Finding Joy in the Present Moment
Happy New Year, beautiful souls!
January always feels like a deep, collective exhale. It’s that magical time of year when we feel the pull to renew our commitments, spark something new, and find gratitude for exactly where we are standing right now.
While scrolling through social media recently, I stumbled upon a quote by Linda Sparrowe that stopped me in my tracks:
“Yoga begins right where I am – not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.”
It’s so simple, yet so profound. It fits perfectly with our theme for this month: Back to Basics.
Breaking the “Story” of Your Practice
How many times have you stepped onto your mat and immediately started a mental commentary?
- “I hate this pose; I always wobble.”
- “Yoga isn’t for me… I can’t even touch my toes!”
- “Look at me! I finally nailed this, I hope I can do it again.”
When we say these things, we aren’t actually practicing in the present. We are living in the past (what we used to do) or the future (what we hope to achieve). In yoga philosophy, we have two specific terms for these mental traps:
- Raga (Attachment): Clinging to the “pleasant” moments or the poses we’re “good” at.
- Dvesha (Aversion): Pushing away or avoiding the things that feel difficult or “unpleasant.”
Both raga and dvesha act like little walls we build around ourselves. They limit our curiosity and stop us from truly exploring what our bodies can do today.
What “Back to Basics” Really Means
Going back to basics isn’t just about practicing your Downward Dog or learning how to breathe; it’s about radical self-acceptance. It means accepting whatever condition you show up in today—stiff, tired, energetic, or distracted—and doing what you can to the best of your ability in this very moment. It’s a “no-judgment zone.”
The “Wobble” is Part of the Work
If you lose your balance in Tree Pose today, try this: just smile. Maybe even give yourself a little giggle! Then, simply step back into it.
Tell yourself: “It is what it is. I’m here to explore and enjoy, no matter what.” When we strip away the expectations of what a pose “should” look like, we find the real heart of yoga.
A Simple Reset: The “Equal Breath”
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by New Year’s resolutions or just need a moment to center yourself, try this Sama Vritti exercise. It’s the ultimate “basic” tool for calming the nervous system.
- Find a comfortable seat (at your desk, on your mat, or even in your car).
- Exhale fully through your mouth to clear the lungs.
- Inhale through your nose for a slow count of 4.
- Exhale through your nose for that same slow count of 4.
Repeat for 5 rounds. As you breathe, notice if your mind tries to rush the count. If it does, just smile, soften your shoulders, and start the count again. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about coming back to the center.
I can’t wait to see you all on the mat this week as we wobble, breathe, and begin again—together!