Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Thing You Resist


The thing you resist is the thing you most likely need the most. Like if you keep putting off cleaning your desk, it is precisely what you should be tackling. For years, I resisted a yoga pose that was too hard and too awkward and made my left arm go numb. It's called "Eka Pada Koundiyanasana," or "hurdle" pose. When it comes time for the class to do this, I usually get up for some water. Or, do another easier arm balance. Or make a miserable attempt and end up in a heap on the floor. Which, fortunately, is only about 6 inches from my head in this setup.

But a couple months ago I really began to try to get this one. And again, each time, I'd end up on the floor. Today I shocked myself by coming up on my arms and stretching my legs out to the left. I hung there in the air. Suspended, balanced. And the teacher saw. And then I fell onto my face.

It reminds me of the time Lucy finally caught a squirrel by the tail and was so shocked, she stopped and opened her mouth in awe, and the squirrel ran away.

What are you resisting that you probably need?


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4 comments:

Linda Perkins said...

You are my hero! Maybe a collapsed lung is good for arm balancing :))

John B said...

Too many things to list. This observation is spot on. If I went home and only did three of the things I keep avoiding, I'd have $4k more in hand than I do now, I'd be slightly healthier, and I'd have less to do in the long run.

Kaumudi said...

Something to think about! Thanks!

Kathlyn said...

Congrats on your progress! That is a wonderful thing. And thanks for the story about Lucy; it's exactly the same thing. Fortunately, there are a lot of squirrels and yoga classes. :) Can't wait to hear about the next success!!