A year ago while rushing to yoga a woman cut me off abruptly in her car, and I honked in surprise.
She returned my honk with a honk of her own and waved her middle finger at me.
Being originally from Chicago where the middle finger is just another “3rd turn signal,” my reflexes immediately honked back and flipped my turn signal middle finger in return.
Once I got into class I closed my eyes and tried to center myself. As I finished my OM and opened my eyes, guess whose yoga mat was directly behind mine? Yep, during the entire class as the teacher spoke of forgiveness and open hearts, I had to see this person in the mirror behind me.
It was a great lesson in learning to walk my talk. I believe the way we are on our yoga mats is a direct
reflection of who we are in the world. I often watch my thoughts. Am I being critical of myself in the mirror? Am i struggling in the postures and cheating a bit by not really going fully into the pose?
Am I comparing myself to others? Am I pushing myself when all I want to do is ease up a bit? Is my mind wandering or am I scattered?
And sure enough, every single time, the way I am on my mat is how I’m showing up in the outside world. I think the way we are in our car is also a direct reflection of how we’re operating in our lives.
Tonight as I backed out of the parking lot a blue car came zooming quickly up behind me. She threw on her brakes, honked at me and used her “3rd turn signal.”
I smiled at her, took a breath, and said aloud in my car…..MEOW.
I think I’m improving.
xo