What color is your sword?

Christy, our yoga instructor, posed this question as we lined up in Warrior 2 pose. I glanced down my forearm in the direction of my hand and inspected my sword. It’s glow was a slightly pink shade of lavender – feminine, yet powerful. I smiled as I gently wrapped my fingers around my invisible weapon.

Nearly a full two weeks had passed since I last visited the studio. My home practice, having fallen away similarly, had declined to the point of being nothing more than another source of frustration. Much to my dismay, months of build up strength and flexibility have withered away to weakness and rigidity. Simply getting to the studio for today’s class was a feat in and of itself.

I think back to one of my last classes where Jenn, looked me straight in the eye as she assisted me to grow my shoulder stand to a level beyond what I had ever envisioned possible, advised me that my next step was to “find ease in my practice.” It saddens me to think about how far-off from that goal my practice has drifted. Ease has been the last thing I have found. But I am hopeful.

For here I am today, picking up my sword once again and heading out to face my fears and insecurities. I gather up my strength so as to hold my sword in a manner convincing enough to covey an inner-confidence I once knew – even if only to convince myself. I am not going into battle however, I do have a big journey ahead of me.

Although it would not be possible without me finding a way to get myself to the studio, I am so thankful for my beautiful yoga instructor’s encouragement in helping guide me back onto my yogic path. No matter what color my sword is, I hold it up just the same. I am a warrior one more!