Transitions are often marked by big events such as a graduation, new job, or a move. But the first day of school or the last day of school isn’t what sticks with you, it’s all the time in-between. The classes, the friends, dances, sporting events- good, bad, or indifferent are where the memories are made. Yet, we are always in such a hurry to “get through” the time in between.

From childhood we are always hurrying towards a certain age, waiting for life to start while life is happening in between the numbers. Why is the present moment so underrated? Checking the phone relentlessly, disregarding the moment we are in with the people we are with. Wanting to speed forward to the next phase or goal. Shifting so fast from one thing to another, periods of time in our lives become a blur.

It can be the same on our mat. We are frequently in a hurry to do the same pose, the same way we’ve done it 500 times before and check it off the list. Rushing can be a sign of resistance. So what is it we are resisting? Is it a conflict or a challenge? Maybe it’s being uncomfortable or unsuccessful. Sometimes we become pose oriented instead of building the skills necessary to maintain or obtain the shape. We force, move at warp speed, or sacrifice alignment for the money Instagram photo. When poses are challenging why are we convinced we need to get it done immediately and accomplish the goal instantly. What if the goal wasn't the pose but the experience you gain on the journey? The practice is actually the whole point. Knowledge occurs in the space between the poses. Could you imagine being a professional athlete without putting in hours and hours and then even more hours of practice? The practice is what builds the players character, ability, and team unity.

At its very core, yoga is a practice of present moment awareness. Being in the pose you’re in and noticing the details, rather than creating them. The more awareness we possess, the more resourceful we become. Slowing down, processing the situation, and connecting to breath can build skillful, purposeful, intentional action both on the mat and off.

Transitions could potentially be some of the greatest missed opportunities in our lives. Life is constant change. Moving slowly invites us to feel rooted, present, and connected to breath. Our breath is truly our life force and what allows us to have human experiences. Don’t we want to take the time to enjoy the moments we have? I mean, who wants to hike to the top of a mountain just to get there and close their eyes the whole time and miss the view?