Reaching your asana goals: patience is everything

Can you do this? Neither can I--yet.

Six years ago I couldn't stand on my head. I couldn't hold a plank position for more than a second. And I almost broke my nose the first time I tried to lower my body into chaturanga.

I believe that one of the advantages I had at beginning my yoga practice later in life was that I had no expectations. Whenever I am in Austin, I practice at Practice Yoga Austin, a truly excellent studio on East 6th Street. I rarely see anyone else practicing there who is more than a third of my age. Yes, I was a bit intimidated when I showed up for my first class and saw a few students in the room in handstands, arm balances, and impossible seeming twisted asanas. But by the end of the class I realized that over half of the class of beautiful young bodies was struggling as much as I was. And no one was paying any attention to anyone else!

In the beginning, my asana goals were to make it through a 75 minute class without passing out or falling out of a pose and breaking a hip. With the guidance of some excellent teachers, I concentrated on remembering sequencing and tips that would help strengthen and prepare me for more challenging poses. And through my daily personal practice, and with lots of PATIENCE, my skill and endurance improved. My heels (almost) touch the floor in downward dog. I can lower myself slowly into chaturanga. I can do a 10 minute headstand or shoulder stand. Twice a year, on New Year's Day and on my birthday, I do a yoga mala of 108 sun salutations. Sometimes I really surprise myself! PATIENCE.