I recently spent several weeks with family in another state,
helping my dad recover from surgery and getting to know my newborn nephew. My 5 year old daughter accompanied me, and I
spent the majority of my vacation caring for others. On this type of trip, there are no opportunities
to hit a local yoga class or roll out a mat in a quiet, private room. The challenges to yoga practice are huge –
time, space, never being alone. What’s a
dedicated yogi to do? It was time to
embrace the imperfect practice.
Should you find yourself in a similar situation,
be it long or short term, here is my advice: In the imperfect practice, we can let go of our routines and
expectations. Do hatha yoga whenever you
get the chance, perhaps in the living room with children climbing on you (this is a great way to step up your chaturanga!). Stop
every 5 minutes or so to change a diaper, get someone a glass of water, or help
a small child put clothes on a stuffed dinosaur. Notice that you are still breathing in and out. Draw your awareness within. Practice pranayama in medical waiting rooms,
while coloring pictures of Strawberry Shortcake. Meditate,
if briefly, after everyone is asleep, just before you pass out in exhaustion. Drink lots of water and eat as healthfully as
you can. Prepare healthy food for your loved ones too. Sing mantras to yourself as you cook. Politely decline donuts and burgers. If you can get out for half an hour, go for
a walk or a run. Focus on your breath
and feel the rhythm of your feet. Let the
routine motions of your body become moving meditations. Send love daily to loved ones who are suffering. Find gratitude in your ability to serve from a place of strength and clarity. Don’t worry that you will backslide in the amazing
asanas you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.
Your imperfect practice will hold the door open for you until you
return.
Letting go of your practice in this way is a practice in
itself. It is here you have the practical opportunity
to focus on the higher principles of yoga. You’ve read them in your yoga books and used
them as intentions in your classes: Aparigraha -non-grasping. Santosha
- contentment. Ishvara-pranidhana
– devotion to a higher cause. In times of difficulty you are called to put
these concepts into motion. Trust in your
higher Self. This is what your time on
the mat has prepared you for, and the Universe knows you are ready to accept
the challenge.
* To family members I visited on this trip - I absolutely cherished this time together. It really was a gift, and not a burden, to be able to help and serve those I love. Your love and acceptance kept me strong and happy more than anything and I wish I was with you all the time. Just in case you were wondering. :)
