When did you last surprise yourself?

How the hell did you do that?
 
There is a fun posture this term that has foxed a few people.
 
It doesn't look like much. Some people can just do it. Others have a go and realise they have no idea how to do it, find it impossible, look perplexed and then try again.
 
Welcome to the joy of yoga. It requires you to show up and playfully and curiously explore body, breath and mind and see what we discover along the way. The more open we are, the more rewarding it will be. 
 

Put the expectation and the judgement aside
My top tip is to leave the judgement and expectation off the mat, and step into your practice with an open, curious, beginners mind. Enjoying the full physical embodiment needed to figure out a new body position, all the while being supported by conscious breath.
 
Don't worry if you find it hard. Just this attitude of simply having a go, no matter the fruit of the effort, takes practice. 
 

Step beyond your comfort zone
Postures like this can take us beyond our comfortable practice.
 
We want both in our yoga, comfortable ease and also challenge, in equal measure.
 
We want the comfortable, nourishing movements and breath to support and sustain us, ground us and rebalance where needed. But also invite along stimulating and curious aspects, revitalising our inner adventurer and challenging our pre-conceptions and habits.
 
 
You can't think your way there
You can't think your way into this. You need to become more aware and present of all the forces at play physically, mentally and emotionally, while embracing the challenge at all levels.
 

Surprise yourself
Keep trying new things - it is a valuable art that shouldn't be lost. And remember to look on the bright side - it doesn't matter if you manage it or not.
 
If you can just do it physically, then the focus needs to shift to what your breath is doing. There is plenty to develop here which may be exactly what you need. Ask me if your not sure what I mean - the transformative power of breath could revolutionise your practice.
 
And if you find it hard, there will be the reward of simply keeping on showing up and having a go and going beyond what you thought you could do.
 
Let's do something that will surprise you.