In my Yoga class yesterday, the instructor was in a reflective mood. While he was guiding us to various asanas, he spoke of how we need to be discovering ourselves and the limits to which we can stretch our body. As he spoke, my mind wandered to the lives we lead, our daily chores, the need to perform, the goals we run after and the stress we take when we compare ourselves to others.
It may sound clichéd but aren’t we on our respective journeys? We are not in a race where we all start together and run for the finishing line couple of miles away. Our surroundings, upbringing, challenges, thought processes and rest all that we can think of are different. As we grow mentally and physically, we discover ourselves and this never stops. First we can’t stand, then we start to walk and then we run. It’s all about how we push the edges behind which we stand, little by little and find ourselves.
Every path that we take while studying, working or finding our foot starts with a personal journey. We see how much we stretch and then push ourselves. Sometimes, we get comfortable in status quo and then an event changes us. It forces us to move out of this zone and face what is now the new normal. These external or internal triggers help us in this phase of discovering us.
As I think more about this, I feel that this simple process never stops in life. Even as we grow older. Our experience teaches us many lessons, we change and we become better versions of ourselves. It’s never about what one is expecting from us. It is also not about following someone else. Or seeing success in terms of material gains. What matters is if we move that edge a little further for us and no one else.
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”
― Ralph Ellison
Writing for #MondayMusings today and this picture has been tagged to MundaneMondays #100. Mel, not a Microblog Monday #133 post by rules but for the bite-sized lesson, I am with you today too.
happiness and food 
Life is a constant learning, if we chose to think that way. Luckily, the meditative aspect of Yoga and Asanas gives you enough to be on that path.
LikeLike
LIKE IT
LikeLike
It’s an ongoing process. We learn, we adapt and we grow. It’s good to have some self reflection every now and then. If that happens during a yoga session, even better. My yoga sessions always have 5 minutes of meditation.
LikeLike
Yes we all are in a journey… Sometimes it feel good to stop and reflect back on how far we have come. A sense of gratitude always fills me when I do that.
LikeLike
I think it is very important to take some time to think and reflect, to know ourselves! We all need this 🙂
LikeLike
That was quite a reflective post, Parul! I so agree with you. We change along with time, discover ourselves, our strengths and our weaknesses and move forwards, towards our goal. The only place we often go wrong, is when we compare ourselves/our lives with that of others. If we quit doing that one thing, and discover our true selves, we will achieve much more peace and happiness than we can imagine!
LikeLike
This is what I like about yoga – that it makes you look inward and think about our own journey. I liked the reflective tone of this post Parul.
LikeLike
This idea just supports even more the idea that every person is necessary and contributes something to the world. We’re all on our own unique path, and no two paths are exactly alike.
LikeLike
So very true. We each are on a different journey as you tightly mentioned. And if you look at it, we are not really competing with anyone. That puts so many things in perspective. Happy that your Yoga sessions are going well.
LikeLike
People say that they are competing against each other in a rat race. Why don’t they realize that even if they win it, they would still be a rat!
Life is a wonderful chapter and teaches me new things everyday. Every minute at times. I have discovered traits in me that I never knew existed. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you can do a lot more tomorrow than what you did today. You need to discover yourself, no one else can do that for you.
LikeLike
I have a slight variation to the quote by Ralph Ellison.
“If you cease to carry the burden of the expectations of others, you will be free. If you stop expecting from others, you will be free.” This is the beauty of Yoga that it gives a chance to meditate and when meditation takes one on a ride inwards, it gives profound answers. Loved reading this piece. I shall apply the learning from this post to my cooking skill. I shall never compare my culinary skills to that of the neighbour or a friend who cooks very well because I am on my own journey and the only person I am comparing with is me from 2 or 3 years ago and me of today. On comparison, I have come far on my way 😀 😀 But, have I garnered love for cooking? Not yet, still.
LikeLike
You know that saying about each of us being in our own time zones? It’s true you know. We’re all in a rush these days, not stopping to think about our own pace. I’m not saying be passive and always take life as it comes, but also, don’t be so caught up in other people’s achievements that your goal is always to be competitive.
LikeLike
That is the key word : we change and we become better versions of ourselves.
Well written.
LikeLike
Your post reminds me that I should get more regular with practicing yoga. The time I was regularly doing it, it really helped me. And yes, to each person his own journey, comparison is futile.
LikeLike
We all our living our own lives different from the others. And what we ought to do is set our limits or goals and where we want to reach.
LikeLike
Your post had put so many things into perspective. We all should sit back and think about our actions, about what we do or say. Love it and the pic is so apt.
P.S: Tell me you are participating in A to Z. Please?
LikeLike
I’m thinking not to. Im not prepared so thinking of dropping the idea. Thanks much Shalini!
LikeLike
Quite a reflective post, Parul. You know, I always how different I’m from what I used to be. My approach, my views, my endurance level, my reaction all are changing, more like evolving, as time pass by. I guess we humans are meant to push our limits further each day and rediscover ourselves. Your post is making me think a lot about myself, Parul.
LikeLike
You need to take a step back to have a firm step when the sand slips away under your feet?!
Quite insightful thoughts, you have!
LikeLike
So true. We definitely need to stop every once in a while to just reflect on things.
Love the picture 🙂
P.S. Thank you for the help. Finally, I can post comments 😀 😀
LikeLike
I needed to read this post. I need to take some time out to reflect…I feel like I’ve been on the go-go-go and just running on autopilot for months now. Sigh. Such is life. Thoughtful post Parul 🙂
LikeLike
Self acceptance and self discovering are the keys to a happy, healthy spirit. Being your own person is the key to success. It’s more than loving yourself. It’s believing in yourself and your abilities. Anxiety, worry, drama… these are all things we do to ourselves because we refuse to accept who we are and love who we are. Once you learn to understand and value your intellect, feelings and thoughts your self-motivation becomes stronger.
Cheers then.
LikeLike