Yoga and Scapegoats: An ‘Aha’ Moment
I had one of those yoga classes today that I just HATED.
Halfway through the class, I was just wishing evil on the teacher. I was so mad at her for ‘lying’, I was so mad at the class for not matching its description – my muscles were screaming, I was hot and I needed a scapegoat.
Around the halfway point, I had a little ‘aha’ moment.
I wasn’t mad at the teacher. I didn’t hate the class. All the teacher was doing was offering poses if you wanted to push yourself and further your practice.
I was the only one making myself do anything. If my muscles were screaming, I could just back off. It was pure ego that was preventing me from backing away.
So I backed off, and took it a bit easier on myself, and all of a sudden my whole perspective shifted.
The rest of the class I spent processing this revelation. Realizing that this is why I love yoga: it almost always can serve as a microcosm of life itself. A reflection of how you handle situations.
So many of us reach for a scapegoat the second something goes wrong. Someone to blame.
Sometimes there is no one to blame. Sometimes there is only ourselves to blame.
By the end of the class, I loved the teacher, and I can’t wait to go back.
Go figure.
November 15, 2012
David
An excellent yoga class, and an excellent student. Life is good!
November 15, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Thank you David! I’m trying to keep learning 🙂
November 15, 2012
Elle
What an interesting perspective! Good for you and I am glad you ended up happy!
November 15, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Thanks Elle, I’m a bit embarrassed about how mad I was at the start but that just goes to show how quickly perspective can shift things!
November 15, 2012
Anastacia
A rare and beautiful realization! Kudos. It’s a life-changer.
November 15, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Thanks Anastacia!
November 15, 2012
loftyappetite
Love this post. I do that all the time. Not only in yoga but any other fitness classes too. In my head I’m being annoyed with the teacher or classmates, when really they are not doing anything wrong! But by the end of class I’m mentally in a better place. Exercise is a form of release, not just for pounds, but also all the stress in our lives! When I go through a couple days without a workout I find myself being grumpy, lethargic, lazy, etc. It’s amazing how important it is to our everyday lives!
November 15, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Thanks Mila – you’re right, it was probably just the endorphins talking! Gotta love those endorphins 🙂
November 15, 2012
Sara @my less serious life
great post, anna. i still have yet to try yoga – but this post makes me super curious to try it given your important revelation! sometimes you just have to take it easy, no?
November 18, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Yes, you SO have to try! Try hatha or power first and then try more of the alternative styles later. Vinyasa is also a great workout, especially from a cardio standpoint which I know you love!
November 15, 2012
Karey at Nutty About Health
Don’t you just love self-revelations & those kind of moments? I admit, those are somewhat rare for me… I am very hard on myself… many times, too hard. Why? I’m not really sure, but I think that’s something I need to work on, especially when it comes to school. Thanks for bringing that to light! 🙂
November 18, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
I’m glad you’re going to ease up on yourself! I think we’re all pretty hard on ourselves, so it’s a good lesson to learn!
November 16, 2012
Flake And Cake
I know exactly what you mean and weirdly enough I did it this morning. I spent a good ten minutes really trying to push myself and getting frustrated when I fell over and kept losing my balance. I backed off a little and was able to get into the poses much better when I was calmer and had lower expectations. Funny how these things work out!
November 18, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Yeah, when we come to things from a more relaxed place it’s amazing how much better they turn out. It’s all about energy!
November 16, 2012
swissfitchick
Oh I so know what you are talking about! People on the streets often are my scapegoats without even doing anything. At that point I know I need a meditation or a Yoga practice to get back to balance! It’s so good to change prospects once in a while!
November 18, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Thanks girl! I agree wholeheartedly 🙂
November 16, 2012
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes
I find myself thinking this often on the road. If I’m late somewhere, it’s because someone was a slow driver or there was a lot of traffic. I really love that you shared this and your new perspective! This will be a wonderful new way to think during all the holidays! Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we have the power to choose how we think and feel!
November 18, 2012
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
You’re right – thinking about this kinda thing when driving really cuts down on the amount of stress road rage can cause! Thanks Annie 🙂