Yoga has been an increasingly important element of my daily practice since I first took a class on a whim in 2006.

Yoga works from the inside out & from the outside in. Ultimately, the practice of yoga asks that you take your learnings on the mat out into the world.  One yogic principle that I revisit almost daily, especially in this season of farming, is the idea of non-attachment. 

As it applies to yoga, non-attachment means performing the asanas (movements/poses) without any expectation that the pose will be held for a fixed amount of time or be in perfect alignment. You are simply to be present in your body; give the best effort within your capacity & release any self-judgement or perception of judgement from others. You are to practice without any attachment to a particular outcome. The asana itself & your ability to breathe through it- no matter how imperfect- is the goal.

As a recovering perfectionist, this principle has been a challenge. After much practice, it is now easier for me to do this on the mat, but practicing non-attachment off the mat presents more of a challenge.

Since embarking this summer on the massive undertaking of building a sustainable, chemical-free farm on what was fallow ground, I remind myself often that this venture is no less valuable if a plant doesn’t produce as much as I’d like or a particular crop doesn’t survive or people don’t share my enthusiasm for high-quality, local food. This project isn’t about any of those things; nor do I have any control over any of that.

I am on my path. I am serving as directed. There is no higher achievement.

I will breathe & release expectations.

Asé.