Learning a new skill can be frustrating, but take it in stride.

I'm blessed this weekend to have my grandson for a day. As he crawls, sits, and now tries to stand up, I realize that everyone around him is getting excited for his next stage. I know he wants to walk, but it's not yet time.  

I couldn't help but think about how we start learning a new skill and often think we should be faster at it or feel we should be where someone else in the class is even though they've been doing the skill longer.

In Pilates and Yoga, many basics of an exercise help us practice for a more complex movement. Rushing through the basics makes the more complex movement even harder. 

This next exercise may be out of reach for months or even years.  

We often push ourselves because we “feel” like we should be ready for the next exercise stage, only to get more frustrated or even injure ourselves.

I still struggle with handstands without a wall and control of balance—an advanced pilates exercise—and with rollovers. I should have this nailed, as I’ve been practicing Pilates for over 30 years. Some days are good, and others, my body isn't ready.  

This is why I love teaching and practicing Yoga and Pilates: There is always something to learn, and I always enjoy learning a new skill. I still get a good rush from Aha moments.

Watching people's minds try to listen to a direction and then practice the movement is fascinating. It is like watching a baby try to take the next move, reach for a toy, or get the arm and leg moving together. 

Next time you are frustrated learning a new skill, think about watching a baby or child. They do get frustrated, but then they figure it out. Enjoy knowing that our brains can always change and learn, and be okay with embracing the errors and frustrations.