Tree Pose Wisdom

I went to a new yoga class today (regarding my own fitness-related goals, increasing my flexibility is at the top of the list) and the instructor dropped a truth bomb on us during tree pose:

True. She went on to say that we need to be where we are, to do what we can do at the time, and not worry about what our neighbors can and cannot do at that same time. She talked about comparing ourselves to others, in life and in the class, and how it doesn't do us any good. There was more, but I was off in thought, thinking about the times I've compared myself to others (both in yoga and in life) and how this got me nowhere. I mean, I can rock a tree pose like nobody's business; put me in a basic triangle pose or even a correct Warrior 1 (with squared hips, foot flat on ground) and I struggle.

As a fitness professional, I know we all have our blind spots, so to speak. Some trainers can lift a ridiculous amount of weight, but they have no cardiorespiratory endurance to speak of. Others could run a marathon and be fine, but have less muscular strength. And then some of us lack in the flexibility department (yours truly).

The overall message? Be where you are and be fine with that. And if you see someone who is stronger in a way you'd like to be, learn from them, don't try to be them.