To Compete or Not To Compete

Ever since developing my own practice last summer, I have flirted with the idea of competing. 

Yoga competition existed in my mind as a theoretical possibility for some indeterminate time in the future. I figured that my practice would develop and improve to the point where I would be good enough to compete without too much fuss. In my mind, I would compete next year, 2015. A good year after studying with Tony and learning some more advanced postures. A good year of focused and dedicated self-practice. Perhaps most important, a year away from now, so no need for pressure or stress.

Then I found out that the Midwest Regional of the USA Yoga Championships is in Minneapolis in two weeks. On Feb 16. Ida and I are discussing the possibility of competing this year. Of course, I don't feel ready. I can't do the splits in Standing Bow (really, how many guys can?), and my stillness leaves a lot to be desired in Standing Head to Knee. To be honest, I am terrified of the idea. 

At this point, I doubt we will compete in two weeks. The logistics of getting to Minneapolis the morning after a gig so soon in the future will be tough. But this situation has brought some real issues to the surface for me. Maybe it's true what they say about yoga competition: that we are competing above all with ourselves, with our own practice.

"Nothing would be done at all if we waited until we could do it so well that no one could find fault with it." -John Henry Newman