Here’s the Instagram picture I uploaded when I revisited my old stomping grounds from college at Carrboro Yoga Company. In this snapshot, I am correctly transitioned from a pigeon pose to a mermaid pose. Although it does not show the actual transition or the steps taken to arrive at this posed post, I wanted to share with you all that there was indeed a transition. I say “correctly” because there have been times where I’ve twisted to the opposite side or rushed into it and compromised my body as a result. But practicing yoga has really taught me the importance of listening to my body and the value of transition.
Transitional phases have never been easy for me. I’ve always felt the need to be on the move, chasing the “next” or the “new” but struggled with the process of getting there. College seemed to amplify that. I remember coming back from studying abroad and all I could think about was rushing into the next adventure. Everyone around me seemed to be moving and making steps to get into their next chapter in life. But in contrast, I seemed to be stuck in past poses while fearing for that elusive “future” that my peers were working ambitiously towards. The inability to live in the present prevented me from making any steps, whether right or wrong, forward or even backward. At the height of my stress, I had an episode. It was the first time that I lost control of my breathing; it was one of the most terrifying experiences to date.
All this to say that I’m grateful for the practice of yoga that serves as a reminder to use breath as a guide in all movement. Life isn’t always what we think but transitions are an integral part, therefore inevitable in arriving to our next place. It may not always be glamorous. It may be messy, not exactly what you planned or just plain “wrong.” But, every step is an important part of your journey and being present in every moment is rewarding no matter what the circumstance. So for anyone who might be in the same place, I’d like to say:
Breathe.
This transition is setting you up for the next beautiful pose.
Breathe.
This is exactly where you need to be.
Namaste.
Until next time, stay melovated.
MELOSPACE 