Easy Does Not Always Do it

DHARMA TALK - January 16 / 21, 2018 VERONA YOGA STUDIO / I HEART YOGA

As humans, we tend to do what is easiest and we stay where it is comfortable.  The brains natural impulse is to take the easy route almost all the time. According to research, we are wired to take the path of least resistance.  Our brains trick us to believe the lowest hanging fruit is the ripest.  It's easier to sit and watch tv than to spend time reading books about self-improvement.  It is easier to read about starting a life project than to actually take a step to launch meaningful work.  In yoga, it's easier to stay in poses we are comfortable in.  That once you're able to get into a pose, you never find ways to improve on it.  But if you just keep doing things over and over again, you'll keep getting the same results.  If you keep staying where it's comfortable and safe, then you are not progressing and getting newer, unexpected results. You are not growing.  The average person takes the safe path and because of this, he or she gets average results.  Choose not to be average by taking leaps and getting out of your comfort zone.  If something already works, choose to see how you can find other opportunities to get different results.

For the next hour, I invite you to try to improve on a pose you're already familiar with.  Push and challenge yourself a little more until it becomes uncomfortable. Realize and remember that if you choose to always stay where its comfortable in a pose, that you will always get the same results each time.  See where your discomfort leads you on your mat and maybe in your personal life.