new heights

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Goethe

This was the quote at the end of yoga class today. It's hard to describe how much I am benefiting from yoga classes at Yoga to the People. The fact that I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to receive this escape is exactly what I need.

I love how the first thing each instructor says is: "Don't compare yourself to anyone, you are not here to judge yourself or compete." My perfectionist concepts are tuned down to be less self-destructive and becomes more constructive and focused. All I need to worry about it myself. "If you fall, it's fine. You have your whole life to achieve perfection" - is another reminder I need. Cliche, but perfectly metaphorical for my life. I sweat out all insecurities, stretch to the best I can and focus on my present breathing. Yoga is the perfect counter balance for my destructive self, and enhances my strong qualities.

So much so, that my mean reds have been absent. The angry, loathing, sad creature I turn into has not reared it's ugly head at its favourite time: one of the most busiest times in my life. I am patient with myself; using my hopeless optimism and high standards to not collapse me, but heighten me. Instead of scolding myself for failing to be some ideal, I am taking pride in knowing that I am made the attempt and am still growing into something better. I've eliminated much superficiality and need for competition and it's calmed me. And I am proud that I made this positive step for my own growth.