I recently returned from an incredible yoga journey to Guatemala. There I learned more about myself then I think I ever have before. What struck me the most was how incredible my body felt when given a healthy routine. We had a set routine everyday. I woke up at 6:25am, went to practice yoga from 7-9 ate breakfast at 9, lunch at 1 and dinner at 7. This was a continuous flow that allowed my body to become in synch with a natural rhythm. I was able to find peace and harmony within.
I didn’t realize how much my body craves rhythm…
Along with a yoga practice, we created a meditation practice that lasted 30 minutes everyday. It doesn’t matter how many times another individual tells you “you should be meditating everyday” once you do it on your own and see how it makes your body feel, only then can you make it a daily ritual.
I can tell you right off the bat that this was me… I was one of those people who other people felt the need to tell me that I needed to meditate everyday. They were absolutely right, but it wasn’t until I was pushed into a situation where I had to do it everyday did I actually commit.
Don’t ask me why this is, but I’m sure you can relate that when a person tells you “you should do this….” You’re most likely NOT going to do it!!
I can almost see you shaking your head because we all know it’s the truth.
Here’s my advice to you then: Whatever it is that you “should” be doing, get yourself to a place like a retreat or wellness center where it’s in your face everyday and you have nothing else to do but this “should” activity. Voila, in no time you’ll see how incredible it makes you feel and therefore it makes you want to fit it into your daily life.
I now have a set routine that I call my sadhana, which I practice everyday no matter what. It’s just as important as brushing my teeth (as my teacher, Will Duprey, says).
My stomach hasn’t felt this good in years. I almost feel cured!!
It’s almost as though a light bulb turned on and I’ve realized that I not only have to change my diet, but my meditation/breathing practice must be stepped up in order to create peace and calm inside my body.
In a stressful world and city, our bodies need a calm outlet. Give it that. Listen to your body and let it have what it needs.
Create peace and quiet within and let go of the negative energy, negative thoughts and simply bad attitude, it’s not worth it. If I told you that with each negative thought you were literally slapping your stomach would you continue to slap yourself over and over again?
Think about it…
Chill out and do something good for yourself today. Make your own sadhana, whatever that may be.
I’m always open for questions so please feel free to message me if you’d like.
Take care of your temple, that is your body of course!