The Instructor – M

Stretching before a workout is important, especially the more used the body.

The key to stretching is consistent practice. Have you ever taken a yoga class or tried to really stretch when you haven’t done it in awhile? Your muscles and tendons simply don’t stretch as well as someone that does it consistently.

Doing yoga on my own, I fumble, my posture isn’t ideal, and I don’t stretch as deep. But when I have an instructor to follow, my posture improves. Even when my form isn’t exact but I’m trying, The instructor will correct me by saying, “you are doing better” and then simply display the correct way. There is no scolding nor discouragement, but simple example. Then an invitation to follow the example.

The stretching begins. Sitting down, legs outstretched, ready to touch my toes. The hamstrings just won’t stretch that far. The instructor encourages more and just hold out. Then relax and try again. Better this time, but still tight. Relax and try again. Encouragement to go deeper and try harder. Letting the thoughts of pain go and simply follow.

I never touched my toes, but I got to my ankles. I knew at that moment that if I was consistent in my practice, I could put my forehead to my knees.

So it is with everything in life. When we submit fully to our true purpose in life, it will be a stretch. And we can always remember that we have a perfect instructor to mirror.