Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
I guess my issue is that when I see people doing things I can't do, even with trying, it gets me mad. Reminds me of my "weaknesses." I'm the same way with cycling, running, and x country skiing. I know my limits, I've pushed past quite a few of them, but some things I just can't do. I may want to do them, but I either haven't practiced enough, I'm too scared, or I give up. Since this is such a "non-yoga" attitude, I found that when I was going to classes at my gym (which were taught by very good instructors), I learned who did things that I was at least OK with and I also never went to anything too advanced, usually mixed level 1 and 2, sometimes level 2, never 3. Come to think of it, I am also happier riding with people who are slower than me. Don't like to be reminded of what is hard for me. I think deep down I am very competitive, despite the fact that I was brought up in a very non-competitive home. It's just too bad I didn't harness some of this competitiveness into athletics when I was younger.
Totally not what a yoga class should be about, but, honestly, the way I feel.
Raising hand... yep, this is me too.

In 2009 we had free yoga and mat Pilates classes taught at work one day a week each by a certified instructor. Since this was a workplace, most of the folks in the class were rank beginners, and many had not even seen the inside of a gym in a couple decades. Most were 40+ in age. Although I fit the typical age profile, I was a gym rat and therefore had a distinct advantage coming into the classes. I found that I prided myself on being one of the "best" in both "beginner" classes (mind you, I would have been one of the "worst" had the classes been anything beyond beginner level!)

I don't like this in myself, but yes, I am competitive about such things. I feel the same about riding with stronger vs. weaker riders as you too, Crankin. I would always rather finish near the front than near the back. When I used to do club rides every weekend, prior to my accident, I was totally like this. I'm less that way now with cycling since I have pain issues that limit my speed and endurance, but I still have those tendencies.

I think a lot of it is just the first-born, straight-A student mentality I learned growing up in a high-achiever, academic household. But it shouldn't apply to yoga! It's just a really hard habit and way of thinking/being to change.