Why-Fit-In_small

Why fit in when you were born to stand out

Nobody’s perfect. That’s what they all say. But when you’re a teenager, that saying never crosses your mind, especially with girls. We are always comparing ourselves to everyone around us, finding their flaws and comparing them with our own.

Why-Fit-In_smallI had that problem. Every time I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see anything but my flaws. My nose was too big, or I always looked tired. Maybe my hair was frizzy and my thighs were too big. I didn’t even notice the great things about myself. A web of insecurities shrouded my view on my self. It may seem a bit dramatic, but when you’re a teenager, isn’t everything?

It wasn’t until recently that I began to think differently. In my yoga class, we were told to create a flow just for us. We didn’t even have to share it; it was only for when we needed it. The idea was to take a word that had to do with one of the heart qualities that you needed to feed. At first I choose truthfulness. Something most everybody needs to work on, but then I decided to elaborate on that by adding individuality to the mix.

To me truthfulness is being true to yourself and those around you, which coincides with individuality. Knowing who you are and accepted that is, in my opinion, the greatest thing a person can do. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten there yet, so that’s what my flow focuses on. It’s also about knowing your flaws and owning them. Or as my teacher put it, finding your own internal elevator buttons and pushing them. They may be hidden deep down there, but I believe anyone can find them.

I think there is a deeper meaning to that. Chakras connect everything in life, and just like elevator buttons you need to activate them. Rise to the next floor, and face new challenges. Dare to set yourself apart from others, and reach out towards the unknown. You are your own person and no one can ever take that away from you.

I named my flow “Why fit in when you were born to stand out”. Which is one of my favorite quotes by Dr Seuss. I used to feel insecure about my muscular legs, but now I use them to my advantage to help me balance. I have a lot of poses that enhance that trait. Now whenever I feel down, because of those petty feelings; I look up at my flow and just breath..deeply.

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  • Inner Flexibility

    BB40 big“How do you become flexible on the Inside?”

    That is the question that I was asked by 4th grade student Isabelle at Yoga Club last week. We were working on acknowledging what we could use more of: strength, balance, or flexibility. After meditating to find what we had the least of, Isabelle raised her hand and asked this question. I stumbled for words, trying to be eloquent and honest on the spot. I spoke of the importance of strength and balance in finding inner flexibility… but honestly this answer felt like it came up short. I found myself reflecting on this question for the rest of the day (the class was over at 3:30pm). I consulted some dear friends and got many good suggestions such as taking a walk, for no other reason than to walk.

    But here is what I came up with, that resonates as the voice of my own truth.

    Being flexible on the inside is a lifelong process. There is a big difference between being loosey goosey with no boundaries, and being open to change and to testing new waters. These two polarities give us a framework for the spectrum of possibility. At the beginning, at the core, and at the point of willingness, is a strong inner truth. This truth is clear, it reminds me who I am, what is most important to me. For some this is a relationship with family or friends. For others their connection to their higher power is the most precious thing in their lives. Maybe for you it’s a sport, or a mission, or catfishing. I check in, sometimes daily, sometimes hourly, with my Truth. Each time I face a new challenge I ask myself “Does this bring me closer or farther away from _________________.”