These two words, challenge and struggle, are words we know and understand, but do you discern between the two or use them one in the same? I see them differently. I see challenges as tests and trials, inconveniences, uncomfortable situations, but also as opportunities to learn and grow. I see struggle as something I am resisting, opposing, in conflict with or wrangling over. Do see the difference?
I took a yoga class recently and she asked us, “Can you embrace the challenge and let go of the struggle?” I can’t remember what pose I was in the first time she said it because she said it a few times and in different ways. But what I do remember doing is smiling, because at that very moment I wanted out of the pose, I was resisting, and I was in the “struggle” mindset. The moment I let go of the struggle and embraced the challenge of it, I was empowered. It was an opportunity for me to explore my limits and doubts and to become stronger, mentally and physically.
Can you be open to approaching your yoga practice from a place of challenge vs struggle? What would that feel like? What would that look like? When I put this into practice on my own mat, using Drishti, my focus, helps me meet the challenge and end the struggle. I use my breath, breathing more fully and deeply and using ujjayi, that oceanic quality to the breath. By putting this concept into practice, I cultivate a growth mindset, both on and off my mat.
Think about a challenge you’re currently having in your life. Maybe it’s at work, or in a relationship, or your health. How can you shift your perspective and use it as an opportunity for growth rather than a struggle? What would that look like?
Lately I’ve been “struggling” with a relationship within our family. I chose to stay in that struggle for weeks because I believed that I was right. But, by remaining in the struggle, it felt like being stuck in mud, and the more time that passed, the more difficult it was to see a way out. Does this ring a bell with you? I realized that I had to make a choice. I could be right, or I could be happy. Was I going to stay stuck, or did I want to look for an opportunity for growth? It took courage to set my ego aside and have an open, honest conversation, but when you love someone, that’s what you do.
Life is full of challenges, but it’s how we respond to them that determine whether or not we struggle. Think about that a minute. Facing difficulty is a normal part of life, but getting stuck in that difficulty is something we choose.
This discernment between challenge and struggle is something I practiced on my mat, and it provided a different perspective in one of life’s circumstances off my mat. I looked at the situation with an open mind, with a commitment to growth, and later having to accept and let go of being right.
I leave you with this-in the face of life’s challenges-you have the power to choose growth over struggle. Can you embrace courage, have an open mind, a commitment for growth and come from a place of love instead of ego?
Namaste Friends,
MaryBeth