Make Do.

by Natasha Currah, 889 Yoga teacher.

The other weekend I was outside of the city  when I came across this window display with
inspirational saying on a polished little stone. It said “Make Do”. I paused and stared at
those 2 small words that I haven’t heard in such a long time. To me, those words seem
to have both a freeing and a restraining quality to them depending on the readers
perspective.

The next time I stepped on my mat I thought of that phrase and felt almost a
reassurance from it. Often I find myself so immersed in how immeasurably long, wide
and deep the practice of yoga is. How I don’t have enough hours in a day to practice all
I want, or better, years in my life! Is it/am I enough? How that carved out condition
embedded in my being trickles in and shows its face in my practice. How many times
have I put too much on my plate only to understand what my capacity is? That in a
culture that endorses achievement it’s challenging not to feel entitled to the next step –
be it coat, car, house, handstands with your eyes closed. To be asked to “make do” can
feel like we have to stop climbing that ladder. However, living within our means, time
and the limitations we have can also bring liberation. Flipping that ladder sideways can
take the competition and comparison out of the way and clear a path to a more
expansive acceptance of Self.

A simple reminder to make do, whispers to me that whatever I am doing (on or off the
mat) with a clear mind and a present heart is enough.