Getting Started...

"The miracle isn't that I finished.  The miracle is that I had the courage to start."  -John Bingham

I read this in a running column and believe in it every day that I make it out to the beginning of whatever running path I'm starting. 

This morning, though, as I lay in the comfort of my warm bed, in the still darkness and have an internal discussion with myself on all the reasons why I don't HAVE to go to yoga today, I realize that it applies to more than just running a race or long distance.

Every time I quiet those voices with the great 'not to' reasons, I'm winning.  Every morning I get up in darkness and step out into coldness against that nagging, lazy part of me, I'm winning.  Every time I choose bravery over the fear that this yoga class is going to be too hard, that everyone will be better than me and that there will be things I can't do, I'm winning. 

The Moksha Yoga studio I go to has smaller classes than I've ever been to (ranging from 2-10 students) and while that's a great way to learn, it is so intimidating.  There is nowhere to hide.  Every other person in the room can see you and all your 'mistakes'.   But it's also making me better.  My instructor today said that the biggest lesson of yoga is to accept yourself.  Accept what your body allows you to do.  Accept your imperfections.

As long as I enter a studio or start a run, I will accept everything that comes after.