In high school, I struggled with Calculus until my dad stepped in to help. He explained that Calculus is about exploring limits, not finding a set value. If you move your finger toward an object, the space between gets smaller and smaller, so that even when you make contact you are still separated by an infinitesimally tiny space. Essentially, Calculus functions explain the approach to a limit, not the value of the destination.
I sometimes think about that when considering the concept of progress. We tend to think of progress as the movement we make toward a specific goal, but what if progress is the goal?
If you focus more on the progressive growth, you achieve your goal every time you make an effort to follow your values. Instead of setting a goal of running a 5k or losing 5 pounds, you may choose to value healthy habits, like being more active or choosing more nourishing foods. Those healthy habits may lead to running a race or losing weight; if they don’t, you are still moving in a positive direction.
Measuring Progress
While progress can be its own goal, it helps to note the ways you’ve changed over time. Just remember that progress is rarely linear.
Whether we’re talking about personal goals like improving fitness or societal goals like expanding civil rights, we usually have a mix of successes and setbacks. It’s often better to look at longer term trends than volatile shifts in current events. While it’s easy to say we have a long way to go, that doesn’t erase how far we’ve come.
I know that idea can be cold comfort when the setbacks are mounting and our hopes for the future feel out of reach. However, focusing on our efforts over the outcomes can help us get through the hard times.
Mathematically, there’s an infinite space between us and our limits. Use that space to move forward, even if you aren’t always sure what that means. When you progress toward your values, you will continue to evolve your best self day by day.
Mini Yoga Break
While progress is great, yoga practices often include radical acceptance, an idea found in Buddhism as well. Radical acceptance involves accepting—and embracing—your whole self exactly as you are.
There are many mindful practices that can help with self-acceptance. I particularly like writing meditations.
During a writing meditation, you allow yourself to write anything that comes to mind without pausing to think. You may choose to focus on a writing prompt before you begin. Here are a few to try:
Describe one thing I love about myself
When I’m alone, I like to _______
Describe how an emotion (joy, fear, anger, etc.) physically feels in my body
To begin, find a comfortable seat in a quiet place. Take a few easy breaths to ground yourself, then let yourself write freely. It doesn’t have to make sense. Give yourself time to see what comes up. You do not have to share your writing with anyone. This practice is for your own inner reflection.
Writing and/or Yoga Updates
Writing Event! Indulge a love of wine and books at the Williams Gap Book Fair. Saturday, June 7 from 12-4pm at Williams Gap Vineyard, Round Hill, VA. Support local authors (including me!) in a beautiful setting.
New Yoga Class! Starting in June, my Tuesday night class is switching formats. Join me for Gentle Flow into Deep Rest, an easeful flow into a guided meditation. Tuesdays, 7:45-9pm, Sthira Sukham Yoga. Attend in-person or virtually via Zoom.
Throwback Spotlight
On my website, my blog is an eclectic mix of random thoughts and reflections, behind-the-books info, and general updates. Flipping through old posts can be entertaining, or cringey (we can be our own harshest critics).
Here’s a post from a few years back that seems to fit the general theme of today’s newsletter. It’s a reflection on creativity you can read here: Bring Back Boredom
Feel free to browse the rest of my website as well, including info about my books and fun extras like book trivia. Enjoy!