One of the first things that captured my attention when I was training to be a yoga teacher was the phrase, 'begin again'. The very beginning of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras translates to, “Now the yoga begins.” This sutra helps us to see that any moment is a perfect time to start… to recommit.

So during your time on the mat, I invite you to find moments when you can begin again. If you lose your balance in a posture, can you begin again? When you stop following your breath, do you notice? Are you able to begin again? When thoughts come in and you lose your focus, are you able to choose to begin again?

What we practice on the mat, we also take with us off the mat. For example, when we feel frustration or anger, we can choose to begin again. When we feel anxious or fearful, we can notice and begin again. We can begin again by choosing to view something from a perspective of love rather than fear. In addition, we can begin anew by making the choice to see with eyes of compassion rather than eyes of judgment.

New beginnings bring both hope and optimism. When you begin to pay attention, you will see that you always have the opportunity to begin again. As you get ready to move through your week, remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. And in doing so, remember the power of choosing to begin again.

Namaste.