Have you ever heard the phrase, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger"?
I have been able to implement the strategy of learning through pain in so many areas of my life.

Last night in yoga class we did Firefly pose which is by far one of the hardest poses for me. I constantly fall back on my butt lacking the upper arm strength to hold myself in the pose. I usually get frustrated and find it hard to breath; its a pose I never try at home but only do it when forced to in class. I have really extended my yoga practice lately. While I used to be able to go 4-5 times a week with my unlimited membership I recently had to cut it down to 2 times due to cost. Because I can only go twice a week I have started going to the advanced classes to get the most out of my workout. While I am nowhere near advanced level, I enjoy the difficulty it puts on my mind and body to work together. I was once told by an instructor that you know you are an advanced yogi when you could give a care less what everyone else in the room is doing...im almost there.

I am trying to incorporate more sun salutations into my daily life when I can not go to class. I feel my abs muscles tightening again and my hips opening, something even a week away from yoga can change.

But last night in yoga when breathing into firefly pose, I was finally able to partially extend my legs and maintain my upper body in position. At my legs extended, it felt good, and I exhaled loudly and enjoyed the moments in pose. So it seems that even through the pain I have had in attempting this pose, Ive become stronger mentally and physically. Practice does indeed pay off.
I write this not only to apply to yoga but so many difficult areas of my life be it school, greek classes, or just a long distance relationship. In the end, it all pays off.