My yoga instructor often reminds us yogis that we each need to make yoga our own. Yoga is an individual practice. She uses kind words that encourage us not to be hard on ourselves when we are unable to be as graceful or as flexible as we'd like, when we make mistakes or do some off-the-wall pose that was easier than what she demonstrated.
Yoga, in part, is about learning to love yourself and embracing your style. Loving my own style is something I have struggled with for most of my life.
I have come to accept my style, just recently, and want to encourage you do to the same.
I am a whimsical and free spirited girl, who enjoys laughing and experiencing all the wonderful gifts each new day brings me.
In my yoga practice, I like to use a blanket while in shavasana. Shavasana is the final relaxation pose of a yoga practice. It is my time to accept what I just did whether I did my practice with ease and grace or blundered and lost my balance; as well as a time to release what no longer serves me. My blanket is a covering that not only warms me if the room is a little chilly, but it gives me a sense of comfort and security with who I am.
For many people, blankets represent, parents, comfort, safety, softness and warmth. The object might be different for you, but whatever or whoever it is that represents comfort, safety, softness and warmth to you, use it and let it be for you, what my blanket during shavasana is for me. When others are cold towards you or life in general seems harsh, use your blanket.
Life is much like the practice of yoga. We each have to live our own life and learn along the way different lessons. Some people are more flexible or graceful than others, but either way each of us must learn to accept our individual style.
We must not allow someone to makes us their clone or to forget that we have a style that is unique to us.
That includes people in authority. Always respect, as we should anyone… but never give them the power that would cause you to discredit yourself, your feelings or your unique style. So, go live your life, remembering to love yourself and embrace your unique style. Do not to be hard on yourself when you make mistakes, blunder, and maybe even fall down. Take time to relax. Accept who you are and all your mistakes. Release what no longer serves you. And use your blanket.
