How I see my practice as a process

Over the last seven years I have practiced yoga asana on a regular basis. I was drawn to yoga initially for exercise, but as my practice continued on a regular basis, things started to happen. I found myself a little more relaxed, more confident, less anxious, more focused, better organized, and with a clearer memory. Still, not stellar, but better.

The more I practiced asana, the more I saw how physical and emotional experiences were drawing me closer to other aspects of yoga. I discovered several important concepts that thread their way throughout the system. One is the concept of finding the balance between effort and ease. Another is the  combination of practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya).

I know I desire to continue to grow in my practice as my body gets more fit and capable of deeper poses. I also know that this is a process, and I can't get attached where I have very little control over the outcome. Merriam-Webster defines the word process as: "a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result."  I guess that's where I am, always heading toward that elusive result.

I know I'm supposed to check my ego at the studio door and come to my mat from where I am at that moment. And if that moment says, "No, you are not getting into tree pose today." I can live with that. Someday I will not be able to stretch and bend and move the way I can today. I will keep practicing and traveling forward. The result here, to me, is more organic, it continuously changes with my practice.