No one will Grab it for You

Why is success measured by being busy? We are so driven to attain the status that many times mental health takes a back seat. Stopping the glorification of busy and focusing on discovery of passions allows for a more productive daily existence.  This article about one recent college graduate’s trials in yoga portrays this desire for balance. The student deals with the anxieties of change and contemplates the ways in which functioning is the most productive. After reading over a recent New York Times article title “Drugs, Sweat, and Fear” (August 2012) I realized an important thing about stress.  Stress comes in all shapes and sizes, and even something meant to stimulate positive energy can become another stressor throughout daily activity. Diana Spechler, who is chronicling her personal experience with yoga, recounts the stress that she felt dumped on her doorstep the second she was out of college and thrown into the real world.  We all are not far off from this moment in life, or can remember a similar moment. I know when I consider that moment when I finally enter the real world my heart starts to palpitate a little bit.  Her story encounters the advanced form of yoga known as Bikram.  This style demands a high level of focus and a Mister Miyagi degree of both mental and physical stamina. 

Typical Bikram move Source:bluestmuse.blogspot.com

“I’d been leveled by anxiety. My days were plagued with worry. Was I living correctly? What if I died? What if, like in that Twilight Zone episode, the rest of the world died and I lived? Innocuous things I said to people haunted me hours later— Was that dumb? Mean? Wildly inappropriate?—until I’d squirm with shame.”

She internally dealt with questions that we all have contemplated to some degree. Diana needed something to keep it together. As her new career began she dabbled in sleeping pills and energy supplements. After feeling even more gassed out than before Diana arrived at a Bikram yoga studio.

“The goal of the first class was to simply stay in the room”

This goal was easier said than done since Bikram is done in a 100 degree room.  Drenched in sweat and feeling worn down, Diana walked out feeling lighter in both body any mind. The idea behind Bikram yoga is that if you are able to master the sequences successfully you will need nothing else in your life like alcohol, drugs, gym, excess food, unhealthy relationships. My mouth nearly waters at the sound of all that personal fulfillment. Diana’s instructors shed their wisdom and she learned countless life lessons.  

“Stop responding to discomfort by reaching for things. We scratch. We smoke. We drink. Those are temporary solutions. Practice being still.”

“There’s one particularly grueling posture in the Bikram series that involves balancing on one foot, taking the other foot in your hands, and stretching that leg out in a parallel line to the floor.”“Grab your foot,” the teacher says, and everyone hedges. “Grab it!” one of my teachers yelled one morning…

No one’s going to grab it for you.”

No one is going to grab it for you. The aesthetics of yoga incorporate balance in all things. Having balance allows room to appreciate your accomplishments and overcome obstacles. There is a level of inner strength and confidence that is cultivated through conquering your obstacles. We are able to understand the areas in which we excel, and where we may encounter problems.  Looking at new situations as learning experiences rather than an intimidating barrier allows for greater piece of mind and a crisp perspective on life.  This scene perfectly depicts the conflict that many students experience throughout this time in life.  All of these new experiences can start feeling overwhelming and calling mom and dad to solve the problem starts to look like the best idea. As challenges come we reach for things to compensate, and search for excuses. Part of finding your life balance is being responsible for both the good and the bad.

Source: collegehowtos.com

Don’t let a stress reliever become a stress inducer.  Being in new situations creates a level of anxiety towards the unknown. This period in life is even more of a transition; you are expected to take risks.  Changes are coming from all directions. Many new demands are imposed and you find yourself caught up in a completely new way of life.  If you don’t explore new possibilities you might be remembered as the kid who could do the longest keg stand, but you also will feel like the most exciting few years of your life passed you by.

As you encounter new obstacles find your balance and approach them head on because no one is going to grab it for you. Consider trying out new ways of time management or new stress relievers. If you have any questions about Stress ask us on here or come into the office and get your resources!

For the full New York Times article click here!
-RV