Even before I started coaching and practising yoga, I always tried to accept what life throws at me. I call it 'character building' and it's become a bit of an 'in' joke amongst my friends. Now that I'm studying yoga in a little more depth, I am more aware the other 6 limbs of the 8 limbs of yoga (asana and pranayama being 2 of them): the first limb is the Yamas, guidelines for ethical standards and moral restraints, of which there are 5 main sections that cover such things as non-violence, consideration and compassion, truthfullness, honesty in behaviour, thought and intention, etc., etc..
The thing is, while I've always considered myself to be a fairly kind person, I do sometimes have lapses. I'm only human. Like last week, when I was driving my friend's lovely shiny red mini and a lady, in a hurry, ploughed into the back of me. Now actually, I was very good. I didn't say any bad words to her, but I wanted to. Very, very much. The upshot is, the car is ok (ish, needs a small repair which apparently needs a whole bumper change!) and I've got a stinking headache, sore back and am waiting for my second visit to the osteopath. My friend (who is currently on an extended holiday) was actually very ok with the whole thing and was more concerned about me than the car. So, tick one, I did manage to behave (if not entirely think) within the guidelines of Limb 1.
Limb 2, Niyamas are observances and disciplines in our attitude to ourself, again 5 sections covering such things as cleanliness, purity, positive outlook, uncomplaining attitude, self study, mindfullness, reflection and self discovery. I've certainly tried to remain content, I have not minded (too much) that I have had to curtail my asana practice due to the injury, instead taking the opportunity to explore meditation and pranayama and to read and deepen my knowledge. But, I cannot help but feel totally and utterly frustrated that I have not been running for a few weeks, firstly due to a brief illness and now this. It is just so disappointing. I know I can't until my osteo gives me the all clear. It's frustrating. Well, I guess I can't be perfect, something to work towards ;-)
The thing is, while I've always considered myself to be a fairly kind person, I do sometimes have lapses. I'm only human. Like last week, when I was driving my friend's lovely shiny red mini and a lady, in a hurry, ploughed into the back of me. Now actually, I was very good. I didn't say any bad words to her, but I wanted to. Very, very much. The upshot is, the car is ok (ish, needs a small repair which apparently needs a whole bumper change!) and I've got a stinking headache, sore back and am waiting for my second visit to the osteopath. My friend (who is currently on an extended holiday) was actually very ok with the whole thing and was more concerned about me than the car. So, tick one, I did manage to behave (if not entirely think) within the guidelines of Limb 1.
Limb 2, Niyamas are observances and disciplines in our attitude to ourself, again 5 sections covering such things as cleanliness, purity, positive outlook, uncomplaining attitude, self study, mindfullness, reflection and self discovery. I've certainly tried to remain content, I have not minded (too much) that I have had to curtail my asana practice due to the injury, instead taking the opportunity to explore meditation and pranayama and to read and deepen my knowledge. But, I cannot help but feel totally and utterly frustrated that I have not been running for a few weeks, firstly due to a brief illness and now this. It is just so disappointing. I know I can't until my osteo gives me the all clear. It's frustrating. Well, I guess I can't be perfect, something to work towards ;-)
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