Challenge Is a Requirement for Growth

What if you looked at your challenges simply as a requirement for growth? Would it make it any easier? In a way, yes. It’s been said—accept whatever happens to you as if you chose it to be that way, and you take out much of the stress.

Resistance comes from fighting against what is. Santosha comes to mind; contentment. Relaxing with what is. Pain comes from resisting, peace comes from accepting. Challenges precede growth. This is where the learning happens. And, this takes time.

It’s the same in yoga practice. Many times the asanas you don’t like are the ones you need most. Working with an experienced teacher, if you stay with it and learn to steady your breathing—new spaces and patterns begin. Not overnight of course, but with practice, time, and a bit of faith—steadiness grows.

We learn and get stronger during difficult times.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Do you find this to be true? In hindsight, hopefully you can appreciate the lessons learned. Life is always teaching you. The question is: are you paying attention and looking for the lessons?

The process reminds me of how a butterfly breaks open its cocoon.

It flaps its wings against the cocoon, does the work so to speak. If someone were to break the cocoon for the butterfly, its wings wouldn’t be strong enough to survive. In the same way, we are strengthened from challenges—both on and off the mat.

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” —Unknown

Looking for an experienced yoga teacher to help you grow in your practice? All are welcome in our yoga community based in St. Paul, MN. Check Out Ashtanga Class Schdule