Hello December

Hello December,

As I write this, my muscles are still quivering from several days of high-intensity interval training on the sand, which, I can confidently say, makes everything more challenging. If it weren’t for the trainer and the supportive group (not to mention the banter), I’m not sure I’d have continued. I love it because it reinforces two important lessons: 1) No matter how much you practice one type of physical activity, changing things up always makes you a beginner again, and 2) You need the right group to keep you going.

This is the yoga mindset: Don’t get attached (vairagya).  Start from the beginning, no matter how many times you’ve done the pose. Having a “beginner’s mind” isn’t easy, though. How many times have you done Warrior II, stretching your arms out to the sides while bending your front knee over its ankle and your back leg extending in line with your back arm? If your mind is present, you awaken your fingers and toes. The pose feels new this time because your mind is new. On the other hand, if you practice without awareness, you are not doing yoga.

Yoga can be a powerful solo practice, but when you have a supportive group—both in class and out—it becomes a way of life. I see this in my students: what began as casual acquaintances in class has grown into friendships outside of it. We check in with each other at the start of class and send each other off with well-wishes, advice, or even hugs at the end.

To close out the year or to begin the new one, yoga invites us to try something different. If it’s a new activity, give yourself some grace. You’ll be engaging muscles—both physical and mental—in new ways. You might also find good people to help you along the way. Step into the beginner’s mindset of yoga, and let it infuse other aspects of your life.