Last week, I came across a quote that really resonated with me:
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the decisions we waited too long to make, the relationships we didn’t nurture, and the words we didn’t say."
Today, I wanted to share my thoughts on this powerful message and how it connects to our yoga practice.
In life, we often hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment to act, to speak, or to reach out. But those perfect moments rarely come on their own; we have to create them. This realization struck me deeply and reminded me of my own journey with yoga.
When I first moved to the U.S. in 1997, I was introduced to Bikram Yoga. I was hesitant at first because the yoga I had practiced in India was very different. It wasn’t in a hot room, there were no mirrors, and I never had to take off my shirt in front of others. The thought of practicing in such a setting made me uncomfortable. But I decided to take a chance and commit to the practice, and it changed my life. The relationships I built with fellow practitioners, the guidance I received from my teachers, and the words of encouragement I heard and shared on the mat—all these experiences have shaped who I am today
.
One particular instance stands out. I remember a time when I was struggling with the Standing Bow Pose. I avoided it for weeks, thinking I wasn't ready or flexible enough. But one day, a fellow yogi noticed my hesitation and encouraged me to try, offering tips and support. Their words made all the difference. I took a chance, faced my fear, and attempted the pose. It wasn't perfect, but the act of trying opened up a new level of confidence and growth in my practice.
Again later a similar situation arose when I decided to step up and do my Yoga Teacher training. Initially, I had no desire to teach; I simply wanted to deepen my practice. However, it took courage to stand up and teach in front of others. The idea of guiding a class felt daunting. But, just like before, taking that chance proved transformative. Teaching allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level, sharing the profound benefits of yoga that I had come to love.
This experience taught me that in yoga, as in life, we must seize the opportunities before us. Don't wait too long to try a new pose, to deepen your practice, or to connect with your yoga community. Nurture the relationships with your teachers and fellow students; their support can be invaluable. And don't hold back the words of encouragement or gratitude you feel—sharing them can uplift others and strengthen your own journey.
So, as we step onto our mats each day, let’s remember to embrace the chances we have, make decisive steps towards our goals, nurture our connections, and speak from the heart. In doing so, we’ll not only enrich our yoga practice but also our lives.
Self-Reflective Questions:
What is a chance you have hesitated to take in your yoga practice or personal life, and how can you take that step now?
Are there relationships in your life or yoga community that you need to nurture more? How can you start doing that today?
What words of encouragement or gratitude have you held back, and who can you share them with now to strengthen your connection?
Please share your reflections with me via email at sumit@soulfultribe.com. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing our journey together.
Thank you for always reading and responding to my messages. Your engagement and feedback mean the world to me.
Namaste, Sumit
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