Willpower

I was thinking about presence while developing the class. I realized one of the ways yoga is unique in our culture is that it provides practical techniques to achieve goals that we have attributed strictly to willpower before. Such as being a 100% present. When you're in school (that's the best example I can think of) you're told to sit down and be quiet. Being an adult in a meeting is a good example of the progress that can be achieved. While I don't want to detract from the things that you can achieve through willpower, it helps when you have some techniques to enhance it.

My usual example of the strength of mind over body is the placebo effect. But that doesn't correlate exactly because will power is a function of the ego, not a subconscious process. You can talk yourself into wellness or illness. You can hold off on illness and even death. There are so many stories of terminally ill people waiting for a specific set of circumstances to die! Incredible. What do you want? Deciding to do something doesn't mean you have to have all the hows lined up. A more important first step is to decide to do it in the first place. Sometimes we have to practice thinking along a path we wouldn't normally consider. Neurons can develop new pathways. It is possible to create a mindset that can surprise even you.
Yoga gives us techniques that can improve our willpower. The sanskrit term tapas refers to a fiery determination. When you practice tapas you increase your capacity to get things done. With determined effort you can make decisions which lead you toward wellness. 

Today you're going to do things you never thought you could do. Without injury or force. To keep the internal fluidity is important. Even the strongest poses should have the look of being able to move at any moment.

You can do anything you set your mind to.