The Art of Allowing

I often see yoga students trying too hard to twist and mold themselves into certain yoga postures. I've seen a student reach frantically forward, determined to touch his toes no matter the cost! Although I admired his determination I couldn't help but notice the stress radiating from his muscles, his shallow breath and beads of sweat that were now dripping from his forehead. As I explained the practice of simply enjoying the posture and letting the exhale move you further into the forward bend, he could have cared less. It literally went in one ear and out of the other.

I've also had a client once who thought discipline in martial arts training meant giving every waking moment of her life to her training. Of course she became really good at her martial art but at what cost? Her body never had the chance to properly rest and rehabilitate, her diet consisted of quick food, protein shakes and energy drinks and her friends and family never saw her. Not to mention how this lifestyle put stress on her reproductive system. Even through physical injury she trained and trained, always pushing through, always striving to be the best and never satisfied with who she was at this moment. It was a miracle I got to work with her!

Which brings me to the heart of this article, the art of allowing.

If we use our yoga practice or perhaps our daily lives as a reflection of ourselves, take a moment to notice where you may be trying too hard. As much as I am a firm believer in goals and ambitions, I feel that the only way we know how to achieve those goals is by doing more, working longer hours or trying harder. It's the interpretation of the term, "no pain, no gain" gone crazy. Have you ever practiced letting go and allowing yourself to be here, in the present moment without the intense "need" to move forward? Some say, that is being lazy or may show a lack of goals, but that misses the whole point. The art of allowing is a calm peaceful place where you stop on a plateau, reflect on how far you've come to get to this place and sit back and enjoy it for a while before continuing on towards your goals. Because what good are goals if you never give yourself a chance to enjoy them? And what good are your goals if they turn you into a monster, a crazed fanatic, obsessed with achieving?

What if you practiced taking a step back for a second, savor where you are at this delicate moment with the people around you and swim in the joy of knowing you got yourself to this point? It's like climbing to the top of a mountain and taking the time to enjoy the view. Allow yourself the permission to enjoy this view, you deserve it!

Diane M. Cruz is a Yoga Teacher and Life Coach in San Diego, California. She believes in cultivating a strong body and mind to keep you moving on your spiritual path. Her classes and coaching sessions will empower you by providing life-enhancing tools to apply immediately to your life. Visit her website [thebijacenter.com]