After

It’s the day after yoga class, and I’m pretty sure by the end of yesterday’s class I looked like a puddle. Today though I feel less tension in my neck and shoulders and this is a good thing. Something I did become aware of during class yesterday was my avoidance not of any particular pose, but of the mirror that spans the full length of the yoga studio. Yoga students face the mirror as the instructor guides us through our poses. I found myself feeling uncomfortable gazing at my reflection and in resistance closed my eyes. It was not long before the instructor could be heard gently reminding, “Eyes open please”. I opened my eyes, and then for the rest of the class I vacillated between opening and closing them. Walking home I thought about my feelings surrounding having to be fully present with my reflection in the mirror. Finally, I came to the conclusion that if I avoided any of my feelings especially the ones I don’t like, I’d be hindering the possibility of coming closer to my own authenticity. Self- acceptance can be an uncomfortable issue, so this week I intend on sitting for 10 minutes daily in front of a mirror. This could be the beginning of daily meditation and that is a good thing.