quicker and more comfortable. However, I am not going to say I am allergic to cars to get out of driving. It is about saying you can't when the real reason is you won't. It is about avoidance via excuses. It is about setting up mental barriers that stunt progress. It is about self fulfilling prophecies. Let your yoga practice propel you towards your dreams and beyond your self imposed blocks. Let it help you grow instead of leave you stagnant.
Video of the Day: The Promise of the Yoga Practice
The Promise of the Yoga Practice: Kino MacGregor at Astanga Yoga Studio from Astanga Yoga Studio on Vimeo.
