As I mentioned on the site’s home page, I’m booked in for a weekend workshop and a week of teacher training with David Swenson next May. This is a good thing. It’s an excellent motivator on those days when the sofa, or an extra couple of hours in bed, feels like the right choice. Why? Because I don’t want to always be the dunce in the corner.

Now, this is almost certainly at odds with everything yoga is about. Firstly, I’m supposed to be unaware of others in the room and though my focus is improving, I can’t help but notice if somebody folds into an effortless Prasarita Padottansana C or jumps through with the elegance of a panther. Ah, Drishti, drishti, drishti.

Secondly, yogis remind me constantly that this is not a competition. Even if I’ve been fixated by my stopwatch and heart rate monitor when running, I should’t bring such obsessions to the mat. Apparently, setting goals (e.g. I really want to achieve an unassisted bind in Marichyasana C by Christmas) is a complete no no. In all honesty, I’m learning to understand and accept this. I’m much more patient than I used to be – and that’s off the mat too.

But, is it wrong to strive to do better? Clearly not. It’s all about accepting that the process is a long one. Drips to fill a bucket rather than firing up the power hose and expecting instant results. And thanks Matt for reminding me during last Mysore to take each day as it comes and recognise that my body can surprise me (in good ways as well as bad). My word, the floor seemed a long way down in my first Surya Namaskara A this morning, but it really did get better as the practice unfolded. Your quote from Richard Ashcroft has stayed with me:

“I’m a million different people from one day to the next.”

Here’s to a fabulous instructor, strong assists and above all, patience. Today’s Mysore practice was wonderful.

(On a related note, I thought you might enjoy this YouTube clip.)