Stumbling blocks and random thoughts

[Guest guest]

I too tend to overlook all the postives that come

from Astanga practice, and focus narrowly and

despairingly on my "performance." It doesn't help that the

shala I frequent is packed with people more adept than

I; some are cruising through the 3rd series like

it's a cakewalk. <br><br>Still and all, there are so

many benefits to the practice beyond my coveted

perfectionistic ideals. Perhaps the greatest lesson for me to

learn is that of which you speak -- simply being where

I am and breathing, yet also having a balanced

"aspiration" for further growth.<br><br>Some days on the mat

are an ego-building experience; some days are

humbling! Yet the more I go on with the good and bad, the

more acceptance I have.