"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."
- N. Qubein
I've heard more than ten yoga instructors say some variation of the theme of, "Start where you are."
I started a daily practice in February of this year. I had allowed the weight to pile up on my body. I had allowed stress and drama to take a toll. I had allowed myself the unhealthy luxury of putting off taking care of my body, my mind, and my spirit.
Finally, in February, after a two week respite in Costa Rica, I made the conscious (with intention) decision to just start. Start where I was.
At first, I struggled. Each day was a new pain. Each day brought soreness and, if I'm honest, a degree of disappointment in my slow progress. But each day I allowed myself to start right there, where I was.
For upwards of 250 days now, I've managed to show up on my mat and move through the poses. For upwards of 250 days now, I've started right there, where I was.
I share this not to brag. I'm pleased - now - with my progress, but not necessarily proud. I share this to say, you can start right there, where you are.
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
- A. Ashe
If you've been thinking of starting a yoga practice, do it. Just show up and move. Start where you are. Most of the yoga instructors I've practiced with over the past several years know how to make a new (returning) yogi or yogini feel comfortable with starting right there, where they are.
There's no need to win. This is not a competition. All you have to do is start. Right there. Where you are.
Go now. Start.