Movement is a Life Practice: Using Obstacles

So much in our lives pulls us away from practice.

So it’s important to keep revisiting how practice is changing us, appreciating how it makes us more connected with our body and emotions and intellect. I remind myself often how this starts to affect how I connect with other people, even affecting my ability to be a father.

Somewhere along the way, this practice moves from an idiosyncratic hobby to a true life practice.

For example, when the “formal” practice is blocked. A screaming baby, a broken AC unit in the gym, being stuck in traffic…

A lot of sessions will be missed. But should I go and make it worse by getting angry? Now I lost the session, but I also lost the opportunity to practice my patience! Two losses!

The frustration itself becomes grist for the mill, an opportunity to practice our patience.

And what is this, lip service to patience? Managing frustration and cultivating patience is a HUGE part of practice, especially when you’re engaged in a practice that fundamentally addresses your weaknesses.

Yes, dealing with weaknesses is frustrating at times. But the practice of patience allows you to see it, without identifying with it. This becomes a critical skill for when you are in the session.

If this practice is to be something really valuable, really transformational, then it can’t be only about the specific tasks, improving our strength, etc. It has to give us tools and opportunities to become more.