just the super short version of some thoughts I’ve been sitting with recently
In my own yoga journey, I've noticed a fundamental shift when I moved from 'chasing' advanced postures to 'seeking' a deeper connection with my practice. Many times, I found myself frustrated trying to perfect poses, feeling exhausted and caught up in comparing myself to others. What really changed things was focusing less on the appearance of the pose and more on how it felt internally. This curiosity about my own body and emotions during yoga brought a sense of calm and self-compassion that transformed my entire experience. This approach aligns perfectly with the idea of embodying what we practice physically. If we cultivate desperation through chasing difficult postures for external validation, that mindset can spill over into other areas of life, causing unnecessary stress. On the other hand, approaching movement with a practice of seeking encourages mindfulness and presence. It invites us to explore how our bodies and minds respond, developing a compassionate understanding that extends beyond yoga to daily interactions. I found that even without changing the postures I attempted, simply altering my intention changed the quality of my practice. Instead of feeling drained, I felt more energized and connected. This mindset shift also helped me appreciate small progress and avoid being overwhelmed by comparing myself to others. Ultimately, yoga became less about performance and more about self-inquiry—an ongoing journey of curiosity, acceptance, and growth. For anyone feeling stuck or discouraged in their practice, I recommend reflecting on whether your approach is one of chasing or seeking. Try to gently shift your motivation towards curiosity about your body and mind, rather than desperately chasing an ideal. This subtle but profound change can open up a richer, more fulfilling experience on and off the mat.
