I have been stuck on the same pose in my Ashtanga practice since February. It’s the first pose in the practice that really requires upper body strength and it’s just not happening for me.

My teacher Tim Feldmann asked this question during a recent week-long virtual retreat. I always thought I knew why, but when he asked this question, for some reason I felt the need to explore it further. Is it just to feel good? Is it because it’s fun? Is there a physical goal associated with it? Or is there a deeper reason, beyond any physical sensations or attainments, which keeps me coming back to my mat every day?