The intention for yoga sculpt was patience. The class was packed, the temperature was supposed to be between 92 – 98 degrees and it easily hit 100 with all the hard working yogis in the class. You were invited to select a pair of light and heavy dumbbells. With the intensity of the cardio intervals and how long we held poses, I only selected light dumbbells to ease into the class. During the tougher moves, I didn’t use dumbbells at all.
Practicing patience during this class was to keep moving in a modified pose or rest in child’s pose without leaving the room. It was a mental test to keep calm instead of running out of the room gulping for cool air. It was being patient with your body as you worked to get stronger and not beat yourself up if a move was too difficult. It was to push yourself until you were uncomfortable but not so hard that you pass out.
Practicing patience with your thoughts to avoid comparing yourself to others and engaging in negative self-talk. Yoga has become moving meditation for me, focusing on ujjayi breath (yoga breathing) with each move. Your mind can’t think negative thoughts if you are super focused on breathing, alignment, and peacefulness.
How do you practice patience on or off the mat? I invite you to share stories of having your patience tested in the comments.
What are your thoughts?