Start Where You Are.

This summer I started running again, with the assistance of the Couch to 5K app. At the end of each run, the app provides a little gps map of the route so you can see how far you've gone. Fun stuff! As you can see from the screenshot below, After 5 weeks, I've still never even hit 2.5 miles. Yet, somehow, I celebrate the end of each run like I've just won the lottery. It is with true surprise that I enjoy not only finishing the route, but the act of running itself.

Even 5 years ago, I'd have berated myself for not nailing a 7or 8 minute mile. At that time I was training for a marathon when I fractured my ankle and hung up my shoes, for what I though was forever. I was so competitive with myself at the time, and reflecting back gives me the opportunity to see how much I've changed. Now, I'm grateful, I'm present, and I love seeing what kind of shapes my runs have created. Simple pleasures.

Starting Where You Are. I was first introduced to that concept by Pema Chodron's 2001 book on cultivating courage and fearlessness. Now, I use it with every client I work with. I use it in meaningful conversation, in how I set up my day, and in how I approach long and short term goals. Life can change on a dime--we all experience setbacks, abrupt moments in our work, unexpected and scary physical imbalances. Our determination to thrive and succeed must be paired with the ability to slow down, assess all the positive aspects of what's working, and start again.

Last Friday evening I had the privilege of leading a beach yoga experience, where one of the participants had had a double mastectomy in 2017. This yoga event was one of the first times she had stretched her arms overhead, or felt any kind of stretching sensation around her pectoral muscles and chest. Rather than be fearful, she was so eager to learn more, to dive in. When she first learned about her condition, rather than retreating, she changed her diet, began to take amazing care of herself, and met her challenges head on. She started where she was, and now radiates vitality and pure presence.

I thank you for reading this, and challenge you to think of one area in your life where you can practice the concept of starting where you are now. Not where you wish you were, or where you were at some other peak time of your life. Where you are right now. What's your first step?