Your Ego Is Not Your Amigo

If yoga has taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you need to let go of your ego. Once you can detach from your ego, your practice (and life) will begin to change and you will gain a new perspective. Your ego is that person in your head telling you that you should look a certain way and compares you to others. Your ego is also the voice in your head that says, “Wow I look so great compared to everyone else in class, I am rocking this pose” and then reality hits you with some humbleness and you fall right out of the posture. 

The other day in class I slipped on my own sweat (gotta love hot yoga!) and totally fell out of my headstand right onto my butt. It was probably the best thing that has happened to me in awhile. It reminded me that I am not perfect. I continually come to my yoga mat to learn from myself as well as the teacher and fellow students. 

I’ve had many instances where people have told me that they don’t want to try yoga because they are intimidated. They see everyone in these crazy yoga poses on Instagram and they can’t even touch their toes. Once you are able to take your ego out of the picture, you would be surprised what your body is capable of. One of my favorite quotes that I have shared with my yoga class is, “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.” 

Nailing crow pose and being able to hold my first headstand were very rewarding feelings, but falling on my butt in class actually brought a huge smile to my face. When I got up, I was laughing so hard and it made the man next to me laugh too (once he realized I was okay). Realizing that we are all in life together and finding a little comfort in knowing that you are human is important. Everyone is on their own journey. There is no need to compare yourself to others whether that be on or off your yoga mat. 

No matter what your level of yoga is, take time to recognize your ego and the way you speak to yourself and others. How can you quiet your ego to find more contentment and humbleness with yourself? 

XOXO,

Gina

Shirt: Spiritual Gangster. Find here

Denim Jacket: Ci Sono. Find similar here 

Yoga Pants: T.J. Maxx. Find similar here

Shoes: H&M. Find similar here

Photography: Ashley Dahl Photography