Oh, the nemesis pose. You know the one. You dread it from its first mention. You recoil inside. Your muscles tighten. Your mind begins thinking, thinking. You hold your breath, scrunch your face, maybe even let out a disgruntled noise. You know the pose. You probably even know a few of them. The nemesis pose is that pose you just don’t like. Period. You try to avoid it at all costs.

We all have nemesis poses. They challenge us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Take a moment to think of your nemesis pose if you haven’t already identified one.

Now, I’d like you to get reacquainted with this pose. In fact, pretend you are meeting it for the first time. Let all your grievances against this pose be like the judgments you might place on something before really getting to know it. Like judging a book by its cover. Then, recognize that your relationship to this pose is superficial — like judging a book by its cover before actually reading it.

Then begin to cultivate curiosity about what positive qualities this pose has to offer you. What might this pose be teaching you? Next, get to know this pose. Spend more time with it. Invite it to each practice. Stay with it for a few more breaths than usual. Notice what is happening in your body and mind while you are in the pose. When you find your mind agitated, notice that, and then find your breath. Find ease in your exhalation, and stay with it for a bit longer.

Over time, your relationship to this pose will change. But like any difficult relationship, it takes practice. If you come to your nemesis pose as a student to a teacher, the dynamic will change. You will begin to notice qualities of this pose you never did before. Be open to this possibility. Next time you are inclined to practice all your favorite poses, remember your nemesis poses, for they have the potential to take your practice to places your favorites could never go — if you let them.