Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter.

This is the third post in the Lessons from Miraval series, chronicling the various bits of knowledge I’ve gathered throughout my many visits to Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

The first page of Paulo Coehlo’s book, The Witch of Portobello opens with the perfect quote: “Nobody’s Perfect.” The quote’s author is listed as “Known Fact.”

In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell highlights the shared traits of many of the world’s most notable success stories. Gladwell challenges the belief that some people are born under a lucky star and thumbs his nose at the idea of prodigy. Gladwell asserts that it is the right time and place, coupled with copious amounts of practice (10,000 hours as a matter of fact!) which can lead to the largest results.

Outliers was one of those books that had been recommended to me so many times, and by so many friends, that I knew once I started I wouldn’t stop. No surprise, I flew through the first 100 pages and kept rolling right through until I finished, right before my last trip to Miraval in December.

Challenge? Bring. It. On.

As I headed into Miraval, practice was on my mind. What was most deserving of my attention? I might not have 10,000 hours, but Miraval is a forum for individuals to challenge themselves in a bounty of ways, most notably through exercise, yoga, challenge courses and reflection. I intended to look challenge in the eye.

Both eyes, actually.

Yet, practice is easier than it sounds. New experience invites challenge, challenge invites surrender.

When I first started to learn Spanish, I understood what was being said since I was fluent in Italian. But I couldn’t respond, except in Italian.

This, of course, was helpful to no one. I briefly gave up, believing my brain would never be able to unpack the partnership between Spanish and Italian.

Since then – and through a few other experiences – I’ve incorporated a new concept into my life. Well, I like to think I created it, though I’m sure someone else has thought of it before me. The concept is simple. Practice Patience.

It is a concept that can be used to ignite action, yet it is also a way for me to observe my practices and supply myself with the needed reminder that all learning of value requires both practice and patience.

While at Miraval, I endeavored to keep Practice Patience at the bow of my thought.

What Happened When I Practiced Patience?

I learned how to relax – again. Space and time removed from my everyday environment relaxes me. Yes, this can be done through physical relocation, but it can also be done through meditation. I do try to meditate, and sometimes it helps, but my brain tends to leap about just enough to convince me that I might be doing something wrong – even though I know there’s no wrong way to meditate.

At Miraval I was reminded of the miracle that is model meditation; the steady rise and fall of my breath as I surrendered to the quiet and closed my eyes to the world, allowing my mind to sigh with relief so that with open eyes, I could once again focus on the present.

I stood on my head. I was finally (!) able to get myself into a headstand during yoga. Funny that I had to be upside down to realize how much I want to push myself with these yoga challenges. I’ll be working with an instructor from Sonic Yoga in the coming months (thanks to Christa for the recommendation). More to come.

I went back to the beginning. I decided – and scheduled – my singing lessons. I’ve studied off and on over the years and, I admit, I miss it. I practiced for years, thought rock and roll stardom would come knocking on my door, but abandoned the dream once I realized success couldn’t be ordered through a drive-thru window.

While at Miraval, deep into my Practice Patience phase, I researched and found a vocal instructor in New York City who seems to share my life philosophy. We enjoy the same music and both consider ourselves eternal students of life. She confessed that even after her many years of teaching, she is and always will be a student. No one, she says, is above practice.

During my first class this week, part of my practice included flinging my arms in the air and singing Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” That’s a visual for you.

I hiked it out. Though I’m no stranger to the trail, it was while in Miraval that I realized how deeply ingrained my love of hiking truly is. Every time I go, I hike a different route. There is something about walking in the mountains or desert that is both calming and invigorating in equal measure. I want more of it.

Practice Makes Almost Perfect

Practice Patience can work for things we’ve already done and those things we still endeavor to do. Keep on practicing and you’ll be a master, they say. As humans, we strive to be perfect.

But what if practice simply helps us tap into what is already there – human beings with authentic creativity and lessons to be learned?

What are you practicing right now? What do you want to practice more of?

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