They Need You STRONG
strong on the outside for strong on the inside
We were about a half mile from home. It was starting to sleet. June was yanking on her leash, eager to get moving. But Julian had a pebble in his shoe. We stopped to fish it out. Then he announced he needed a piggyback. 8 years old and about 60 pounds. I told him to hop on. I teetered a bit, found my balance, and said a silent thank you for all the early mornings in the gym.
He needs me strong.
I closed the door to my dream-come-true-studio, walked home, collapsed on the floor and ugly cried. It was like a neon bankruptcy sign was flashing before my eyes. It was March 16, 2020, shelter-in-place was taking effect the next day.
Eventually I got up from the self-pity puddle, duct-taped a bunch of tech together, and the school went virtual overnight. It had to. Practice would be a life line.
My students needed me strong.
I had hit rock bottom. To the point of intervention. So my parents were in my therapist's office and suddenly my dad started crying. Something I had never seen before (or since). Then he croaked, “you used to be so strong”. Something inside of me snapped. I had to change. I had to crawl out of this pit. But I only knew one thing that made a difference: yoga.
They needed me strong.
I'm sure there are people in your life who need you strong. Not strong like a steel beam. Cold, rigid and unfeeling. Not strong like a volcano. Solid and serene on the outside but molten feelings underneath (and prone to eruption when the pressure becomes too much). But strong like bamboo. Solid and flexible. Graceful. Under any conditions.
When you’re strong on the outside, in your muscles and bones, it’s natural to feel strong on the inside. You can do mental and emotional heavy-lifting too.
When your body is weak, injured, or limited. It spreads into your mind, emotions, and spirit. Pain is exhausting. And a lot of physical pain begins with muscular imbalances that can be remedied with targeted strength.
I knew that strength training was important for years. And I tried, several times, before it stuck. Here’s what made the difference: I made it feel like yoga. I used the body awareness, breath-based movement, and smart sequencing I’ve practiced for decades.
If strength training is something you know you need. But you haven’t found the right fit. If something keeps you from doing it consistently. If you feel like you're going to hurt yourself. If you’re waiting (and worrying), trying (and quitting). We've been blending yoga and strength training to bring out the best in both. If this sounds like something you'd love, get the guide 9 Ways to Build Strength on Your Yoga Mat.
May your practice be strong,
Alison
