Stepping Back to move forward

In the practice of yoga, we often back off of things prior to proceeding. For example, I lower down on my belly, before rising up in a backbend. The sun salutation, is a series 9-17 postures, one in which there is closing in, followed by a rising up. I am certain the opening posture could not happen if it did not follow a closing in posture. This closing in and opening up is a theme that weaves through the entirety of the practice, after all it is a balance. A fine balance, effort and ease in perfect tandem.

As it becomes more natural on the mat, the challenge comes in applying this principle to off the mat. I often have a desire to race through my day completing all the tasks that require energy up front. While this has the underpinnings of a successful practice, the problem exists when the determination takes over to complete EVERYTHING, before allowing a sweet surrender to enter in. Going and going with fierce determination seems to set in, and letting go becomes only a very small exonerated portion of the day that happens before bedtime. This does seem to work on some level, but too much determination certainly makes it challenging to let go when the time comes. Many worship vacations and time off work, to relax and step back, I think it is a daily practice, that enhances our every day experience. By taking the time to step back each day, I reconnect with my breath, I acknowledge divinity, and I remember how sweet it is to simply be still. The allows me to approach the day with a new sense of well being and wholeness, able to, well, move forward.