Warrior Poses as Strength Builders

As a society, we associate strength with a person who never seems rattled, always pulls it together, and doesn’t need to ask for help.  

This is how we picture yogis in strong, confident poses such as warrior one and two.  We see people in warrior poses and we associate their unshakable posture as them being unaffected by the struggle of their body wanting to surrender.
 
But, as we look at these yogis a little closer, we realize that they are not simply unaffected by struggle, but are instead choosing to listen to their bodies as the cue for when to surrender—to form a union of mind, body, and spirit as a trio for guidance in this trying posture. 

As we apply this to our lives off the mat we realize that sometimes we reach a place of capability, expertise, and emotional regulation after we’ve been totally incapable, clueless, and emotionally exhausted.  

Therefore, true strength is in admitting when life is knocking us down, and using our tools, our support system, and our practice to put the pieces back together.  

So get into your warrior poses and pay attention to what comes up, breathe through it, accept it. Choose to find meaning in it. Ask for help if it’s needed. 
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Let strength in life and in your practice be in your ability to authentically gauge your limits, accept your emotions, find peace with your struggles, and stand tall knowing that even it can only be for a few minutes—it is real and it was earned, one mindful moment at a time.