"Soft doesn't mean weak."

     ~ Rolf

Earlier this year Naomi and I spent three months in Goa, that dirty old portagee colony of southwest India. While there I practiced Ashtanga yoga with Rolf and Marci, took pictures, walked dogs, ate dosas, dodged crazy Indian "traffic" on crazy Indian "roads" on a black honda scooter, read books and slept. It was a good time, meeting yogis and artists who have become special friends. 

After returning to Kauai in May, I found a little space for my photography and opened a photo gallery in Kapa'a. Two months have passed since the grand opening and the (art) business is going well-- knock on wood. This morning the first thing I did upon getting to the gallery was answer an email regarding an order and then it was all about carefully packing and boxing my artwork. I packed up 4 orders this morning (11 images to 4 different destinations)! So busy art days and photo shoots have taken away some of my practice time.

I remember those first few weeks after opening I would wake up and immediately have ten different thoughts in my head-- i have to paint the gallery door; i have to get Nate to finish the print rack; I need more lights; I have to take the ladder; I have to take the bus(!); I want this photo for the gallery; and on and on the thoughts went.

My yoga practice went from 2 and half hours of Ashtanga daily to 30 minutes or an hour twice a week. On same days I would skip my practice all together and go out and shoot. On other days I would get in 5 sun salutations before breakfast and then I was out the door ready to sell my art.

Now, two months in, things have settled down a bit. I kinda understand the business and what I need to do each day to have success and joy. I also have a pretty good idea about my inventory and am happy with the gallery. And even more importantly, I am happy with the work. So I feel that it's time to get back to my daily yoga practice and a spiritual routine.

I read in The Snow Leopard that quitting the spiritual path is more harmful and painful than never beginning the sacred journey. And that's what I feel now as I return to the familiar postures of my yoga practice. Each forward bend and every down dog, while not painful, is definitely not easy. Where I once felt such ease (sukka) I feel (mostly) is dukkha or discomfort. I am reminded that "yoga isn't easy" and that "soft doesn't mean weak." That's what I am trying to remember as I shake through the holds and feel parts of my body that I haven't felt in-- quite literally-- years.

Breath. Breath. Breath softly. Soft doesn't mean weak. Find strength in softness. Soft is strong. Soft breath. Strong breath. Soft breath. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Wow. That hurts..... Breathe. Breathe. Softly breathe.

Rolf's teachings also remind me that compassion is also strong. It is strength of heart and mind. Yoga is always presenting us with challenges and lessons. I guess it has taken a break in the practice to remind me of these things and feelings. These lessons that, perhaps in my skill and comfort, I had forgotten.

Beginners Mind.

Never forget what it feels like to be a beginner. A beginner businessman. A beginner photographer. A beginner yogi. Never forget the joys, excitement, difficulties and discomfort of a beginner. Good lessons to learn and remember. And I am thankful to learn them again-- through my photography and business and, once again, through yoga.

Aloha,

lee