Split or Get Off the Pot

A bartop split at the Trick Dog Café, now Dredge, in Irvington

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” ~ Steve Maraboli

As many of you know, I started yoga over 20 years ago because I wanted to be able to do a split. I’m not a “dream person,” but for 10-15 years I’d been having the most awesome recurring dream that I could do a full split, pelvis comfortably resting on the ground, arms in the air. I’d had that dream at least 100 times and had felt so exhilarated when I woke up that I decided to set a goal to do a split by my 40th birthday.

I’d heard that yoga increased flexibility, so I bought some yoga DVD’s and added them to my home fitness collection. Although I’m not naturally strong, I’m naturally flexible, and I reached my goal in less than 6 months. I was so happy and proud that I’d often do splits at parties, festivals, bars, and even parades. I delved more deeply into the practice, became a yoga teacher and started my own business.

Fast forward 20 years and to a hamstring injury I’ve been nursing for several months. In some ways, it’s set me back in my practice: I need to modify big time on my left side, and I can’t imagine I’ll ever be able to do a split again. But over the years, the practice has taught me that that’s ok. Setbacks are often our greatest teachers and letting go of things that no longer serve us is often the hardest asana.

You may never see me doing another split on a bar top, but I’m not letting go of building strength or the exhilaration I get from reaching a goal or otherwise doing something I’m proud of. I’m not getting off the pot.

Or the bar top for that matter.

Down Dogging at That Damn Mary in Kilmarnock