The Magnificent Winter Olympics

As the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi come to an end, I am left in awe.  Last night I watched the closing ceremony with my parents.

Throughout the games we witnessed the resilience of the human spirit and the human body.   The courage and drive of the athletes (plus their support system) was incredible.

While watching the Olympics, many events inspired me.  We can all see ourselves in these athletes who put their hearts on the table for us to observe.  The extreme ups and downs are forever etched in our minds.

Of course I took several experiences from the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and related them to aspects of yoga.

#1. Falling and getting back up: Several of the skaters were in their ZONE and fell, HARD.  While performing they didn’t yell, they did not roll their eyes, they did not sulk, they kept going.

In yoga class, one day a particular pose may go off without a hitch.  Later that week the same pose could give you a hard time.  Back in the day, every time I practiced half moon pose I was on the ground!  I would fall out of half moon 5-6 times within a minute.  I felt crazy however, I kept working on the pose and eventually I found my balance.  Please note, in yoga we need to fall carefully to prevent injury:)

#2. We are not robots:  The championship Russian skater, Plushenko, was unable to compete in his final skate because of medical issues.  When interviewed he said, “I tried my best, but I am not a robot.”  We can train, eat the right foods, and have the determination of a bull yet we are human, we are not robots.

“I think it’s God saying, ‘Evgeni, enough, enough with skating,” Plushenko told the Associated Press after withdrawing. “Age, it’s OK. But I have 12 surgeries. I’d like to be healthy.”  When the body says NO, we must not push, we must not force.  We must stop and prevent any further damage.  Choose health as Plushenko did, it is never too late.

#3. The dynamic energy in team and individual competitions: The energy exchange in a solo performance/race as well as the team competitions transcend through the screen and into our hearts.

I feel the same way while teaching and taking yoga classes.  There is a subtle energy that shifts us individually and collectively.  Most of us who practice yoga regularly feel the magic.  Please believe when you shift your energy for the better, it permeates throughout the rest of the class, your workspace and your home life.  The science and art of yoga is powerful!  You are powerful.

*Bonus- I always learn something new.  Until a recent news story, I did not know much about bobsledding.  The news reporter explained there is NOT a steering wheel in the bobsled.  Drivers steer their sleds by manipulating a pair of ropes connected to the sled’s steel runners.

One of my favorite aspects of yoga is that I always soak in something new.  While teaching I learn from my students.  While taking a class, I learn from my teachers.  While practicing on my own, I learn from myself.  I could go on and on.  The evolution is continuous.

Lastly, please check out my BOHO Chic day in Venice at http://mylalifestyle.com/boho-chic-yoga-venice-beach/, sand in my toes, yoga and scrumptious food!

Have a beautiful day,

Cindi E. Lee