It’s a regular phrase of mine during class. The words so easily roll off the tongue. Yet here I am faced with the depth of that
simple sentence. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Yep, that’s it. Seems
easy and applicable to the yoga practice.
For example, if you’re physically under the weather you could do a
strong yoga practice; however, it may be best to dial it back and explore the
softer edge. Taking it a little bit
farther, you could touch your toes in a forward bend but in some cases you shouldn't in order to maintain the length & space in the spine. Just
because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
So when faced with the challenges my right hand presented as
it healed from my cyst removal and second coming. (I named them Billy & Bobby.) I have explored that phrase in my own yoga
practice on the mat and even more off.
Billy’s departure leaving me in a cast for a week and a very bruised
hand for a month. I could have taught all
of my classes, cooked dinner every night, or responded to every email but I didn't… I shouldn’t. I needed to rest.
When Bobby popped up, my nervous system remained in a highly
active state resulting in more pain. In
an effort to work with my body, I removed all Downward Facing Dog and Plank
poses. I cried at the decision. I most certainly could do the poses; however,
I shouldn’t. So I didn’t. In addition to meditation, acupuncture, massage
therapy, reduction in time commitments and other stress relieving activities, I
was able to bring my pain level down and increase my quality of life. Time commitments… that was tough. Just because I could go here or do this didn’t
mean I should. With support, I didn’t.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Eight words
that have given me pause for the last year.
I’m not perfect and I did not do it every time. I make mistakes and keep trying. That’s why it’s a practice. What are you facing in your life that even
though you can, you shouldn’t? What
support can you enlist to put this phrase into practice?
