Let Go of Limitations

When I teach yoga classes, I tell my students to "let go of whatever isn't serving you...negative thoughts, frustrations, shoulds...limitations."  It's a great message off the mat as well.  How often do we allow self imposed constraints define us?  How often do we listen to the "negative tapes" that keep looping in our brains?  Maybe it is too often.

The problem is that we start believing the negative messages that we hear.  We then allow those negative messages to become reality.  Instead of expanding our capabilities, we limit them.  This happens with simple things like--getting some exercise and far bigger things like looking for a new job or getting out of a dysfunctional situation.

Let's explore exercise.  We know that it is a good idea.  We know that we feel better when we are done.   We know that we actually have more energy after exercising even if we were tired when we started. Some of us know that we need a formal class, gym, fitness buddy or trainer to keep us going.  Others know when the better time to exercise is.  Morning, noon, after work, night--you pick.  However, and yet, and somehow, we manage to talk ourselves out of what we know is a good thing.

Exercise is the healthiest of all legal stress relievers.  Meditation is a close second.  When we move the body, we get out of the overthinking mind and into something entirely different.   We forget our worries for the moment and focus on something healthy that creates the endorphins and the sense of accomplishment that makes us feel good.

One of the best things about exercise is that just a little can add up to a lot.  If I were in charge of the world, everyone would get two ten or fifteen minute recess breaks a day.  Leave desks and phones and computers. Meet in a communal spot.  Move the body with gentle stretching and take back a fruit or veggie snack.  It would be destressing and enable everyone to feel better.  The negative self talk and the limiting tapes that play would start quieting down.

We can all take better care of ourselves.  We are the ones who have to make it happen.  The world we live in is full of 24/7 stimulation.  We are the ones who have to let go.  We deserve a brain break, a natural mood enhancer and limitless possibilities.