When I first truly committed to my yoga practice and was a regular fixture at the studio, I was invited to attend the Advanced Class on Saturday. 

Yes, I practiced six times a week. Yes, I had shorty short yoga shorts before they were even a thing in hot yoga. Yes, my practice was pretty advanced and bendy. No way was I going to take that class. NO WAY.

First of all, it was on a Saturday in the middle of the day. And, I was at home and not on the road with a show (insert life as a musical theater actress here). I wanted to spend that time with my husband having a regular weekend.

Next, I had only been practicing for about four years at this point. I was STILL a Beginner. I had so much to accomplish in the Level I Class, there was no way I could just jump into something called, “Advanced.” Were they crazy?

And, to be brutally honest with myself, I was scared of making a fool of myself. Or, for being called out on something in front of everyone. Because, you see, the instructor that led the Advanced classes had embarrassed me in a class once before and I just didn’t vibe with them, or trust them.

But, looking back, all of this was just one big excuse. The real reason I didn’t go? My practice would have to change. And, the idea of what my practice was would have to change. AND, that meant I would have to change.

And, change? It’s so damn scary when the choice to change is in your hands, isn’t it? 

The changes that happen and we simply need to adapt to them are one thing. Voluntarily shaking up your life when you begin something new? That’s much different.

 So, I passed on the class. 

A year or two down the road, I attended my first of many yoga teacher trainings. When I came back to the studio, I finally felt like I was ready to attend the Advanced Class. It was time.

But, you know what? They stopped offering that class. The opportunity was gone.

And, I had to figure a lot of things out on my own if I wanted to start going beyond the beginner level class. Because I couldn't find any class that offered more anywhere nearby.

It would have been so much easier if I had just taken the class before I was “ready.”

So, when you tell me (and I hear it at least three times a week), “I’m not good enough at yoga to take your class,” I completely understand where you are coming from.

But, here’s what you need to hear: You don’t have to be perfect, know everything already, have the perfect set-up in your home, or even feel like you’re any good at yoga to take my class.

I’m not gonna lie. My class is challenging. But, it’s not impossible.

And, you’re not going to be able to do everything at first. You might have to take breaks. Or, do just a little bit of each posture. Or, maybe only take the first twenty minutes for a couple of weeks. That’s cool. That’s a beginning. Know that it will grow, build, evolve and change.

But, each time you say ‘yes’ to the more challenging class, you are busting through blocks you might not even realize are there.

Also, I guarantee the first time you achieve something on your yoga mat that you once thought was impossible, you are going to be so proud of yourself. It’s the best gift you can give to yourself. And, no one can do it for you. When it comes to a yoga practice, it’s all you. 

So, I guess what I’m trying to tell you this week is you’re never going to feel completely “ready,” or “good enough at yoga.” But, you have to walk through all of that nonsense if you want a little bit of magic to enter into your practice.

The difference between a Level I practice and a Level II/III? The courage to take the leap.

So, leap. You might just soar. 

xo,

Tori  

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