What are you practicing?

The sun exalted itself through the window, making clear that the night was over. Hot, I begrudgingly walked to the window to open it slightly to feel the cool morning air. It's wild to have such intense heat inside when the actual air is crisp, cool, and comforting. It's moments like this that I embrace the duality of my existence.

Just then, my calendar alarm reminded me of my daily meditation and physical practice time. Did I have to do it today? So tired, so not in the mood. A million excuses ran through my mind. This moment was a choice. A choice to practice what needs to be done or to practice ignoring my physical needs. After grounding myself in what I knew I needed, I exhaled and rolled out my mat.

We think that if we are not practicing something positive we are not practicing anything at all. We have practiced the following ways of being:

• Ignoring our bodies

• Complaining

• Ignoring our needs

• Focusing on people and ideas that frustrate us

• Wanting to change other people 

Today, we can make the intentional choice of noticing what we have been practicing to ask ourselves, “are these ways of being sustainable to my life?” If the answer is no, we can choose to begin the shift to create more balance while always holding ourselves with compassion. 

Make a list of the things you practice everyday. What feels spacious? What feels restrictive? It’s all about the balance that we can create from within.