In the end, it all comes down to getting started. In nearly everything we undertake. Whatever holds significance to us. Whatever contributes positively to our well-being. Initiating the act of falling asleep. Initiating the day. Initiating the process of tidying up. Embarking on the one significant task for the day, the one you initially feel a lack of enthusiasm for, but which is undeniably necessary. The one that, afterward, leaves you feeling notably better. Initiating physical activity. Initiating the preparation of fresh meals.
In the end, it all comes down to getting started. I initially encountered this as a promotional slogan for a trade union youth organization, possibly the DGB. And, of course, it applies universally, just like in any other context. The beauty lies in the fact that once you’ve grasped the art of beginning—how to initiate—that skill can be seamlessly applied to various facets of life. Starting with writing. Commencing periods of rest. Commencing a yoga practice.
Taking that first step: Easier said than done
In the end, it all comes down to getting started. Easier said than done. Even when you’re fully aware that you’ll feel significantly better afterward. So, what’s the challenge? And what can be done? How does one best commence, considering commencing is what we need to focus on? It starts with the next small step. With honesty to oneself. With self-discipline.
For example, I start jogging about once per year. Sometimes more than once. There were even times when I reached the point where light jogging served as a remedy for stress-induced headaches. That is, headaches stemming from general stress. Then something occurs (and I’m not solely referring to adverse weather conditions). And then, I’m back at the starting point.
Beginning for beginners
When I engage in my jogging re-start, my initiation involves a brief lap around the meadow. Very slowly. Not even covering a kilometer. I am confident that I can manage that. And if not, there’s a secondary option: alternating between running slightly faster for a minute and walking slowly for another minute. Gradually increasing the intensity.
Start jogging works best for me when I’ve enjoyed a restful night’s sleep, slipping into jogging attire and shoes before fully awakening. At that moment, my inner reluctance is still dormant and not easily disturbed.
When it comes to writing, getting started involves opening a text editor. After that, my commencement plan is plain simple: spend 10 minutes pouring my thoughts onto the screen and see what emerges. It’s just about getting started. Once text exists, the process of editing and refining becomes significantly more manageable.
Initiating for beginners means, in my perspective, taking the smallest possible step. Ease off the pressure. You don’t have to succeed completely; attempting is enough. And if you do succeed: all the better.
Outsmart yourself
The subsequent stage: Commence by outsmarting yourself. Whether it’s truly about outsmarting oneself or if the concept of the inner reluctance has merit, I’m uncertain. Nonetheless, having alternatives to choose from works for me. A brief run around the meadow is unappealing in the current cold weather (I am writing this on a dark December afternoon), and if I run faster, it becomes exhausting. If that doesn’t appeal to me, I can alternatively opt for a more extended yoga session. Although it takes more time, I don’t need to step outside. Both options are acceptable.
As long as I adhere to selecting one of the two options, I’m still moving in the right direction. I envision: letting my inner reluctance make the decision. The trick, naturally, is that I can only relinquish control to my inner couch potato once the general direction and available options are clear. But my couch potato seems happy with that. Sometimes she doesn’t want to for so long. And sometimes she doesn’t want to push so hard. Both are perfectly fine.
Self-Discipline Secret
Initiating for experts, at the highest level, genuinely involves self-discipline. It works best when self-discipline is exclusively required for starting. The subsequent flow takes its course from there. Journeying to a yoga class. Once you’ve arrived, it makes little sense not to participate. Commencing with the first sun salutation on the mat at home. Subsequently completing the next seven.
After moving through the standing exercises, the stretching exercises in a sitting position follow. Proceeding to abdominal muscles and seamlessly transitioning into the concluding exercises. And now, you’ve rightfully earned Savasana, the grand yoga rest. At the same time, you’ve accomplished an entire half of the Ashtanga Yoga primary series.
What is your next first step?
In the end, it all comes down to getting started. If you can initiate in yoga, you can initiate in other spheres of everyday life as well. Yet, initiation alone doesn’t bring completion, don’t you agree? That’s undoubtedly correct. However, we can only persist and continue with things we’ve begun. We can only follow through and bring to completion what we’ve started.
What have you been wanting to start? What would be the tiniest first baby step into that direction? Why not taking that step today? Or, let’s get audacious: I challenge you to take this step right now. You’ve got this!
