acknowledge a step
Sometimes I find myself so focussed on the end goal ahead, I forgo noticing the progress I have made, getting me one step closer to a desire. I have been awakened to this concept many times during years of practicing yoga, but as I became more comfortable in my practice I forgot to remember how far I have come. Today as I was sharing a part of my story with someone - my journey from elite athlete, to a broken back, to advanced yogi - I thought to myself and remembered how it felt all those years ago, staring at the ceiling, unable to do any physical activity, and thinking how I never would have expected to be where I am today. But maybe that is the beauty of it. Maybe sometimes if we knew the exact mountain ahead of us and the carved out route, whether it be beautiful or not, we would either think the task at hand is too big to even start, or once we thought we reached the peak, “be done” - not ever getting to see all the beauty if we continued going and growing. How often do we build up a simple path in our heads to resemble a big treacherous mountain?
This concept showed it’s face again today as I concluded a call with an inspiring mentor of mine. I was able to recognize the progress I have made in understanding certain tasks and aspects, although there is a long journey ahead, it felt good to give myself credit and see, woah a year ago that seemed so incredibly overwhelming and unattainable. Today I recognized, often times a wobbly half step eventually leads to a sturdy glide forward. I have noticed, when I acknowledge the progress of any progressive movement, it’s evidence gives me confidence and courage for that next step forward.
I see this being relevant to many areas of life. As I have travelled emotionally through and out of earlier thought patterns and ways of being, it’s refreshing to see progress in the different areas of your life. To think “oh I so would have reacted to that a few months ago” or “oh this led me to be so stressed previously.” An example of where I have tried to encourage others to practice this is with yoga - as yoga intertwines so beautifully with life, when we take our lessons off the mat. For those who think you cant do yoga or haven’t gotten any better…was it a little easier to get down to your mat (mentally or physically), did you lay in Savasana a few seconds longer, are your fingers slightly closer to touching your toes? For those who feel stagnant and unchallenged with their practice…I remember when I felt like I had nailed majority of basic postures and then completely fell out of half moon, or felt irritated with the umcomfortability of revolved triangle (and now its one of my favorite postures). Sometimes things just click and you notice yourself effortlessly balancing for a while, other times it’s enough to notice we wobbled once instead of completely falling over. Whether it thought patterns, physical improvement, career growth, or life in general, remember to give yourself a hug or pat on the back. Whichever you like better. I’m going to continue to acknowledge my little steps forward, and I encourage you to do the same.
If you sit for a moment and close your eyes, what areas of your life have you noticed you have come so far?