discovering inner peace

I had a pretty awesome experience at yoga tonight--on a couple levels. It's been probably over a year since I attempted to go to yoga with regular practice. Last year I got really into boot camp and was always too sore or exhausted to fit in yoga on top of that. And since the new year I've been so focused on kicking off my business that I haven't made the time in my day to go. But today I had an open slot in the late afternoon so I put it on the calendar and went. And what I discovered that I was so much more into the movement and flow of it all--I just gave into it and in doing so, I found that I didn't hear my inner dialogue as much--or more specifically the inner critic telling me what to do or comparing me to others around me or making me feel bad if I couldn't do a certain pose. Instead I felt so connected to each move I made, felt great about how I was able to push myself in many ways and also felt ok when I needed to pause--after all, it's gonna take some time to get my body back in shape. That being said though, I think I thought I was going to be much worse off than I was. I mean--don't get me wrong--I'm already sore as I type and totally exhausted but it's that good sore and tire feeling. Like I worked it all out and I'm gonna sleep like a baby.

So I can't help but think that with all this work that i've been doing on myself--creating awareness, reflecting, recognizing what patterns I have that serve me well and which ones do not, etc.--that perhaps that's been freeing my mind to take in new or even familiar experiences in a new way. It was a great feeling to be able to be present during yoga, to push myself and to not judge. And on my walk home, a guy even started talking to me. Not someone I had any interest in but it just reminded me that when you show up in a positive, happy way and make room for stuff things start showing up around you. And I can't help but feel there's more waiting for me just around the corner...