Understanding when it’s time to adjust or when it’s time to find contentment
Two choices you can make, do you need to make an adjustment or can you find contentment where you are? This golden nugget came from a yoga class I recently took. It once more can apply to not only your yoga practice but life as well. This past weekend I went on a 20 mile bike ride with my 5 year old, he was on his own bike. We went his pace so it was a 5.5 hour journey with pit stops every 2 miles and a 45 minute lunch break. Instead of pushing him along I chose to find contentment in the journey. We had no plans and I cheered him on, we had a big celebration after he finished the 20 mile ride. Side note he wanted to go that far I thought we would build up to that over the course of the summer but he was ready now.
I’m sure there are places in your own life that you might be spinning your wheels. Maybe it’s a workout routine that you might need to make an adjustment to so you can find contentment with what your doing. Maybe you need to look at your evening routines to find contentment with the what you’re doing now. Instead of judging yourself of where you think you should be.
A great place to start reflecting on this question is the next time your in a yoga pose, or in a workout asking yourself do I need to make an adjustment or can I find contentment with this pose or exercise? The more you pause and reflect inwards vs outwards the more you truly listen to your own intuition & your body. Another way to stop the external noise is taking a social media break. I personally am taking time off social media through the summer and maybe longer. It’s something that takes me away from my own answers and I get consumed with what everyone else is saying & doing. That was an adjustment I made to help me find contentment. Where you can you apply that in your own life this week?
What’s your relationship with the in-between?
This past weekend in my 500 hour yoga teacher training one of my teachers asked us to explore the in-between. What does that mean? The transitions of your day. It might look like what you do in between yoga poses, why do you decide to take a break when you do, or not take a break when your body wants one? The transitions from work to home life, the transition from getting out of bed and starting your day. Do you flow through your day without noticing the transitions or do you bring intention to those transitions? I found for myself really reflecting on how I go about my day.
It’s extremely hard to be present 100% of the time. Sometimes our brains just need those autopilot moments, but if we can slow down and ask is there a better way for me to transition from work to home life? I have been exploring doing a yoga nidra practice when I’m done working to being present for my son and husband in my home life. I know past podcast guests have talked about parking their car before their kiddos could see them and meditating for 5 minutes to recenter themselves so they could leave work behind and be with their family when they got home.
If you have a spot in your day that you want to develop better habits around sometimes it starts with the pause. Noticing what would be something that can nourish me, and help me be more present vs turning on the autopilot button again. That can be around morning or evening routines, or even unconscious snacking in your day. Asking am I really hungry or am I avoiding feeling something, or doing a tough project?
These are all things I enjoy diving deep with my 1:1 clients. (Learn more here) If you’re wanting support around your habits, and wanting to understand what Ayurvedic practices would be best for you I would love to talk with you about your wellness goals and how Ayurveda can help you reach them.
What stories are you telling yourself?
We all have stories we tell ourselves. Whether they are right or wrong it’s the story we might have on repeat. I can never lose weight just doing yoga and light workouts, I could never wear that dress, I could never talk to that person. Some stories can be helpful while others could be holding us back from achieving what we really want in this lifetime. I’m in the middle of writing my book, while technically it’s written but now is the editing, picking out the cover, and the detail work. Not my personal strong points. I have wanted to just quit and say well I can just use the book as blog posts and podcasts for the next 2 years. But, I started telling myself a story, who am I to write this book, is it worth it, what if people hate it, and really doubting myself.
I opened it back up the last week and did a first round of edits myself and it is a good book. It does provide value, and the information in there is something I often give my clients but now it’s in one easy to locate book. I had to work through a story of who am I to do this to really see it’s a worthwhile pursuit. Now some stories that I’m personally still working through is working out and Ayurveda. Is it my ego that wants to believe I need the intense weight lifting sessions, is it my clinging to a physique I think I will achieve, or fear of letting go of something that has been part of my identity for 20 years that scares me. I don’t have the answer to that story but I do believe it’s worth sitting with a little longer before any decisions are made.
Weekly Challenge
I would invite you to look at what stories are you telling yourself that might not be true? Start with something easier before you start to move around the big rocks that might have you taking pause for a beat. I would love to say start with your workout as an easy first question but in reality that might be a big rock for you like it is myself.
Wanting to dive deeper with Yoga & Ayurvedic Practices?
Join us for our live 10 day slow down, tune in challenge that starts May 3rd. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and looking for practices that will help you find your center again this challenge is for you. Not only does it include daily 10 minute or less slow down practices, but a 1:1 coaching call with Andrea, and a restorative yoga/yoga nidra class to finish the 10 day experience. Plus a bonus snail mail gift to everyone who completes the challenge.
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