Confronting Compassionately

As I was teaching this morning and describing to my students how we approach the feeling of discomfort during a pose or situation, the words confronting compassionately arose.  Our limitations within our bodies are not negatively limiting...it is only negative if we label it that way in the mind.  However, a limitation is positive in that it shows you a place where you will need to work with and tend to, like a yogic gardener.  It may be frustrating at times when your hips may not feel open, or your shoulders may not feel strong enough, or your mind tells you that you just cant hold chair pose one more breath. 


When frustration arises we are then faced with a choice with how we will react.  You can grunt, scrunch your face, let your self-critic create a handful of reasons why the pose sucks (for lack of a better word), or you can confront compassionately.  


When you find yourself in one of your difficult poses start by honoring that the pose may not be your favorite, but it is what you are faced with in the present.  From there notice your breath...most likely our nemesis poses cause us to hold our breath or shorten our breath, so BREATHE slowly! When the sensation starts to amplify and the voice of judgement starts to get louder then allow the voice of compassion to speak louder.  Drown out the negative!  You already acknowledged that the pose is a bitter one in your yoga pose repertoire, so allow yourself to feel sensation but not get caught up in it.  Like all things in life, it is only temporary!  Holding the pose for a few more breaths will not be the end of the world.  Also know that the pose is not the end all be all of yoga.  Don't worry, you are still a good person despite the outcome of the pose. 


Like all of those life lessons we learn on our mat, this is as great technique when faced with a difficult situation, conversation, person, etc. 


There is my little words of wisdom on confronting compassionately.  And if those words dont work for ya, here are some other affirmative words you can use that may inspire you...




Grace, tenderness, humaneness, kindness, softheartedness, leniency, heart, fellow-feeling.  affection, graciousness, gentleness, sweetness, goodness, patience. 


Thanks for reading!  Now go and practice that compassion!  Smiling helps too and as Buddy the Elf says, "Smiling's my favorite!"