Teaching Tip for the New Year: Avoid the “detox” talk.
We aren’t toxic dumpsters that need to be purified and cleansed of sugar and alcohol.
We are enough. We are whole. And we are the embodiment of divinity, itself.
Let students delight in the joy of being alive, even if that means a few too many Sugar ‘n Spice cookies.
~Margo Rosingana, Maine Yoga School~
Oh how I love this! It is so easy to fall into the habit of self-punishment during this time of year to “make up” for the indulgences of the holiday season. What if, instead of punishing ourselves for what we’ve done, we celebrate it and then just move on? If you’ve been away from your mat or other routines, try not to dwell too much on it. You can always come back – that’s the beauty of it.
Of course, it’s really easier said than done. Let’s keep it real – I do this every year. During the holidays my entire schedule gets messed up and I spend the first half of January trying to claw myself out of the routine-less hole I’ve dug for myself. I feel lethargic and bloated and kind of gross. The lack of regular schedule has my mind in a state of total vata derangement. I am tired. BUT, for the first time in a long time, what’s missing from this re-entry into normalcy is regret. I binged on yummy food and cookies and booze and movies and late night visits with family and friends. I practiced less and celebrated more. It was a thing of beauty.
So yes, I am ready to get back into rhythm, but I don’t need to “cleanse” myself of the good times I had … and neither do you.