An older bodied student shared with me that they were recovering from illness and injury, aware of their abilities and limitations, and that it will take time. To me, this person is a reflection of what yoga is about...self-realization, acceptance of where you are at, letting go of attachments, self-compassion, and surrender.
I have heard younger bodies share that they are not content with their practice for various reasons that suggest to me that they are striving for a “perfection” as opposed to a “practice”. Yoga supports connection to mind, body, spirit, in any way, shape or form you show up, it does not discriminate or demand a perfect practice. Yoga allows you to inquire from within, practice non-jugdement, and though the poses receive relational feedback for a truly presencing experience. We can take this with us into the world, identifying with what am I capable of today and what might I not be capable of today. Am I overstriving or spreading myself thin, is it affecting my ability to show up fully present to my commitments with others, and if so, without self-judgement, how can I modify choices to give myself the support I need or ask for support.
The beauty of yoga is that its a practice of self-acceptance, letting go of a past identification that prevents you from being present with who you are right now, because changes are part of life and the more we devote ourselves to an authentic practice that reflects and supports our current needs, the more sustainable, freeing and liberating our practice can actually be. This is the liberation I personally strive for; a practice that meets life changes and challenges with poise and equanimity.
~ML