“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”  Paul Coelho “The Alchemist”

I’ve spent much of my life chasing things, the next goal, promotion, a new idea, better something. I won’t say it was all wasted energy. On the contrary, I’ve learned a lot about myself. It got me to where I am now. But I missed many little things, morning walks with no plan. I missed quiet moments of reflection, a chance to sip tea with my journal.

The COVID-forced halt has led me to realize that life is not made of just significant events. Life is meant to be lived in each moment, not looking into the future or holding onto the past. It’s ok to have goals, even big ones. But life still exists, even in the messy, not-so-glamorous places on our way.

As my perspective on life has changed, so has my yoga practice. We look forward to events like graduations, weddings, and promotions. On the mat, we tend to do the same thing. We focus only on achieving the pose, not the moments in between. I no longer need to “achieve” anything on the mat. I still like a strong physical practice, but with more awareness. Instead of practicing in my mind, rehearsing the shape mentally as I move into it, I create it through my body from the mat up. I allow myself to explore the transition between poses, aware of each breath and movement. It’s a grounding practice. It feels more sensual.

In both life and on the mat, I notice more. I feel and sense more. So I’m ok taking a little more time to savor my days and savor my practice.

I invite you to try this too.