A week away from my mat - 3 lessons I've learned...

Dear yogis and friends,

Today was my first, gentle, practice after a week away from my mat(Nothing goes wrong, I just had a bit of pain due to my new foot tattoo).

For a constant practitioner, like me, this is a lot! Here's the 5 lessons I've learned as an, off the mat, yogi!

1) My mat is my home. My mat is my comfort zone, my shelter, my home. It is the place I can express my feelings without restrictions. It is the place that my true self is revealed as I go through all the challenges that the practice may have. It is the place that it feels ok both to "fail" and to "succeed"!

2) My body is my temple.

Being in a permanent "healthy mode" is something that describes a yogi's life. Therefore practicing, eating healthy and staying away from "bad habits" is not a part of some detox procedure; it is a way of life. For me missing my practice was as if I forgot to nourish my body. And today, after all these days, though it was difficult for me to stay concentrated due to the pain, I finally gave my body what it needed! A bit of cardio, some stretches and some strengthening asanas were enough to make me feel alive! And of course my rewarding savasana was so deep and comforting that I had plenty of time and energy to thank my body for being so supportive, not only today but whenever I need it!

3) My soul, is still a yogic soul off the mat.

This week was a week of transition for me (well apart from the 2 tattoos that I had, one after the other) since I left my job and I'm starting a new career in a few days. Though this is something that I wanted for a long time, I should admit that this change intimidated me. I realized I won't be with the people I love everyday, and that a new challenging environment is approaching. Anyhow I figured out that I should be honest with myself, I found a way to say a kind and loving goodbye to my friends at the job and I approached my colleagues to be with the same kindness and care. This procedure brought smiles, hags and touching words towards me too. Without yoga being a great companion all these years I think that my relationships with people wouldn't be that strong and deep. I learned to be committed to people as much as I am committed to my practice. I learned to have the same discipline and make the same effort when it come to a human heart; and yes, it all come back to me now!

So my yogis and friends these were the highlights of my week! Can't wait to hear yours!

Regards!

Andrie