-Pema Chodron
Injuries can often feel like a major setback, and it's hard not to become frustrated with the body as it reaches its limits and begs for a rest. A physical block isn't the body breaking; it's the mind's inability to show the physical body compassion. Why do we reinjure ourselves? It's because we're pushing beyond the body.
Personal sidenote: My own hamstring was healing after a year of modifying my practice. I was only going into the splits on one side, and learning to be okay with the differences that both sides of my body present. The yin and the yang. The rational and the creative. The masculine and the feminine. I finally got into a split in class 10 months after the initial tear,and tears welled up in my eyes: it was finally healed. It was time to return! So excited, I dove wholeheartedly into my practice. I don't know when, and I don't know how, but I was so excited to have my full range of motion back that I missed my body telling me it was too much too quickly. I retore my hamstring within a month. Now, I can't walk on it without pain. I have to take 3 weeks to 3months off from my practice.
As depressing as this first was, I know now that I can't be superhuman. My body deserves the most attention and respect out of my practice, not the ego that's excited to have the familiar feel-good sensations. I have been given this opportunity to learn and respect myself, and take a break. Who knows what I'll find off the mat?!
Now the real yoga begins...
Also, here's a cute video to think about!
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