Of course, I am a biased person and think everyone should practice some yoga daily. But, I di recognize that it may not suit everyone's personality (but, I still can't imagine why!). However, there are many people who have considered yoga but then come up with myriad reasons to justify why they cannot do it. The excuses include a lack of time (I offer many tips in my book and in other blog posts on how to overcome that hurdle), excess weight, a super lack of flexibility (that's WHY they should do it), an odd bone structure, old injuries, certain medical conditions, and so on. Well, these excuses are pretty much groundless in my not so humble opinion. The key is to take baby steps, listen to your body, and practice consistently.
The other day I received an inspirational video via email from yoga instructor Lucas Rockwood. Every aspiring yogi should invest 5 minutes to watch this awe-inspiring story! Lucas emphasized that this video demonstrates the massive transformation that yoga can create in a person's life and that is true. I also found that the video underscored:
1) the power of persistence;
2) the willingness to fail and fall over and over; and
3) the possibility of gaining tremendous results from practicing at home.
The video is the story of Arthur, a disabled Gulf War veteran who returned home with major injuries to his back and knees. Arthur's numerous jumps as a military paratrooper had taken their toll. Doctors told him he'd never be able to resume walking unassisted. He gained more than 100 pounds of excess weight. He was barely mobile. For a while he accepted his fate. But, then he checked into learning yoga and was turned down by all instructors except one. And that one, it seems taught him yoga poses that he practiced on his own at home.
The video shows clips of the evolution of Arthur's yoga practice in his home. It is heart warming because at the beginning he would seem to be an unlikely candidate for doing yoga because of his weight and injuries. But, he prevails despite falling on his face numerous times while attempting the headstand and other challenging poses. Over time, he becomes more limber and the pounds start dropping off. He loses 100 pounds in 6 months and more! I won't spoil his story for you. Check it out now and roll out your yoga mat tomorrow. Whatever excuses you have had - they're just no longer valid after you watch Arthur! After watching this video, I am going to start trying to master the headstand - a pose that I have feared trying!
Yours for obliterating all excuses for not doing yoga,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginners' Yoga at Home Coach
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