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Could Pushing Yourself Too Hard In Yoga Practice Be Holding You Back?

Maybe the struggle doesn't have to be so hard by Monica Stone at theyogimovement.com

August 25, 2015 By Monica Stone 1 Comment

Do you ever feel like you’re pushing yourself so hard? You’re always going above and beyond hoping that this time, your hard work will finally be noticed.

I’ve always thought that to get anywhere in life, you had to go the extra mile, and work harder than the next person. But, I was totally wrong.

What fun is it to push yourself into situations that cause stress and anxiety? 

It’s not about doing extra work to impress people. It’s about doing the best you can because it brings you joy!

If you’re doing all of this extra work that you hate doing, people will notice that your heart’s not in it. No matter how much work – the energy just isn’t there. 

The one thing that always brings me joy is my yoga practice. It’s kind of comedic how I recreate my issues inside of my practice.

No matter what I’m doing, or how I’m feeling, I have this push through it attitude. So, without knowing it, I’m creating stress in my yoga practice! 

Have you done this too?

When I first started practicing, I would work so hard. My teacher had me practice the postures I struggled with three times, but I would do it five. If there was a posture I could usually do, but I had a day where I couldn’t do it, I would get so mad at myself.

I actually remember my teacher saying, “Monica, I can tell you’re frustrated. Move on.” 

We have this tendency to push ourselves so hard in life, and I see this in yoga too. 

Don’t get me wrong, yoga is all about going to the edge. Pushing yourself through the struggles. Not holding back. Getting over your fears. All of that uncomfortable stuff.

I LOVE that about yoga. Because of that, yoga has shown me that the impossible is possible

But, yoga is also about being kind to yourself. Accepting where you are. Being compassionate. And, preventing any known future pain. 

Last week, there was a day where I had a hard time making it to the mat. I was doing everything in my power to procrastinate. I kept telling myself that I would do it later.

I was really tired and weak. But, I didn’t listen to the excuses in my head. I made it happen.

My practice was slower. It wasn’t as deep as usual, and I was annoyed at myself for not working so hard. 

Why am I not floating in my jump backs? Why didn’t I grab my wrists in the Marichyasanas? I bent my legs in Navasana!

Then it occurred to me that maybe not working so hard that day was actually pushing the limit and the struggle itself?

When I looked deeper into it, I realized that my challenge was getting to the mat, and I made it no matter what! I found a way to make it work so I could do my practice even if it was lighter and looser than usual. 

My next challenge was accepting myself that day. I was feeling weak, and I was frustrated at myself for not working so hard. The struggle was actually being compassionate and allowing myself take it easy. 

So, maybe working through the struggles isn’t always about working so hard? It’s about letting go and finding balance.

This is what my practice has been trying to teach me about my life, my relationships, and my success. I wonder where I’d be without my practice?

PIN IT ⇓

Is working too hard in yoga holding you back? See more at TheYogiMovement.com by Monica Stone

What are you misinterpreting in your practice? What struggles and challenges are you having in life where you could actually move forward by pulling back a little? Or, is your struggle the opposite?

Tell me in the comments at least one insight you took about your own practice from reading this post! 

TO OPEN HEARTS & HAPPY THOUGHTS,

love monica

Filed Under: Daily Life Tagged With: Motivation

Monica Stone

About Monica Stone

Monica is a lover of all things yoga, a vegetarian, an avid tea drinker, and never gets sick of soup and noodle dishes. She teaches yoga, practices daily, and runs a Spiritual Book Club in Orlando, FL. She likes to challenge the strict rules of yoga, and makes it accessible for everyone - especially people who suffer from daily life and work stress.

« How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others (with FREE Journal Download)
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Hi! I’m Monica

Monica StoneWell hello there! I'm Monica. I'm a yoga & meditation teacher (and junkie). I teach yoga practices that are quick and effective for the busy person who just needs a few minutes of quiet time in their day. Click around and you'll find quick meditation tips for calming the mind to simple stretches to relieve stress and tension. If you are sick of being intimidated by yoga or just confused by all of the different styles out there - then this page is for you. Yoga helps me daily & I know it will help you too! I'll show you how! Welcome to The Yogi Movement :)

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Testimonials

  • Jaime ShearerJaime ShearerYoga Student Since 2012

    Monica is dedicated to her own practice and the true path of yoga - the one of personal experience - which makes her an outstanding teacher. She is warm and easy to talk with, and she allows the student to have their own experience on the mat. She explains postures and breath in ways that are understandable so that the student "gets it." She makes yoga real and tangible in ways that truly serve the student. Work with Monica. You'll be glad you did.

  • Jacob AbercrombieJacob AbercrombieYoga Student Since 2011

    have always wanted to try yoga, but was always nervous. Monica took that fear away and made me feel like i was the only one in class with a room full of strangers. She is able to work with multiple students during the same move and still make it a personalized class for one.

  • Serena JonesSerena JonesYoga Student Since 2010

    Monica has been a highly influential teacher to me. She creates a safe environment for learning and practice. I have always felt grounded in her classes, and she pushes me beyond my own expectations. She inspires and motivates! I can't imagine my life without sharing a path with her!

  • Angela OrofinoAngela OrofinoYoga Student Since 2011

    Monica is a caring, wise, thoughtful, and talented yoga instructor. She has an in-depth knowledge of the philosophy and spirituality of Ashtanga yoga. My previous yoga experience had mostly just been at my local gym. Luckily, last year I found Monica. She has been guiding my practice at least once a week since then. As a newcomer to Ashtanga yoga, Monica made me feel comfortable and had the patience to teach me the basics. She also encouraged me to start an at home practice so that I was able to obtain a deeper understanding of Ashtanga. Monica is always encouraging and lets me know in subtle ways when she feels that I am ready to move deeper into my practice. I feel that the growth in my practice over the last year has been tremendous. Not only do I notice the change in me but others around me do as well. I am so grateful to have found Monica!

  • Sasha TamarSasha TamarYoga Student Since 2012

    I’ve come across many a yoga instructor over the years, but Monica stands out as genuinely amiable, as she glows with an infectious inner light, and highly devoted to and passionate about her practice. Her dedication to Ashtanga as a lifestyle is very clear, and creates for a contagious motivating force. Every time I’ve practiced with her, she eagerly transmits her devotion and passion of Ashtanga and meditation to everyone in class; she makes the most fledgling beginner feel at home, and simultaneously challenges the more advanced students. While I only practice Ashtanga with her, I know she provides therapeutic yoga sessions as well as meditation. And, if her methods of guiding students out of the Ashtanga vigor into the more meditative savasana are indicative of her meditational techniques, I’d recommend her to anyone

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