Late this summer, I found myself swimming 500 yards in the open ocean, gasping for air with the pounding of my heart amplified by the relentless thrashing of the water, wondering how I got myself into this situation.
All of a sudden my awareness shifted, as it frequently enough does when I meditate. My mind slowed down and I could observe the reality of where I was without the overwhelming fear.That moment of viewpoint helped me reconnect with the sensation of being in my body, and the rhythmic movement of swimming. I was able to lengthen my exhalations and my body responded by slowing my breathing. That allowed me to keep going and I thoght, “Maybe I can do this.”
That was the exact thought that had led me to sign up for my first sprint triathlon at the age of 58-and landed me in this moment.
Starting Slowly
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I never considered myself athletic. The most exercise I had practiced was gentle asana (yoga postures) for the last 35 years. My focus has always been more on the subtle practices of pranayama (breathwork), meditation and yoga beliefs.
My interest in exercise started innocently enough a few years ago with beach walks.Each morning, I noticed a man who was considerably older than me, probably in his early 80s, jogging the entire length of the beach. I was impressed. The mere idea of running scared me, as I’d had my share of back issues and believed I was too old to push myself like that. But his grit inspired me. I recall thinking, “Maybe I could do that?”
My walks slowly turned into hesitant jogs. My body protested at first, although the sensations from running felt like exploring a new asana, which intrigued me. Even when I became sore, I felt a new strength that I had either never experienced or forgotten.
running also felt like an extension of my breathwork practice. When I was running, I was so aware of my breath and how my body was constantly trying t
## Facing My Fears
I spent the next two months focusing on the open water swim, which was the part of the three-part race that felt most overwhelming. I’m an okay swimmer-or so I thought. But swimming in the Pacific Ocean was a different story. There was almost zero visibility under the murky water, it was usually too cold to keep my head in the water for long periods of time, there were lots of waves and random currents, and the thought of sharks sometiems gave me a slight panic.
My fear of sharks wasn’t unfounded. This area is known as a nursery for juvenile Great White Sharks, even though they usually ignore humans. I was told to avoid swimming alone and to stay close to shore, which didn’t make me feel much better.But I decided this was a practice of self-discipline, or tapasand I committed to swimming in the ocean every other day.Swimming is also an experience of sensory deprivation or Pratyahara. There is onyl the sound of my breath and the feeling of my body moving through the weight of the water.Sometimes during my beginner triathlon training I felt like the salt water made me buoyant and light, but most of the time I felt like the waves were trying to pull me under.
breathing during swimming is also backward compared to yoga.I had to learn to inhale through my mouth and exhale bubbles from my nose. Years of pranayama made it even harder for me to give up nasal breathing, but I reminded myself that yoga is also about having a flexible mind, and I appreciated that aspect of the challenge.
in fact, each part of the triathlon-swimming, biking, and running-made different demands on my body and on my breath. Exploring each one as a yoga practice helped me realize that there is still so much for me to learn about my body as I approach my seventh decade.
The long training bike rides and runs felt similar to lingering in challenging standing poses that seem to last forever. Even when it seemed okay in the beginning, there was always that moment when my muscles started to complain and my mind needed to recommit and keep going. That’s where tapas comes in again. I frequently found myself out of breath and already fatigued yet facing a big hill ahead. The thought came back like a mantra, “Maybe I can do
Beyond Limits: Finding Momentum When “What’s Next?” is the Only Question
The weight of perceived limitations – physical, mental, or both – can be paralyzing. When self-doubt overshadows questions of identity and possibility, a singular focus emerges: “What’s next?” This isn’t a sign of resignation, but a powerful starting point. It’s a recognition that even within constraints,movement is possible,and growth can be found in simply taking the next step. The image of Jivana Heyman, beaming with his first triathlon finisher’s medal, embodies this spirit – a testament to pushing beyond self-imposed boundaries and discovering what lies beyond.https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/beginner-triathlon-training/
The Power of “What’s next?”
Frequently enough, the search for self – “who am I?” – or the hesitant questioning of capability – “Maybe I can do this?” – can stall progress. They’re crucial questions, but they can lead to analysis paralysis. Focusing on “What’s next?” bypasses the need for immediate answers and instead emphasizes action. It’s a pragmatic approach that acknowledges limitations without being defined by them.
This approach is rooted in the principles of incremental progress. Rather of aiming for a monumental, possibly overwhelming goal, it encourages breaking down challenges into manageable steps. Each “next” becomes a small victory, building momentum and confidence.This is particularly relevant for individuals facing physical or mental health challenges, where large-scale transformations may feel unattainable.
Overcoming Internal Barriers
The limitations we perceive are frequently enough self-constructed. They stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or negative self-talk. Here’s how to begin dismantling these barriers:
* acknowledge,Don’t Dwell: Recognize your limitations without letting them consume you. Accepting where you are right now is the first step toward moving forward.
* Focus on Controllables: You can’t change everything, but you can control your effort, your attitude, and your choices. Direct your energy towards these areas.
* reframe Failure: View setbacks not as evidence of inadequacy, but as learning opportunities. Each “failure” provides valuable data for adjusting your approach. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset highlights the importance of viewing abilities as malleable, rather than fixed. https://www.mindsetworks.com/growth-mindset/
* Seek Support: Connect with others who understand your challenges. A supportive community can provide encouragement,accountability,and valuable insights.
* Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and appreciate every step forward, no matter how small. This reinforces positive behavior and builds self-efficacy.
Finding Your “Next” – Practical steps
So, how do you identify that “next” step when feeling limited?
* Start small: Seriously. If the thought of a triathlon feels impossible, start with a 10-minute walk. If writing a novel seems daunting, commit to writing one paragraph a day.
* Experiment: Try new things. Explore different activities, hobbies, or skills. You might discover hidden talents or passions.
* Set Process Goals: Rather of focusing on outcomes (e.g., “lose 20 pounds”), focus on the process (e.g., “exercise three times a week”). process goals are more controllable and provide a sense of accomplishment.
* Embrace Imperfection: Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect conditions. Start now, even if it’s messy and imperfect. Perfectionism is often a form of procrastination.
* Listen to Your Body & Mind: Pay attention to your physical and mental cues.Rest when you need to, and adjust your approach as necessary.
Jivana Heyman: An Example of Pushing Boundaries
Jivana Heyman’s journey to completing a triathlon, as highlighted in Yoga Journal, is a powerful illustration of this principle. https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/beginner-triathlon-training/ He didn’t start by envisioning himself as an athlete; he started with the question, “What’s next?” and built from there. His story demonstrates that physical limitations don’t have to define potential. It’s about finding a challenge, breaking it down, and consistently taking the next step.
Key Takeaways:
* Shift your focus: Move from “Who am I?” or “Can I do this?” to “What’s next?”
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