The Chase with Yoga Master Max
Not every Bus is meant to be caught nor chased.
Let me explain.
Four months into my WA journey, I find myself on an interesting path in Perth. Mahi (work) is going well, three months into my role and loving it.
Outside of my 9 to 5, I’m still in the transition phase. Things are beginning to look/ feel familiar whilst other things, people and places I’m still discovering. One of my new things is taking up Yoga at my local community centre and let me tell you, I have the toughest Yoga guru I’ve ever come across, he keeps a watchful eye on me. I’ll talk more about him soon.
But first, back to the Bus. I attended a meditation session yesterday and before I left I searched the journey planner, aligned my times, double checking which side of road to wait – route planned and locked in.
I made it to the local library where the event was being held. Entering the meditation room, I met amazing women from all walks of life, sitting in a circle, eager to experience this form of relaxation for various reasons. Some shared - learning how to juggle life, manage stress, shut off the mind chatter (at 3am) and improve sleep just to name a few.
An awesome session that covered – box breathing, guided meditation and sound therapy. The objective was to introduce the many techniques, available. Encouraging us to incorporate whichever resonated into our everyday life. By the end, I left feeling relaxed. This season for me is about working on finding balance, setting healthy boundaries and managing stress, reconnecting to the essence of me and finding her again.
After the session, I made my way to the bus stop outside and grew impatient because the next one was twenty minutes away. I remember looking down the direction the bus would take me and I could just see the end of the road which didn’t seem far - confident I could make it, so I trot down that path.
Into my walk home, it got me thinking about life distractions and the overwhelming noise some of us experience in different seasons. Although I like pockets of silence it’s challenging for me to just sit in the quite for too long and not feel like I have to fill the silence with something.
As I continued down the road, I remember reaching into my bag for my ear pods and as I rummaged for the pocket size distraction, I realised that I’d left them at home. I wanted to listen to music, thinking that’ll be the answer to getting home faster.
I kept moving and noticed the further I got, the bus I was meant to catch flew by because I was nowhere near the designated bus stop. My journey now became a test of patience as I had no music to distract me or keep me company, leaving me no choice but to deal with the boredom whilst trying hard to convince myself this is an opportunity to walk home, try a new route, be adventurous. The facilitator did say a walk is a form of meditation!
During my walk, three more buses drove past. Coming to the conclusion that maybe, I wasn’t meant to catch the bus that day. I definitely wasn’t going to chase it – could you imagine? (I can’t) ha-ha!
I made it home within 30mins and what came to mind was ‘The Chase’, how we can for no reason (at times) be in such a rush, we miss the journey, relating it back to life and our purpose. What is up with rushing?!
The toughest Yoga Guru, you’ll encounter - Yoga Master Max
A great time for me to introduce, Yoga Master Max. As you can see, I looked happy to see him but the look on his face combined with my ability to read a room, with his wide eyes and creased eyebrows it told me otherwise – the look of concern, eager to correct my beginner technique.
My writing is inspired by the picture of Max. It got me thinking deeper into the purpose of life and my role in this human experience. Asking myself why, what’s my purpose, what am I learning/ unlearning – the list goes on.
The more time I spend in Perth, it’s becoming apparent to me that moving here wasn’t only about a career move or climbing to any great heights. I’m reminded daily about my biggest challenge (yet) – Me versus Me, which is the core of Power in Change blog. Sharing things, thoughts and experiences I come across for whomever my message resonates with.
There are areas of my life, like career, education and qualifications I’m at peace with. However, other areas of my life have remained a sticking point for me. I’ve put up roadblocks as protection, my own way of coping and dealing with change (rightly or wrongly).
Things I thought I was meant to do, be and know. I’m unlearning, for example, living without expectations of myself, learning the art of letting go and not being phased by things or people.
Witnessing who I’m becoming in the process of discovery, accompanied with bouts of frustration (and fear), anticipated elation and constant mystery.
“The Chase” is what I remember from my life in NZ. Running from pillar to post, feeling like I was making progress whilst sometimes feeling like I was just circling in the same spot. Now realising that every finish line is a starting line and wherever we are in life we have to keep moving and each day even if it doesn't feel like it, is progress.
I’d like to offer three things, top of mind for me:
Unmasking and peeling back layers is as hard as it sounds – have courage
Life doesn’t always have to be a constant wheel of excitement. Protect your peace
You will be your biggest challenge – self-awareness is always going to serve up reality
I’ll continue to chip away, unlearn, try new things, meet new people and visit new places.
Here’s to finding our place in the world, we aren’t done yet! The chase continues with my adorable Yoga Master Max.
Until next time,
Zee
Power in Change reflects on adaptability, leadership and the small shifts that help us move with change.
Move with Confidence | Adaptability Advantage Podcast
