Have you ever noticed that the most meaningful things in life don’t come easy? Why is that?
Bikram would often tell his students: “The hard way is the right way.”
I’ll admit, when I first heard this, I thought, Really? Isn’t there an easier way? But over time, I realized he was right. The hard way isn’t about unnecessary struggle—it’s about taking the path that challenges us, grows us, and leads to transformation.
Take yoga, for instance. The hard way might be holding Triangle Pose for those last few seconds when your legs are trembling and your mind is screaming, “Why are we still here?”
It might be showing up for class on a day when staying in bed feels like the only reasonable option. But when you stick with it, something magical happens. You build more than strength—you build resilience. And isn’t that what life is about?
What Does It Really Mean?
The hard way is about embracing discomfort and growth. It’s the path where you push beyond the voice that says, “You can’t,” and prove to yourself that you can. In life, the hard way might look like sticking to a promise you made to yourself, even when it’s inconvenient, or having a difficult conversation that leads to a breakthrough.
I used to think life should flow smoothly if you’re on the “right path.” But the truth is, growth lives on the edge of discomfort. And it’s on the hard path where you find your strength, your courage, and sometimes, your purpose.
This reminds me of the bamboo farmer. You’ve probably heard this story before, but it’s worth revisiting because it’s such a perfect illustration of Bikram’s teaching.
A farmer plants bamboo seeds and waters them every day. Every. Single. Day. He waits. A year passes. Then two. Then three. Still, nothing happens. Most people would give up, but this farmer doesn’t. He keeps tending the soil and watering the seeds, trusting the process.
Finally, in the fifth year, the bamboo shoots up 90 feet in just six weeks.
What was happening all those years?
Beneath the surface, the bamboo was growing a complex root system strong enough to support its towering growth. Without those roots, the bamboo couldn’t survive.
This is the hard way in action. All those years of quiet effort, unseen progress, and unwavering belief build the foundation for something extraordinary.
Why It Matters
So, the next time you’re in a yoga class, holding a pose that feels impossible, or facing a challenge in life that seems too big to handle, remember this: “The hard way is the right way.”
The work you’re putting in—even when you can’t see immediate results—is laying the foundation for something greater. Every small step, every ounce of effort, every drop of sweat is strengthening your roots.
I’ll be honest—this lesson didn’t sink in right away for me.
Years ago, when I first started teaching, I struggled to hold onto this belief. There were moments I wanted to quit, especially when life felt overwhelming. But every time I showed up—whether on the mat, in the studio, or just in life—it got a little easier. And when I look back, I realize those hard moments shaped who I am today.
What about you?
What challenges are you facing that feel like the “hard way”?
How might those challenges be preparing you for something bigger?
The hard way isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s where we discover what we’re truly capable of. So, keep going. Water those bamboo seeds. And when the time comes, you’ll be ready to rise.
Let me know—what’s your “bamboo story”? I’d love to hear how you’ve embraced the hard way and what it’s taught you. Sometimes, sharing our journeys makes the path feel a little less lonely.
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