Is transformation possible in 7 days?

I just completed a one-week yoga retreat.

We had a 2 1/2 hr morning practice that was slow and alignment-based, and the same length with a later afternoon practice in restorative yoga. Our days were free.

I know that amount of time spent doing yoga might sound crazy to many. In all honesty, I wasn't sure what to expect myself.

I practiced being "present", just showing up without any thoughts or judgments and taking each moment as it came. I felt a child-like joy in what I was learning.

I wondered what it might be like to show up in life off the mat like that.

"This is good practice", I thought.

Midway through the week I was confronted with a challenging (non yoga) situation. I began to react the way I normally would and then I caught myself.

I paused. I became present. My reaction was based on a story I was telling myself about this situation, not on the actual sequence of events.

I realized I had a choice here and instead of my 'normal' I chose compassion.

In that moment everything changed.

I felt a lightness and my sleep improved. There was a subtle change in way I interacted with the others. I found myself practicing compassion, both for myself and for others, as well as practicing yoga.

Once your mind is opened to a new possibility, it is near impossible for it ever to go back.

Transformation IS possible in 7 days.