Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. What three things would you want to have with you? If you asked me three years ago, my answer would have been very different than it is now.
– Weapon
– Solar panel
– 2-way radio
Solid list, right? Completely reasonable, albeit a little predictable. A weapon to protect me from the things that go bump in the night. Maybe a machete so I can cut through some bush weeds. Solar panel to recharge batteries. Two-way radio to call for help and GTFO. I’d be like Tom Hanks in Castaway, only not stuck on a deserted island.
The items on my list were simply a means to get me off the island, but why? I was coming from a place of fear and didn’t know it. I didn’t look at being on an island as a chance to live off the grid, to test my survival skills. I didn’t see it as an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of who I am as a person who has what it takes to survive in the wild. I didn’t see it as a blessing to get to know all the weird parts of my personality and to witness my own transformative change.
The difference between the me that wanted off the island and the me who’s foolishly considering trying out for Survivor is that I brought my zen meditation practice onto my yoga mat to confront my fears in a very real way. I found my way through it. I faced a lot of discomfort, but even more acceptance. I like to think of it as finding my weird. This is my approach to yoga. Put yourself on that island with nothing but what you have inside you, and be witness to someone greater than you could imagine.
What would you take to find your weird?