Surprise!

Apologies for yet another yoga/gardening metaphor but the convent garden in front of the coach house continues to inspire me. When I decided to spend some time clearing away the dead leaves and detritus from the winter, I knew there were some daffodils and a few tulips hiding underneath. I had no idea there was also a whole crop of beautiful spring violets as well! It got me thinking how often all of the lengthening, twisting, and "clearing away" of yoga can yield surprising (and sometimes delightful) revelations. It may be as simple as feeling the release of some muscle tension we may not have even been aware we were carrying. Perhaps it's the delight of realizing we're a bit stronger or more flexible or that we're finally able to come into a posture we've been working on. It can even sometimes be a strong emotional response of release or even gratitude. Whatever our responses--subtle or earth-shattering--here's to continuing to be opened up and even surprised through yoga.