Spanish proverb: Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.
In body work we observe that over time, repeated movements become habits. Habits, over time, become posture. Posture eventually becomes structure. The earlier in this process we intervene the easier it is to affect change. When we identify negative patterns early, ideally before they have become habits, it is easy to initiate positive changes. Unfortunately, negative patterns are seldom addressed early. Typically, it is not until our patterns become the source of suffering that we are willing to consider change, and by then, change is more difficult.
If you are learning a new skill, whether it is computer programming, or yoga, the best time to seek out a good teacher is at the very beginning of your journey, before you have developed bad habits. If it is already too late for that, then keep in mind that habits are easier to change than posture, and posture is easier to change than structure, but always remember, it is never too late to try.
This idea is close to my heart from personal experience. Having mastered table tennis, I taught myself how to play tennis. My freshman year at high school I made the tennis team. My form was based on table tennis, using my wrist to generate more top spin. I could not figure out why everyone did not play this way, as I could hit the ball harder and with better control than the other players. My ‘coach’ did nothing to correct my style, probably realizing that it would be difficult for me to relearn new habits, and besides, I was winning. By my Senior year, I had tennis elbow and to this day, have recurrent issues with my right arm and shoulder.
On the other hand, my very first yoga teacher, Arlene, helped me form good habits. Not just with alignment, but more importantly with my attitude towards yoga and myself. From her I learned to relax, to be patient and steady in my practice. From her, I learned not to force the pose, but rather to breath. By the time I turned twelve, these new habits were firmly established in my Yoga practice, and served me well over the years since then. This is why I still love to work with beginners, no matter their age!
Patterns can be useful at first, increasing our efficiency of action. This is there allure. But over time, patterns become habits and we suffer from a reduction of optionality. Even the best of habits are limiting. One recurrent theme among great spiritual masters throughout history is their unpredictability. Nothing is rote. They are not slaves to the past, projecting history into the future. They plant themselves in the present moment where anything is possible. J. Krishnamurti distinguished between practicing meditation techniques (which can be taught), and actual meditation (which he said cannot be taught). He compared the state of meditation with walking through a field of freshly fallen snow devoid of any footsteps, especially our own.
