Slowing Down is not a waste of time

If a lumberjack stops work to sharpen his axe, it is not a waste of time.

No one would say the lumberjack is lazy - in fact, most would praise his work ethic in stopping, taking care of his tools and going back to work more efficiently.

So why is it that in yoga there are so many of us who will not stop when we really need to rest? When a pose is beyond our capabilities that day - as often happens in yoga, things change day to day - why is it that we'll struggle through and PUSH ourselves into a pose we think we should be in?

This idea isn't specific just to yoga either - but in all aspects of life, both on and off the mat. Someone mentioned this lumberjack reference to me today and it really has stuck with me. I hope it makes you think too!