With the arrival of a new year, we’re feeling excited about the potential for transformation in the next 12 months. New Year’s Resolutions, intentions, and goals are fresh on our minds and we’re ready to tackle our obstacles with strength and resiliency!
The beauty of transformation is inherent in the process as well as the conclusion. Many of our most accomplished moments came from begrudgingly painful circumstances and unfortunate setbacks. Could it be that our exposure to the tough, the not so pretty, the devastating moments are what drive us to take that leap forward and push through?
Just like a caterpillar, we are striving to find a place for our cocoon; the place where our transformation happens. The hard work comes in weaving the outer shell to protect us as we grow, change, and inevitably evolve into a new person; a butterfly. Reaching any goal can be incredibly difficult, and the payoff is greater than any challenge we may ever face.
"We need to realize that our path to transformation is through our mistakes. We're meant to make mistakes, recognize them, and move on to become unlimited." -Yehuda Berg
How does yoga play a part in transformation? It permeates the layers of our mind, body, and spirit to support and uplift when we’re undergoing the tough work of changing from caterpillar to butterfly. Being present on our mat, hands held up high, feet constantly moving forward, energy sprouting from our fingertips; it all becomes part of the journey. Each asana we practice centers our mind and relaxes our nerves to make room for joy and inspiration, which is the gasoline to achieving our goals and dreams. Think of your yoga practice like a stop at the gas station; in order to put forth energy in your life, you must take time for yourself to recharge and fill up the gas tank.
It’s not just the transformation within that fulfills us, but the relationships we maintain throughout our journey that have the capacity to transform. “It seems as if [the yoga sutra's] wisdom just hang in the air preserved in time and space. So much of our world is more connected than ever, yet more superficial. It’s like our world is expanding outwardly, but we don’t take the time to expand inwardly.” Infinity Yoga owner Becky Nickerson emphasizes the role that community plays in a person’s personal transformation. “Today’s societal norms put so much pressure and anxiety in our daily lives that people really need a break; whether it comes from ancient texts, your yoga practice, or daily meditation, I think that the yoga community is a vital part of people’s lives and I am happy to contribute to that.” Allowing ourselves the opportunity to unplug from YouTube yoga sessions and get real on the mat with other human beings can radically change how we show up in our day to day lives.
“The physical signs of success are not required for growth to occur, they are reflections of that growth along with intangible reflections, such as peace of fulfillment.” Once you’ve reached that finish line, crossed that last “to-do” off your list, or completed the final work out, the internal reward will remain long after the external feelings will. Yoga supports our lives with incredible rewards each time we are present on the mat, and will remain to so long as we give back what the practice continually offers to us.
- 21 in 31 Yoga Challenge: Join our team of daily yoga practice for a month of transformation!
- Yoga Detox: Cleanse and detoxify the mind, body and spirit at RYL with weekly discussion and unlimited yoga classes!
- Events hosted at RYL HQ for an intensive day of transformation!
- NEW Ashtanga classes to expand your yoga practice!
- Take a one of a kind journey of transformation with your family: Kids Yoga at RYL!