YOGA | I Have What It Takes, Because I Practice

I'm back on the mat today. With all the training last week I had to miss a few days of practice. Even though I have no control over some aspects of my life at the moment - the Dubai issue being the biggest bugbear of no control - at least for my yoga practice, I hope things can be more settled.

Tonight's Power Yoga with Michelle is challenging without the "boot-camp" intensity. She's playing her usual traditional music CD during class, so it's indicative of a more meditative mood for the evening. When she plays Beyonce or hip-hop, I worry.

I was a little edgy when I came to class this evening. I was angry and frustrated again about how some people chooses not to share important information.

I know learning to live with the people we do not like is one of the foundations of a spiritual practice. Or, as one of my yoga teacher once said to me, "Yoga is about working with your likes and dislikes." But sometimes - there are just people whose character you just cannot admire. I'm trying to be mature about it - but it feels like I'm at the losing end of it all. I just want to live an ethical, compassionate life. I want to do no harm – but often I wonder if the price is to be a victim to bullies.

*Breathes deeply* I can weather through this sort of petty behaviour. I know it. I have the emotional strength and courage built through my practice. I have what it takes to rise above this narrow-mindedness.

Right before we closed our practice tonight, Michelle asked the class to think about why we practice. If our practice do not make us a better person, a kinder person, a less stressful person – then why are we practicing yoga?