Rest

Rest is a natural part of our well being. Without it, we suffer. Rest of body, rest of mind, rest of emotions. We crave peace. Take a break today and just be. 

To be content

Cultivating the capacity for appreciation. To see the good. Instead of seeing the leafless tree, notice the beautiful texture of the bark. Things may not be the best but I've seen worse. I may have put on extra weight but that means I've not gone hungry. Look for the good, find your contentment.

Whatever is lovely

I like the Bible verse that urges us to think on good things. It's a good practice to keep us happy.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." KJV Philippians

I kind of like the Aramaic translated version too: "Therefore, my brethren, those things that are true, those that are honorable, those that are righteous, those things that are pure, those things that are precious, those things that are praiseworthy, deeds of glory and of praise, meditate on these things."

Hedonic adaptation

Hedonic adaptation says that we get used to things and come back to a baseline. So no matter how much we acquire,  eventually we will get used to it and may feel we need to acquire more to feel happier again. We can get stuck on a hamster wheel. It can happen in relationships too. This article says that appreciation and variety can help: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-success/201208/how-keep-happiness-fading

Yoga teacher progress- the 8 limbs of yoga

I'm half way through my 200 hour yoga teacher training. Throughout our studies, we have discussed the eight limbs of yoga. Simplified, I would put them as this:

1. Yamas: how to live with others (nonviolence, truthfulness)
2. Niyamas: how to live with yourself (contentment, cleanliness)
3. Asana: training the body
4. Pranayama: training the breath
5. Pratyahara: quietness, self-reflection
6. Dharana: focus
7. Dhyana: training the mind (meditation)
8. Samadhi: peace, living in tune with the divine (God)

Namaste

What's your new year's resolution?

Make The Ordinary Come Alive