New Year, is here again, and probably followed by another round of resolutions that will fall by the wayside in the near future. Do not worry, we are all in the same boat!
In Yoga we often talk about Yama and Niyama, or as Swami Satyananda Saraswati defines them as social and personal codes, as the initial two stages of Raja Yoga. Most people who practice Yoga are aware of the second and third stages, Asana (postures) and Pranayama (the control of the breath or life force), missing out the first two stages. It is however appropriate to bring them into the conversation at this time of the year as they marry nicely into the 'resolutions' mentality.
Having social and personal codes (or ethics) is, or should be, part of life, they are certainly part of Yoga. I often talk about Ahimsa (the first Yama) meaning to do no harm; and that means to both yourself and others. A good place to start with any resolution is to look after yourself, through sensible eating or sensible exercise, I use sensible advisedly, as over eating or under eating or just eating the wrong foods, as well as over exercising can be equally harmful.
When entering into relaxation at the end of a class we sometimes add in a 'resolve', that is often a short term resolve to focus our attention on a positive aspect of the practice. The short term aspect should be achievable and as I work in a business that is all about SMART, the achievable and measurable elements are paramount.
So what is the message here? Well, think about your New Year's resolutions, make them achievable, do not set ridiculous goals i.e. I am never going to eat chocolate again (never going to happen)! Take it one day at a time and if you fail do not beat yourself up about it. Get back up and begin again. One days success can be followed by two, three and four...
Many Yoga students tell me they have no time to practice at home, it is one lesson a week or bust! If you have you own mat just 'sit on it', if you actually sit on it you are more likely to do something than staring at it rolled up in the corner. Take a forward bend followed by a back bend whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, take some deep breaths whilst waiting in the supermarket queue or just stop and relax for 30 seconds when things are going pear shaped; it's all good Yoga.
