5 Bad Habits to Drop in your Practice to Stay on Santa's Good Side
The holiday season is upon us, and just like Santa makes his list and checks it twice, we yogis also have our own list to consider. But fear not, I'm not here to judge; I'm here to help you refine your practice and transition gracefully from autumn's more severe Metal element energies, into the cozy embrace of winter and the holidays.
Grab your mat and let's make one final list of what to release from your yoga practice before the elemental season for letting go officially ends and winter hibernation begins. You'll stay on Santa’s good side and lighten up your practice in the process.
The Yoga Naughty List: 5 Bad Habits to Drop from Your Practice
1. Rushing Through Your Practice: I get it; the holiday season is full of lists, and sometimes you just want to check "yoga" off your to-do list. However, rushing through your practice is like speed-reading a gripping novel – you might catch the plot, but you miss the nuances and the magic. This season, slow down, if only on your mat. No matter the pace of the practice, embrace each pose, embody each breath, and experience each moment. Let go of the rush and savor the sweet stillness between the poses.
Time is relative. When you learn to savor the moments on your mat, you'll effortlessly become more present in interactions off the yoga mat. Meaningful interactions, even short ones, have lasting depth. Through presence, you'll make the most out of the time you have.
2. Self-Criticism and Perfectionism: If you practice yoga regularly, not every class is going to be a perfect 10 (whatever that means to you). Even the most dedicated yogi gets tired, lazy, distracted, overstimulated, underinspired, injured, and can have a superbly mediocre class!
Show yourself compassion and drop the self-criticism. Be constructive and observant. Noticing how your emotional state affects your physical asana practice is part of the yoga self-discovery process. Trade out self-criticism for self-observation.
3. Skipping Savasana: Oh, savasana, the sweet, sweet final resting pose so many of us love to resist! Savasana is a crucial element that integrates your practice into your psyche, leaving you both rested and rejuvenated. This season, embrace savasana like a warm, cozy blanket and let it nourish your body and soul.
4. Mindless Multitasking: Practicing yoga while mentally making your own lists and checking them twice? This season, drop the distractions. Dedicate your practice to yourself, your breath, and your body. Be present in every pose, and notice the magic that unfolds.
Undoubtedly, when I honestly focus on my body and breath during yoga practice, my mind clears and I open up to new ideas and solutions that my cluttered mind wasn't letting into my head previously. Many of my most creative ideas come to me effortlessly in the quiet space of yoga.
5. Neglecting Your Breath: Your breath is your anchor in yoga, and neglecting it is like setting sail without a compass. If you find yourself holding your breath or notice your mind wandering, you're missing out on the deep connection forged between breath and movement. This season, bring your attention back to your breath as if it's the first time you ever noticed your own inhale and exhale. Allow their rhythm to guide you through your practice.
In Closing
As the Metal element season comes to a close, now is the perfect time to release these "yoga naughty list" habits that no longer serve you. By dropping your rushing, self-criticism, that sneaky habit of skipping savasana, the mindless multitasking, and neglecting your breath, you'll create space for a more mindful, joyful, and present practice. And as you transition into the holiday season, remember that the greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-compassion and presence on and off the mat.
May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of yoga. Embrace the lessons from the yoga naughty list, and let your practice be a source of light and love as you navigate the winter months ahead.
Happy holidays and happy practicing!
Namaste,
Lara
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