1.) Yoga seemed very passive 2.) The expense. But with my friend's offer I could check it out, learn a bit and not break the bank--so my daughter and I became Yoga students a few weeks ago. I have to say I really am enjoying myself. Yoga is so far from 'passive' I can hardly believe I ever held this misconception! The poses are so fluid and beautiful and I feel so strong --its been a fabulous experience for me! I am so very grateful for this opportunity to learn...
My friend's Yoga always ends with a lovely meditation time (there is a Sanskrit word for this that I really cannot remember). Last night during this time I received the most wonderful message that I want to share with whoever wanders into read this blog.
To Lose The Fear Live For The Experience
Pretty simple, huh? But--for me-- hugely profound.
Last week I gave myself a 'play day' with some canvases and paints. I painted like a child, played with color and technique and really had a great time of it. When my Loved One arrived home I asked him what he thought of the paintings. The response? "Well, they're not --Bad"
Needless to say I was absolutely crushed and embarrassed. Later that evening I quietly placed the canvases in the garage and went downstairs to read...
Several nights later its Yoga lesson time. I hadn't exactly forgotten about the paintings but had kind of put it all aside for the time being. Spirit, however, was not done with them- or me -and flashed the above message at me and BOY did it strike home! As I lay there on my mat, warm and floaty, it occurred to me that I had let the FEAR of rejection negate the JOY of the original experience. When I was painting I was simply enjoying painting--the expression, the brushes, the freedom and fun. However, when I asked for an honest opinion (and got one!) I let that supersede the initial fun and I felt like a failure. I had essentially FAILED because I had removed myself from the EXPERIENCE.
I was very fortunate to receive the message --in a way that I could understand-- on how to lose my fear. Throw away the expectations. Toss out the need for validation. Do everything for the value of EXPERIENCING IT. When I can do that I will never fail since my goal is so simple-- To EXPERIENCE something. Now, that's not to say, obviously, that I may at some point not enjoy an experience. That's not failure--its an evaluation of the goal.
I cannot fail if I do not fear...
1 comment:
And to be fair - guys are not the ones to ask when you are proud of something. They actually think that response is positive. lol He might have liked them but just doesn't have those words at the forefront.
I'm glad you found your way back to your joy. I've been dying to try out painting but I'm not sure where to begin. The acrylics, the watercolors, do you use them from the tube or do you have to add stuff?
And finally - so jealous you have a friend to teach you Yoga. I took a class a few times and LOVED it, it is only the expense keeping me from it. Videos aren't nearly as fun.
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