Nice one Bernadette! This reminds me of my track and field days, and how challenging it is not to look over at others in front of you. "Run your own race," I was told a lot. Challenging to do when you're in the thick of it all, but a beautiful feeling when it's achieved.
Also reminds me why I tend to stick to yoga that is based on pillows and the floor 😂.
Ah yes Michael, I can imagine it must be difficult to keep your eyes on the track when you sense other competitors are close.
It's a weird feeling when you see someone being pipped to the tape because they celebrated too soon and heartwarming when a runner sacrifices their win to help another who is struggling.
Thankfully I had coaches that stressed going for personal bests. It made for a different experience where beating the your last best version of yourself was the goal, no matter what place you got. I feel that has transferred to other domains in my life, and appreciate the opportunity to be around mentors who guided me that way.
What an important reminder about our sideways looks and curiosity to compare. Thanks for adding, "in the pursuit of progress, everyone wobbles...The hard part isn’t avoiding a wobble; it’s reminding ourselves to refocus when we do."
Bernadette - I enjoyed reading this post as I, too, am someone who gets tripped up when “comparison shows up disguised as curiosity”. It reminded me there’s sometimes a consequence beyond losing my balance.
I’m thinking of that well known but unattributable piece of wisdom often expressed as,
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
We appreciate the effort and deep thinking you put into your weekly posts. Please keep them coming.
If comparison is the thief of joy, perhaps contentment is what restores it.
Comparison is outward-looking, while contentment is inward. When I take stock and realize I already have more than enough, envy gives way to gratitude.
Thank you for this. There are days - even seasons - where it feels like I’m wobbling more than focusing and that balance might never return. It takes a bit of determination, will and grace too to look straight ahead and, like I imagine it, to get back to “running in my own lane” (I was a runner too). Like so much in life, it’s a practice. Being reminded today that it is human to “wobble” is helpful.
As someone whose vestibular system is damaged, my balance can be improved but it won’t get back to ‘factory reset’. This might be a good thing, because looking at how others are balancing is especially pointless for me. I’ve learned to embrace the wobble and keep practicing. Thank you for these weekly meditations ❤️
"Comparison can show up disguised as curiosity."
Nice one Bernadette! This reminds me of my track and field days, and how challenging it is not to look over at others in front of you. "Run your own race," I was told a lot. Challenging to do when you're in the thick of it all, but a beautiful feeling when it's achieved.
Also reminds me why I tend to stick to yoga that is based on pillows and the floor 😂.
Ah yes Michael, I can imagine it must be difficult to keep your eyes on the track when you sense other competitors are close.
It's a weird feeling when you see someone being pipped to the tape because they celebrated too soon and heartwarming when a runner sacrifices their win to help another who is struggling.
Nothing wrong with yin yoga!
Thankfully I had coaches that stressed going for personal bests. It made for a different experience where beating the your last best version of yourself was the goal, no matter what place you got. I feel that has transferred to other domains in my life, and appreciate the opportunity to be around mentors who guided me that way.
As for yoga, have you ever heard my yoga song?
What a gift to have had such great coaches.
And no, I have not heard your yoga song. :)
We shall have to remedy that! Haha.
Eyes on my own page, and remembering that what anyone else is doing is none of my business :) Love this take, Bernadette!
Thanks for being here, Karma.
It's easier said than done at times, but I think you and I know it works.
Your focused 5am starts are proof of that. 🧡
What an important reminder about our sideways looks and curiosity to compare. Thanks for adding, "in the pursuit of progress, everyone wobbles...The hard part isn’t avoiding a wobble; it’s reminding ourselves to refocus when we do."
I'm glad that part spoke to you today, Virginia.
Oh yes, the old sideways glance at yoga- know it well. 💕
🧡🧡🧡
Bernadette - I enjoyed reading this post as I, too, am someone who gets tripped up when “comparison shows up disguised as curiosity”. It reminded me there’s sometimes a consequence beyond losing my balance.
I’m thinking of that well known but unattributable piece of wisdom often expressed as,
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
We appreciate the effort and deep thinking you put into your weekly posts. Please keep them coming.
Have you found ways to mitigate against this over the years, Gary?
Thanks for giving me a reason to show up each week.
If comparison is the thief of joy, perhaps contentment is what restores it.
Comparison is outward-looking, while contentment is inward. When I take stock and realize I already have more than enough, envy gives way to gratitude.
Ah yes, Gary. Contentment is such an underrated state. Somewhere in a Dropbox folder is an idea for a book with that word in the title.
Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you for this. There are days - even seasons - where it feels like I’m wobbling more than focusing and that balance might never return. It takes a bit of determination, will and grace too to look straight ahead and, like I imagine it, to get back to “running in my own lane” (I was a runner too). Like so much in life, it’s a practice. Being reminded today that it is human to “wobble” is helpful.
Thanks for reminding me about the need for grace, Marion.
I'm glad this post spoke to you today.
As someone whose vestibular system is damaged, my balance can be improved but it won’t get back to ‘factory reset’. This might be a good thing, because looking at how others are balancing is especially pointless for me. I’ve learned to embrace the wobble and keep practicing. Thank you for these weekly meditations ❤️
Michelle, you inspire me to accept the things I can change and work at the things I can. Thank YOU for being here every week. It means a lot to me. 🧡