On study leave last month I joined a fitness studio. Every time I walk in, I sign my name on the lavender sheet and then check the box that says “unlimited”. I get a little thrill when I do that. Unlimited. Without limits. Filled with possibilities. For just a moment I indulge in the vision of soaring gracefully, effortlessly across the studio floor --- and then I laugh and go to experience the rich and changing limits of my evolving, aging body.

Yoga shows me the limits of my strength and flexibility. Nia (a kind of aerobic dance) shows me the limits of my coordination and stamina. Fitting the workouts into my calendar shows me the limits of my time and my energy. I like the illusion of being “unlimited,” but I am much happier and more effective when I acknowledge my boundaries. When I give up on the imagined glory of ‘limitlessness,” I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and nuances of my limitations.

It is endlessly interesting for me to notice the changing sensations in my body day to day, especially as it gets stronger and more flexible, and consistently satisfying to piece together a day that lets me show up for all the different parts of my life.

Blessings,

Gail