The softness that invites deeper strength

Last week I went indoor rock climbing for the very first time. For over a year now, I had given the same excuses to the same friends and last Wednesday my reasons, excuses, apologies just ran out. Putting trepidation and fear aside, I decided...WHY NOT. And what an awesome, empowering, challenging, and absolutely fun experience it was!!

Those of us who practice and teach yoga know that our practice is so much bigger than the asana that happens on that sticky rubber rectangle.

The best and deepest form of practice is the kind that seamlessly transitions from the mat out into the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives. What you practice on your yoga mat IS your attitude towards life. And the attitude and principles we cultivate and embody become the strongest tools we have for navigating day-to-day life with courage, confidence, and faith.

So should I have been surprised when what I called upon in climbing was the very same set of principles I teach in class...Not really!

First climb.
I walked up to the wall, put my foot on the first hold and reached my hand to grab the next. Fear, doubt, panic, terror. How strong are these ropes? Can my harnass break? How solid is a carabiner anyway? I'm not going to able to do this!!

First Principle.
I took a breath and softened my skin. Allowing my hands to touch (really touch the wall...like the way I would hold and hug a friend I haven't seen in awhile) I exhaled slowly and let go of my self-limiting ideas and in the letting go, I just opened to the possibility that I AM capable and I AM supported.

First Principle brought me back to my own expansive nature but that alone was not going to get me up that wall! I had to go back to the intention, the clarity in my hands. There is no floor beneath your feet. You have to HOLD ON.

Muscle Energy
As I actively used my fingers and toes, I could powerfully draw muscle energy from that engagement all the way into my arms and my legs. There was no doubting. I could feel my strength and every part of my body from that hugging in was alive, vibrant, and supported.

Hmmm....But here, as strong and as intense as my focus, my intention, and the muscles of my body became, that wasn't quite enough either. I could hang there and hold for sure but when I looked up, I could see the next hold at least a full arms length away. From my solid, stable perch I reached my arm straight up but no, it wasn't enough to make connection .

Then I remembered...I had to go back to softness!
Climbing like yoga compels not just a holding, grasping, reaching at the periphery but movement that comes from the core. From a deep connected place on the inside. And its a profound and willing invitation to actively soften, actively deepen that gets you there.

Inner Spiral
Keeping the support of my muscles hugging to the bone, I took my thighs back and apart and invited the feeling of deepness into my front groins and spaciousness into my pelvis and my low back. Keeping my finger tips firm on the holds, I drew my armbones back and seated the intention of my arms in the solidity of my shoulders.

Drawing the power of my own strength and intention from my legs and arms deep into the core of my belly, I softened my knees, sunk down deep into my legs, and with no belief that there was anyplace to go but UP...from that knowing place I pushed down through my foot and then from my belly I stretched up to sky. Outer Spiral - the root to rise.

And for one beautiful, ever lasting shining moment, there was my body, my breath, my heart fully expanded. No boundaries. Organic Energy.

My hand was on the hold!
My foot, one more step up.
I looked towards the ceiling.
There was more to go.
I took a breath and softened my skin.
The cycle, the dance began again.