I was standing frozen on the front on my yoga mat this morning. I do a series of seven sequences of about 14 poses each. It only takes me about 15 minutes but it’s amazing how often I unroll the mat, step into position, and find that I don’t want to begin.
I know that the sixth sequence with side plank pose is the hardest for me and I don’t want to tackle that early in the morning. Or if my head is a little stuffy from the night, I’ll think that I don’t want to do downward dog. I have all sorts of reasons that it’s hard to take a deep breath and move.
I think of all the things that it’s hard to start. When I was climbing mountains, it was always that move to shoulder the pack and take the first step.
Or when I have a topic close to the heart, to put my fingers to the keyboard and start typing.
Or planning a trip and need to pick the dates, reserve the AirBnB, or book a flight.
Or pick up the phone to call an old or new friend.
Just start is the most adaptable advice I’ve been given for each of these situations. Crossing the threshold to begin is something that no one can do for us. But we can offer each other the encouragement to just start.
I’ve come to see that starting is a true act of bravery. The outcome is at its most unknown. The pack is at its heaviest. The distance to the end is the longest. But I believe Newton’s first law of motion applies to all objects, people included: an object in motion stays in motion.
Just start. I practice with yoga. I know it’s going to stretch me. Literally. But also metaphorically so I can just start the next thing I need to do too.
Is there something you find hard to start? How do you do it?
I’ve published a related post on my personal blog: Mama, Why Would We Want to Feel Their Pain?
My other projects include hosting a podcast that features inspirational creatives and being part of a team that teaches/speaks about corporate creativity. My book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter @wynneleon