Mastering the Mat and the Mind
“If God asks you to walk on the turbulent waters of adversity, do not doubt, do not fear, because God is with you. Have courage and you will be safe” (St. Francis de Sales).
Editor’s note: This Lent, the Catholic Women in Business team is exploring the theme “Cultivating Virtue in the Desert.” Learn more here.
Meeting Hot Air
I opened the door, and the dry, hot air immediately enveloped my entire body. I knew it was going to be hot—but how would I be able to stand this heat for 90 minutes? I wasn’t journeying to the desert, but it sure felt like it.
I had arrived to the Costa Mesa, Calif. studio for my first shot at Bikram, a style of yoga where the room is set to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity. “It’s going to be hot,” the studio’s website warned, “but don’t give up! Challenge yourself to stay in the room the whole time and take it slow.”
As someone who becomes claustrophobic easily, I could feel the anxiety build as I tried to catch my breath once I stepped inside the room. My mind kept telling me that I wasn’t going to make it, but I pushed through, inhaling deeply, and took it step by step—literally.
Surrender and Repeat
While the practice of Bikram doesn’t resonate with everyone, I can attest to some worthwhile lessons that this workout provided for my spiritual life. It was my own version of “going to the desert” as I met challenge after challenge (in the heat!).
For one, knowing I was going to purposefully put my body through discomfort for a period of time was a good mortification. As someone who loves to plan and control things in my life, forcing my mind to surrender is a practice that I use to this day. Every morning, I begin daily prayer with the Surrender Novena. It feels good to tell God, “Take care of everything.”
Another thing that tested me was the necessity of returning. Bikram teachers encourage students to come back to class as soon as possible, even with intense soreness. It was imperative to fight off my mind’s unwillingness and build resilience. I did come back the next day and ended up becoming an avid Bikram student for many years thereafter, teaching me perseverance.
Moving the Mat
My least favorite instruction centered on the directive to move our mats each time we came into the studio. “No,” I thought. “I like placing my mat in the same little back corner.” It was my way of trying to control something inside the room, but by resisting the opportunity to change, to shift my perspective, I was undoing all the progress I was making in other ways.
It’s taken many years for this lesson to kick in, but I’m much better now. Anytime things change at work (new duties, new colleagues, etc.) or at home (routine or plans), I think about slowly moving my mat to another place in the room. “It’s going to be OK,” I think as I let out a deep breath, “because God is always with me.”
Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ Director of Corporate Partnerships with over 20 years of corporate experience (including Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob - they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the Saints. Connect with Lilia: LinkedIn • Instagram • Website