My yoga teacher says that the practice of yoga is about learning. More important than the pose, is our awareness of that pose in relation to our bodies. Subtle tweaks in posture and position are verbalized and then demonstrated by softly realigning our bodies with a touch. This teaches our brains and muscles what to do.

Yesterday, I noticed not for the first time, the instructor’s ability to be present to every person in her studio. Even walk-in’s, that are only there to ask questions. She engages fully in a conversation (as I became aware of my annoyance – and my chagrin at my annoyance – waiting my turn). She then gives that same level of time and respect to me. And anyone else waiting to speak with her. It becomes apparent, with patience, everyone will get their chance.

Her yoga class is special on a few levels. She is Japanese, and I must pay close attention to catch the gems of information coming from her mouth.  She began yesterday’s class by asking us to form a semi-circle around her, so she could indicate (citing a Japanese boxer, and then showing each of us individually) how to push the sacrum back and engage the abdominal muscles so we are clear about how to hold our positions during Vinyasa and still stances. The minute (small) adjustments she perceives and manifests, feel different to the muscles of my body, and make them work harder. Each tweak asks for a greater degree of balance, flexibility, and strength. 

Perhaps it is so in life as well. Small tweaks in thoughts, feelings, conclusions and awareness can bring forth big rewards. Not changing our alignment and negative, unkind or reactive thinking causes us to stay stuck in unhealthy habitual behavior. After all, isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Slight changes open new pathways and conversations.  Choose to have supportive people in your life that help you take a good look at yourself. You are the one who decides who to be and how to act. Healing and repair are all around us. If you haven’t yet found it, keep looking.