Have you ever wondered what someone else sees in a certain activity...why they love it as much as they do? Just to give you an example, you might have wondered why your husband likes CrossFit so much. No? Just me? ;)
I have had thoughts like this from time to time at various stages of life because it can be VERY hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. We can try (and should try), but part of what makes it hard is that each person brings with them their own separate experiences, learned behaviors, and preferences. So you may be able to guess what someone you know well might enjoy doing or possibly even what their perspective on a certain topic may be, but ultimately, our “guess” is just that, a guess, however educated it may be. So, in what I believe is a truly worthy pursuit leading to greater understanding, I’ve found it helpful to simply ask questions. Ask a person what is or isn’t working for them. Ask a friend another question beyond, “How ya doing?” Ask your spouse, “Tell me more about CrossFit. What do you like about it?”
In seeking to understand, then we can help a person feel heard and known and begin to help them, if they need and want it, in a way that resonates with them.
If you’ve read my previous post, you may recall me saying that I want to use yoga to help other people. I really do believe it is possible to help anyone, in some way.
Now, you might be reading this and thinking, “Anyone? Really?” or “I don’t know if yoga is for me…”
I get it, trust me. I used to profess that I HATED yoga. Yes. I said it. I teach yoga and own a studio, and I’m admitting that I used to feel that way.
But what I have since realized is that teaching style and type of yoga makes SUCH a big difference. The yoga I didn’t like had teachers who were more aggressive in their styles. Or the room was way too hot. And that isn’t to say those types aren’t valuable to some people; I am sure they are! In the same way that my husband likes a different kind of workout than I do, I am sure that different styles of even yoga practice appeal to different people.
Now, probably a decade after making such a declaration about how I felt about yoga, I can say it is something I LOVE for how it can create a sense of balance in so many areas of your life...physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Maybe the physical practice isn’t always right for you, but the mental connection could be. Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide what’s right for you, but if you might be in the same boat as I was, I encourage you to watch this quick video I created.
Before I sign off, I want to direct you to a fun quiz designed to help you learn which type of yoga class is right for you (specifically the types with which I am most familiar). I hope to encourage you to give it a try, even if not with me or even in a room at home by yourself, because I really do believe that it can be beneficial for anyone. I’d love to hear what you learn about yourself!
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