Whenever I hear a person say that yoga is “not really a work-out,” it makes me wonder if that person has ever tried standing bow pulling pose or held a perfect triangle pose for over a minute.

I still remember my first Bikram Yoga class.  It’s a miracle I did not pass out!  It was one of the most physically demanding experiences of my life.  Yet, I went back the next day, and continue to practice yoga as often as my schedule allows.

Practicing yoga has many physical benefits, but most importantly it has taught me seven things that have enhanced the quality of my life.

1. Persistence: It took me MONTHS of constant practice to be able to hold Bow Pulling Pose for more than 30 seconds.  Class after class I would fall out of the posture, and I simply would pick myself up and try again.  After many months of trying to kick and pull further, I finally did it!

2. Discipline:  Bikram yoga is very time consuming – 90 minutes in the “torture chamber” plus driving time and getting ready to attend class.  I’ve had to be very disciplined to ensure that I make time for my practice and myself.  Where there is a will there is a way!

3. Courage: Balancing stick!  This posture is only 10 seconds, but it is performed immediately after Standing Bow-Pulling Pose.  In this posture you lower your heart below your hips, which sends large amounts of blood rushing into the heart.  It is like giving yourself an intentional heart attack!  It takes balls to do this one-legged Balancing Stick correctly for 10 seconds.  Trust me.  Yet, everytime I have a breakthrough on my mat or do something that I had been afraid to try or thought I could not do, I carry off that sense of accomplishment into my day.  Of course the clouds don’t part and angels sing, but in that moment, and for a while afterward, I feel like anything is possible.  That is the true spirit of yoga!

4. Playfulness and Failure is “A-OK”: Toe-stand has taught be to play with myself and my body, and that it is ok to fall sometimes as long as your get back in the game as soon as you as possible.  Always give each posture your very best.

5. Patience:  Locust Pose is made up of three components, and the last stage was probably my least favorite for the longest time.  I simply could NOT lift both legs off the floor together, or hold them there for more than a few seconds, and this was incredibly frustrating.  I had to learn to practice patience with myself, to stay strong, and simply do my best during each class. A few months later, I am still working on it, but I’ve gotten MUCH better.

6. Vulnerability: I’ve always hated putting myself in situations that make me vulnerable.  I usually avoid them at all costs – whether it’s falling in love or walking alone at night. Yet, yoga has taught me that vulnerability can actually make you stronger.  The first time I did Half Moon pose I was terrified to drop my head back and bend backwards.  I thought I was going to fall over!  But with practice, I’ve realized that flexing my spine is incredible therapeutic.  We are constantly bending forward for one reason or another, but we rarely bend backward.  Backbends have taught me to be vulnerable and to trust.

7. Another Perspective: Forwards bends make you see things under a different light.  They teach you how good it feels to release your tight grip on your legs, and on my life.  I no longer insist on micro-managing my life.   I’ve learned to go with the wind!  I’ve mapped out my future, but this time I’ve used a pencil, just in case I need to make a change or two.

Any lessons you have learned through your practice?  I’d love to hear them.

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday!