Satya, Truth: I stole most of that title from Peg Mulqueen.
So a week ago, I returned from an intensive yoga session with David Garrigues in Philly. I’d been looking forward to it for months. But I hadn’t been looking forward to it in the weeks leading up to it. Work stress, colds, flus, body tweaks and scheduling hassles all had me in less-than perfect form. What? Go to a yoga intensive feeling battered and worn down and not PERFECT? The horror!
And yet, I had a feeling this was going to be a really good thing for me. Good instinct.
As Peg would soon tell me, I should “never sacrifice the good for the perfect.” Too right.
The Night Before: Anxious. After all, I’m rooming with a person I barely even know and I’m a NERVOUS POODLE. Peg arrives at 11 PM before morning yoga, and rather than it being a big problem, it makes everything PERFECT. The fun begins.
Day 1: Feels like I’ve known Peg forever. Turns out we are many of us feeling the same way–not ready for practice. And yet, to the mat we go. I slog through. Perfect? No. Good? Sure.
Day 2: Into the fire. Led 2nd Series (20 breaths for Kapotasana, plus surprise 3rd series add on) is HARD. We all slog through. And then we begin the talks.
Day 3:
When did my self-study become self-criticism? I decide that not only am I not perfect in any way, I’m downright terrible. Crazy monkey mind and citta vrittis ensue.
Day 4: The clouds lift. I am ready to rock and roll. I will DO this thing! A blissful, energetic, flying kind of practice. The rare “yes, Laura!” in Sayanasana. Who would believe it?
Day 5: Back to the “no”. I’ve been overenthusiastic. Shocking. It is time to back off and I’ve just barely STARTED. What happened to my “perfect” trip? I must now go easy when I want to plow through. I have a fleeting thought to leave and come back another time. Instead, I stay. “Don’t sacrifice the good for the perfect.” And guess what? The time is more than good. I’ve found a deep connection with a new friend, I am immersing myself in my chosen practice and the philosophy and tradition behind it. I am loving the chanting and pranayama. Of course I will stay.
One Week Later: I’ve done my time. I’ve practiced my primary. I’ve treated myself well, juicing it up and getting to bed early and walking in the spring air. And today I feel ready to rock and roll again. And it’s a MOON DAY.
Clearly, I have no control. Over yoga or anything. Apparently, I am meant to learn the meaning of Isvara Pranidana.
Perfect.
Recipe for recovery (from whatever ails you):
Green Juice + Water + Tumeric Tea + Chocolate Pudding (with avocados and coconut).
For recovery from our muscle-busting asana kitchens (we were ALL super sore by the way, David even SAID he wanted it that way) and my weeks of “ick”, I ate an anti-inflammatory diet filled with greens, mostly juiced, pineapple, turmeric, ginger, tons of water, and healthy, joint soothing fats (like avocado). And here’s a simple drink that can be a cool tonic or a hot tea for quick muscle recovery any time:
Ingredients: 1 1/2 – 2 Cups Boiling Water
Generous pinch or two of Turmeric
Generous splash of fresh ginger juice, or big dose of zested fresh ginger
Generous squeeze fresh lemon juice
Honey, stevia or maple syrup to taste
Mix and enjoy hot or chilled.
