One of the concepts articulated in this morning’s yoga class was: “Relax around the effort.” Of course, that’s what yoga is really all about isn’t it? I’ve not done yoga for that long, but I get that if you huff and puff and strain to get into, or to hold a pose, then you’re missing the point. Although effort is definately necessary, I think the point is to gently approach the pose and then breathe during the holding of the pose and relax into (as best as possible) the experince of it. Easier said than done, I know. But having your intention there is what counts, and it gets easier over time, right?

Well, I started thinking about how much I do not relax around the effort I expend in other areas of my life (particularly work.)  And, how much I would like to set my intention to begin relaxing around the effort it every area.  Again, effort in life is necessary, otherwise we’d turn into big couch potato blobs. Effort is a good thing…but getting stressed and pissing, moaning and groaning around the effort is…counterproductive, eh? 

So, this week I’m going to write on my big bulletin board posted in front of my desk the phrase, Relax around the effort. I’m going to set my intention and see how often I am able to remember to breathe, relax and let the energy move through me…being conscious of where I might be straining, and why.

I invite you to do this with me this week, and report back (in a relaxed, non-stressful kind of way.)   I don’t know, but I’m guessing all our efforts we be much more productive and we’ll be more relaxed and happier people by the end of the week.

Many blessings.