On Being Average

Life is always a work in progress. I've noticed that every day I have to get up and remember certain activities that help me with the process of change. There are things that stick because it's what I've always done. Then there's everything else. It's the work that I put in that is the real and lasting change that has allowed me to let go of some of my detrimental habits.
Before, for many years, I had resentment at the idea that I needed to change. What was wrong with me?! Wasn't I a decent person? Wasn't I free to do as I pleased? Yet at the same time I was not happy with myself. I looked funny and felt awkward and regretted my actions.
When I was in high school I hated the fact that I was average. I didn't do any work to try to become more, I just disliked the implication of being someone who could be lost in a crowd. (I don't remember from whom this was implied, it was just in my mind.) What I have come to learn and appreciate is that being that person helps me be a good yoga instructor. If I was someone who was effortlessly extraordinary, who would want to hear from me? People can relate to my way of thinking; to my way of seeing the world. And it is because they can relate that I can do my job in offering techniques which help to smooth the process of change.
I've spoken before of Swami Rama's The Art of Joyful Living. One of the things he recommends to increase happiness is to discover your duty in life and accept it. Maybe being average isn't exactly a duty but accepting it has made my life happier.


"Whatever you are, be a good one."
-Abraham Lincoln