In yoga, transitions are the part of the practice that keeps the movement fluid.
In real life, transitions are the stuff that makes up our day to day — the journey.
So what happens when we get so laser focused on the destination that we lose touch with the transition?
We get short-changed out of experience.
The music doc 20 Feet from Stardom highlights the lives of several back up singers, many of whom we can’t name because they never quite made it into the spotlight. In an interview with Sting, he spoke about the spiritual aspect of making music, and how he didn’t understand the winners of American Idol (or The Voice, or X Factor etc…) who just jump into stardom without experiencing any of the spiritual stuff that comes from years in the making.
He’s talking about the journey.
Merry Clayton (who sang on Gimme Shelter with The Rolling Stones) said, I felt like if I just gave my heart to what I was doing, I would automatically be a star.
But it didn’t work out like that. She never arrived where she thought she should go.
So what does that mean? You give your heart to something, but never get to your anticipated destination?
This brings me back to the yoga mat.
If I’m fully present in the transition– heart (+ soul!) committed – I’m not thinking about the pose I’m heading towards.
I’m making the most of the moment. (Or at least practicing this.)
So off the mat, it’s the same.
The transition, or journey is the purpose. It’s where we find meaning.
Just remember:
- Be open to where your journey takes you.
- Stay flexible.
- If you put your heart into it, or follow your soul…you’re on the right path.
- Your destination may not look like what you expected.
To embrace change within the consistency is to embrace the unfolding flow. – Anodea Judith
“Your destination may not look like what you expected.” Oh how often this has been true in my life.
I know exactly what you mean!
TT, Beautiful and wise post. You remind me of one of my fave quotations, from Arthur Schnabel, about playing piano: “…the pauses between the notes–ah, that is where the artistry lies!” I.e., how we handle the space in between the pose/life situation is the true challenge, including the opportunity for grace and artistry. Thank you for the delicious food for thought. xoxo
I think transition makes it real and bridges the gap between ideal and reality. It gives the full experience that only people have been there and done that can relate and appreciate.
Moreover, it is the finer details that make up life. Of course transition can not replace the destination. But without transition, it is like watching a movie or reading a novel and missing the true challenge as Sirena Tales puts it, the opportunity for grace and artistry .
I like that — bridging the gap between ideal and reality. Reality, which of course means the present. And the ideal is the destination. I guess, ultimately it is ideal to reach our destination, but depending on how it looks we may or may not feel satisfied. Thanks for this, Terry.
And of course the space between each movement — which I’m sure you know all about with your dancers awareness– is where the magic happens! (AKA grace and artistry) Thank you for bringing your wisdom here. Your comments always light me up! xoxo
Exactly.
And paying attention to the transition will facilitate getting to the destination.
I’m doing a 100 day challenge to get my splits and am on day 72. I haven’t made much progress and keep having to remind myself that it’s about the journey, not the destination.
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Yes, the journey and acceptance of where we are at the moment. Thanks for sharing, Mary Kathryn. PS– what happens after 100 days?
I just made a video blog about that – I’m going to keep bringing it into my yoga practice. Bit by bit, breath by breath, I’ll get there 🙂
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