Problem Solving on a Yoga Mat

 

Years ago, I taught problem-solving skills. The model had seven stages, but let's make life easier and focus on four: Understand, Plan, Carry Out, and Look Back.

I found myself thinking about those four steps today during yoga.

I'll admit it. Sometimes I get frustrated and even a little angry with myself when I can't move the way I once did. There are poses that used to be simple and natural that now require modifications, patience, and creativity.

I'll admit something else. Sometimes I get teary.

Not in class, and not because anyone says anything. It's simply the realization that there are things I could do a few months ago that I can't do right now.

Part of me still expects my body to move the way it did before surgery. When it doesn't, I feel frustrated, sad, and occasionally angry with myself.

Then I remember that problem solving begins with understanding reality, not wishing reality were different.

The first step is to understand the situation. Since returning to exercise after my knee replacement, I know my limitations. I can't kneel directly on my right knee, and deep bends and butterflies are still difficult. That's simply reality.

The next step is to make a plan. I bought a flat-bottomed bolster that I place under my shins during kneeling poses so my knees don't touch the floor. I've learned other modifications as well. My instructors are wonderful guides.

Then comes carrying out the plan. Some days I move through the modifications gracefully. Other days, not so much.

Finally, there's looking back and evaluating. Did the strategy work? Should I try something different next time? Is there another way to approach the challenge?

Sometimes it becomes downright comical.

Just when I get myself situated without putting pressure on my right knee, the instructor flows into the next pose and I have to scramble to figure out a completely new strategy.

Today there was a movement where we were asked to stretch to the right. I couldn't comfortably move that way, so I stretched to the left. Suddenly, half the class started following my direction instead of the instructor's. Everyone laughed at the mixed signals.

Some strategies work. Some don't. When they don't, I adjust, rethink, and try something new.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this isn't just about yoga.

It's how we handle challenges at work, too.

We understand the problem. We create a plan. We try it. Then we evaluate the results and make adjustments. Sometimes the first solution works. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes we accidentally lead half the team in the wrong direction. That's what happens and then we pivot and try again. 

Maybe that's where some of our best ideas come from.

I've spent years trying new approaches, seeing what works, learning from what doesn't, and adjusting along the way.

The reality is that healing takes time. The goal isn't to do everything exactly as I did before. The goal is to keep moving forward, even if the path looks different than I expected.

Whether it's on a yoga mat, in a career, or in life, progress rarely comes from doing things exactly as we always have.

Sometimes it comes from being willing to try something different, evaluate the results, and keep moving forward.