Fighting the Mat

My yoga mat is my my happy place (or one of my happy places). When I step on it I feel relaxed, tranquil, and happy.  When I started doing yoga many moons ago I did it mainly for exercise. But over time it has become so much more.  There is something about the rhythm and flow of a yoga practice that allows my body to melt away and my spirit to come alive.

Or at least that's how it is most of the time.  Then there are the days where I fight the mat...when it takes all my will power to step on that piece of rubber and I want to shove the mat in the closet and forget it exists. On the days I fight the mat, I know I'm butting up against something needs attention. I call it the issue de jour. The issue de jour can be big or small.  Ususally, it's something I'm not even aware of until I'm on my way to yoga and find myself start in the midst of an internal debate that goes something like this,

"So do you really want to go to yoga tonight? You could go shopping instead. Or you could go to the beach, or to dinner with friends. Or you could catch up on work.  Doesn't that sound so much more fun?"

No joke, I've had this conversation with myself in the yoga center parking lot.  There are some days that I turn off the car, head to class, and face the mat and whatever it holds in store for me.  Then there are days when I'm not up for a fight and I ditch class.  The mat will be there waiting for me when I'm ready.

There's not a wrong or right here.  But generally I find that Robert Frost was right when he said that "The best way out is always through." Eventually, you have to face the mat and the things in life that are difficult no matter how big or small, work through them, and learn from them.  They make us who we are.  It's just important that we have a productive means to do so.  My way is yoga.  And I for one feel much better once I step up to the mat.