Great Expectations

People will really disappoint you if you let them and we are all human so naturally, we expect a lot from the people that we let into our lives. After all, we deserve it! Don't we?

When we have expectations, we are letting our ego control us.

Yoga teaches us to let go of all expectations and to abandon your ego. We are all one spirit divine- the good, the bad, and the ugly. We must have compassion for ourselves and others because we all make mistakes and missteps. We all have our good moments and not so good moments.

The ego makes us sad, angry, and frustrated if we listen to it.

We focus on this same principle while practicing. Yoga imitates life and life imitates yoga.

This week I found that I was especially frustrated while attempting Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose) I kept falling on my bum. It seemed my core strength decided to take vacation and I found myself making tutting noises and sighing loudly and unnecessarily. Even the instructor noticed and made mention that we should be enjoying ourselves and having fun.

I stood outside of myself for a moment and noticed that it wasn't the pose I was frustrated with. It was so much more than that, but mostly the frustration I was feeling was the result of a bruised ego. The bruised ego came from disappointment and expectations that weren't met.

To translate: I really hoped to be with someone who felt she couldn't meet my expectations for her. The expectations were there because of a previously bruised ego.

Had I not been in such a state, would we have worked out? Maybe. If I had fewer expectations and cared a little less about ego and pride, would I feel this frustrated? Probably not.

I am dedicating my practice this week to letting go of ego and expectations and feeling compassion instead...for myself and others.