I have a ritual. Every Sunday morning I am in town I go to Chad Hamrin’s yoga class at 7:30 am. And every week the same people come because no one would ever get up that early on a Sunday unless he is an insane yoga devotee. So every Sunday, I spend one and half hours in these painful positions which eventually calm my mind, my nervous system and prepare me for the week ahead.
Except every Sunday when I get out of class there are about 80 people waiting for the next class. Since there is only room for about 60 students, these yogis are anything but serene. Just to exit my class requires laser focus and intention.
And the other day as I struggled to get out the door, in total frustration, I turned to the teacher of the waiting class and said, “Would you get control of your students!” He looked at me like I was insane.
Sure enough, the next Wednesday I see the same teacher I had snapped at entering the class I am about to take. I am embarrassed and uncomfortable. Does he recognize me? I turn to apologize but he disappears into the bathroom. Well, I think to myself, maybe I don’t need to say anything. But a minute later I turn to get my blankets and we are, again, face to face.
Stammering, I apologize for Sunday. He has no idea what I am talking about or who I am. After all, he teaches huge classes all week long. I reintroduce myself, remind him of the situation and ask for his forgiveness once more. Now he remembers. He smiles and says thank you. “I accept your apology.”
At that moment, I had a flash thought to excuse my behavior. “Well, I said that because… “and then I paused. Who was I kidding? My instruction to him was out of line and my task was to make amends without excusing my behavior.
And a few minutes I was resting on my mat feeling incredibly relieved and relaxed. For the past four days, I had been obsessively thinking about me, him, the situation. I finally felt clear to think about what really mattered.
I am still in awe how just the words “I am sorry” can change my entire disposition and demeanor. Try it, let me know what you think.
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I have a ritual. Every Sunday morning I am in town I go to Chad Hamrin’s yoga class at 7:30 am. And every week the same people come because no one would ever get up that early on a Sunday unless he is an insane yoga devotee. So every Sunday, I spend one and half hours in these painful positions which eventually calm my mind, my nervous system and prepare me for the week ahead.
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