Progress, NOT Perfection

Yesterday I rambled (a lot!!) about yoga…today’s message is very short and one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned from my yoga practice:

No one is perfect, no one is supposed to be perfect; if I am not perfect, then I am exactly who, and how, I am supposed to be because life is all about progress, NOT perfection.

Here is a “perfect” example from my yoga practice:  Crow (Kakasana) and Crane (Bakasana)
Crow/Crane is an intense arm balance pose.  The idea is to use the triceps as a shelf to support the upper thighs or knees, then shift the body weight and visual gaze forward to balance on the arms and lift up the feet.  My first attempt was not too bad.  I was very proud of it, and it immediately became a favorite pose:

You can see in the picture above (which was taken on May 9, 2014) that I needed a lot of shelf to hold up my legs, and I am also “sinking” into my arms to hold the balance.
Now fast forward 16 weeks to September 18th:

This time my knees are tucked much further into my under-pits, which is considerably more difficult to hold, and my back is straighter which shows that I am getting stronger and better able to “lift” into the pose…still not perfection, but definitely progress 🙂
Finally, go forward one more week to September 24th:

This is called Fallen Angel Pose (Devaduuta Panna Asana), and it’s a toughie!!  It is a progression from Side-Crow/Crane that I tried for the first time as this picture was snapped.  In a critical world, it is far from perfect, but I have to tell you that I was completely amazed and quite impressed with myself that I had the courage to attempt it, the focus to hold it, and the strength to lift it so that my head was off the ground.
Yoga taught me that I’m allowed to be excited by the progress and improvements rather than be discouraged or disheartened by the shortcomings and imperfection.  What an important lesson!  It is a lesson that has made me a better mom, a more patient person, a kinder friend, and a stronger wife.  For that I am eternally grateful!

Be happy being you, and know that you are valued and adored, friends!
Hugs and love,
Ashli 🙂
 
PS:  Here are my results from yesterday, Day 3 of my 10 day challenge to lose 10 pounds before Thanksgiving:
Day 3 weight: 122.8 lb.
Early Morning: 1 oz Ionix Supreme Dietary Supplement (Green Juice)
Meal 3-1: Chocolate & Banana IsaLean Shake and 1 Natural Accelerator Supplement Capsule
Meal 3-2: Natural Oatmeal Raisin IsaLean Snack Bar
Meal 3-3: Chocolate & Peanut Butter IsaLean Shake
Meal 3-4: Spinach Salad with Scrambled Egg, Avocado, Bell Peppers, and Feta Cheese and 1 IsaFlush Supplement Capsule