Simplicity

One of my favorite things about getting a little older and being an exhausted dad is that I’ve learned to embrace simplicity. In my younger days of practice I sought harder and harder poses, as well as endless travel adventures. I value those times as they were rich with reward but they had a cost. I was often thinking about other places to visit while traveling, not allowing myself to fully drop in to the experience.
Having breakthroughs in poses left me wanting more. Inevitably I would injure myself and then go back to the foundation. I had to learn that lesson again and again before it finally got across. 
My practice and teaching still includes complex things, but what I celebrate and offer the most is simplicity. Going deep into the lifting of the arms in Staff Pose, enjoying quiet and deep breathing, rolling the joints and being grateful for loosening up my body daily. 
I encourage all to seek and enjoy the simple things in life and practice. Even if you are interested in a more complex practice it is always good to go back to and deeply into the foundation. When the foundation of your practice is as solid as a rock, eventually a more complex practice simply feels natural. 
Enjoy and best wishes everyone, 
Gabriel