Stretch

The act of stretching is something that anyone can do and yet I don't think I do it often enough. Physically speaking I think everyone at some point or other has done the standard lean over and touch their toes (or attempt it since being limber seems to be far away for me). I actually enjoy the sensation of a stretch. I can feel the muscle pulling against itself, resisting the elongation. Breathing out I can sense the muscle relax and slowly reach farther. There is some discomfort to this process and I have to push my body and muscles to make it worthwhile, but after the process I feel more relaxed and more in tune with myself. Even though the stretch can be painful at times I notice the sensation and ignore it and enjoy the benefit I know I am getting.

The act of stretching though is more than just this physical act. I think that mentally stretching is equally important and challenging. Stretching aspects of my life does take work and it requires focus. I feel myself resist the change and the pull of some of my new practices. For example trying to let go of negative influences and allowing my mind to stay in a positive mindset does take work. I can feel my mind pull away and try to remain in it's normal "comfortable" state. However I think that it is the same as stretching a muscle and I need to allow myself to notice any discomfort and acknowledge that it is change. Really it is the same practice as yoga but it is how I'm stretching to interact with life rather than with my muscles.

I tell students that when they are learning it should be uncomfortable. Much like stretching there is a resistance to what you are learning. It is this very feeling though that lets us know that we are creating change. The discomfort I believe comes from being in unfamiliar territory and adjusting to it; much like a muscle resists being stretched longer than its resting state. Why should I be resistant to that. Instead I should be embracing it and enjoying the stretch. Letting my mind relax and embracing the new perspectives can make the stretch enjoyable.

Stretching the mind and body feels good. I should do it more often.