practice imperfect

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. :)