Recently, I went back to my bikram practice. For those who are not familar with Bikram yoga, it is a sequence of static yoga postures done in a time frame of 90min – in a 40degC room. Yes, hot and humid. To many, it might seem crazy, but I particularly like it as the practice allows a space for me to be in absolute focus and experience a mode of acceptance.
Like all exercise plan, consistency is key and my intention was to go for my practice every morning before I start my coaching. So I set a particular date to start my 60days challenge (yeah, I want to do it for consecutive 60days). To do so, I must 1) build my habit of waking up earlier as I need a traveling buffer of an hour to be on time for my 8am class and 2) be committed to my practice (it’s really easy to sleep in and find an excuse not to exercise, no?).
That faithful morning slated to kick start this challenge, I was not able to wake up on time but decided to still rush for it as there was a possibility to be at the yoga centre and not missing too much of the class. I made it there at 8am. Or to be exact, 8.02am.
The lady at the counter politely refused my admission with “Sorry, the class has started, no one can go into the room after the teacher goes in.” Now, that’s a policy I didn’t know! How strict is that!? Even though I persisted with her, almost pleading, she stayed firmed. I was overwhelmed with disappointment. Imagine I was so psyched up to start my challenge and on the FIRST day, I missed the class by 2min. Desperately looking through my schedule, I managed to find a class that matched my timings for that day. It would be very tight but I thought to myself with fierce determination – I will be in for the 4pm class.
Come 330pm, I quickly cleared my stuff and rushed off for class. I was literally running, feeling the heartburn as I neared the entrance of the yoga centre. I was welcomed by the sight of some fellow practitioners at the counter and I was rejoicing inside – “YES! I MADE IT!”. The same lady I had met earlier in the morning greeted me with smile. In the very next second, as if something struck her, her expression turned apologetic as she said “oh dear, 4pm class has started! Can you stay for the 6pm class?” The fellow practitioners turned out to be those who had just finished the 2pm class!
I checked my watch and there, staring back coldly – 4.02pm.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!
Now, missing TWO classes in a row by 2min is not fun. I felt so upset and angry with myself, especially when I was all gungho and negotiated the slim possibilities TWICE. The many “could-haves” drowned me. The reality was stark – I cannot turn back time. It had passed. I had used up my chances for the day.
Talk about strong, painful feedback.
As I recollected the incident after my moment of grievance, there is a burning sense of urgency and desire to change. I will be on time and push through this challenge. The next day, I woke up promptly and arrived at my venue 15min before class started. So far, it’d been 8 days running!
I always believe things happen for a reason. I am now grateful that I had missed that 2 classes as it had proved to be a trigger (and a painful one too!) to keep me on track. Each morning, when I am due to wake up, instead of sleeping in, the trigger kicks in and I will be on up my feet, wash up and set out for my class.
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To Advostudents going through your Os and As now, what is your trigger to push through and excel in this critical period? Remember, there’s only one Os and As this year. It’s not some event you can postponed. Grab your chance to shine now. Let’s not wait for painful experiences to set off the desire – Find your trigger now to sustain your strife!
Ganbatte!
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