What if we didn't try so hard?!

I learned a valuable lesson a few years ago. It appears as though many of my recent struggles are not because I wasn't trying hard enough but because I was actually trying too hard! Shocked? I certainly was! The farm girl in me prides myself on giving my best to everything I do. But what if I allowed myself some grace?

So how did I learn this lesson? I was in a yoga class at Alchemy with Jill Novak. We were moving into a seated twist. Me being me I was determined to twist as deeply as my body would let me. I was going to get the most out of the pose. Then Jill's gentle cueing suggested we check into our breath. Were we breathing fully? My ego wanted to say "of course I am" but I checked in and found constraint. As I eased slightly out of the pose I felt the breath fill my body completely and my body truly accept the benefits from the pose. WHAT WAS THAT I asked myself?

It was simply a twist. But in that moment I had a profound realization that I have been pushing too hard. Trying to be the BEST in every aspect of my life; mom, wife, friend, and teacher, while actually feeling like I was failing at all of it. That simple twist taught me that perhaps by easing off just a little in life itself I can find more ease, more space, and more room to breathe.

I encourage you to take a full breathe today. Is it full or is there constraint? What if you don't try so hard? Is it easier?