I have been doing this stretching routine every night for 90 days in a row. I suppose you can say that I have now developed a habit. I did this because I was looking to improving my running mechanics and potentially be able to sit in a really cool meditation pose at the beach and look relaxed in doing so. Right now I cannot sit cross legged or in a lotus pose or anything close to it. 90 days ago, I could not even sit on my knees with my legs folded underneath me for more that 10 seconds.
Progress has been slow. There has been progress, I can sit with my legs folded under me for 5 minutes now and yes I can finally touch my toes in a standing position. Still the progress is tough and I find myself digressing quickly. Stretching is not easy, requires time and is not something you can rush. It also requires complete submission to the fact that i am not going to be comfortable during the process.
Now I am talking about stretching my legs, really focused on my tight hamstrings and hip flexors but am I really?
Stretching the muscles of the body follow the same form as stretching the mind and soul. It requires patience, a dedication of time, consistency and a willingness to do it despite the discomfort. When you are in the process of stretching you have to go that extra inch. You need to take a deep breath, relax and just reach a little farther. When you are ready to quit, that is when you are at the limits of your mental govenor, that is when you need to do more because the amount you accomplish after you reach your perceived maximum and the time you actually do stop is when you experience improvement.
Using an example. Let’s say you could do 50 pushups comfortably. You know you could actually do 75, but it would be tough. So you got it up and you do 75. When you get to 75 you are about ready to collapse. Arms are shaking, your mind is screaming stop. You are stretching when you do 80. The 5 that you did extra count the most.
It is always this way. Stretching muscles have taught me this. I improve faster when I am willing to hold the stretch a little longer or extend a little farther. Now I am faced with a desire to improve in other aspects of my life. The principle is the same, if I want rapid growth I need to stretch a little farther.
So what are you really trying to accomplish in your life right now? Are you trying to get to that next level? If you are and you would like to accelerate your progress then you need to stretch. Find your limit and once you do, resolve to go just a little bit further or add just a little bit more.
Guy Reams
365 Alumni
61 Days Left to 1st Marathon
