The Patterns of Our Lives Reveal Us

Our habits eventually define us. Often, we have tried everything we can to change unhelpful behaviours. But nothing works.

Our habits often get in the way of cultivating a consistent yoga practice.

I recently changed a habit, so keep reading for a likely relatable example!

This blog is to help you consider a different perspective on commitment to a yoga practice. Especially when you commit - and perceive yourself as failing at that commitment.

I’ve been reflecting on

✨ habits
✨ discipline
✨ rhythms

Call it what you will but our habits shape our life and usually they are difficult to change.

Often people try them with some level of force and self brutality. Strict diets. Intense exercise regimes. Harsh inner talk.

None of this works.

Lately, I’ve been asking myself “what’s the function of this habit”

For example recently I’ve been staying up late watching old music videos with Rob. Then I feel hyped up and alive when I try to go to bed a little late.

Behaviour has a function.

So I asked: What is it I need?

In our house our kids are night owls. They have never gone to bed early or fallen asleep easily. And many people with teens know that late nights are often when your teen wants to have deep conversations. Also during the day Rob and I are often holding space for heavy, but beautiful stuff with clients. We need to process this work in some way.

It makes sense we want to have time to connect with each other, talk about life, music and what it all evokes. The structure of the family rhythm means this is happenning at 10pm.

Staying up late watching music videos serves a valid function. But it’s not a helpful habit.

So yesterday before dinner we went over the the National park to walk, Rob had a ride. I watched the sunset. We listened to music on the way back.

And went to bed at 10pm.

We got what we needed and made sure this developing habit didn’t stick.

Today we have a plan for an evening walk. We also have raincoats, so this walk is going to happen regardless, and we plan to eat dinner while listening to records.

Why am I telling you this?

Our next yoga challenge is here soon.

Importantly: It’s not about whether you COMPLETE 12 classes in the month. Sometimes it’s more interesting to figure out the reasons you didn’t.

And not to beat yourself up about it. Instead ask yourself: what is the function of your behaviour?

What gets in the way of you doing the thing that is good for your anxiety, pain, depression, stress, physical health or spiritual practice?

We know:

• Yoga helps anxiety
• Yoga helps pain
• Yoga helps depression
• Yoga helps hypertension
• Yoga helps stress
• Yoga helps manage trauma

Yoga is more than all these benefits, which can be understood through cultivating a consistent Sādhanā (practice).

But we get it’s hard to get on your mat sometimes. So when it comes to our yoga challenges:

Sometimes, not ticking all the boxes in the month gives you an even greater gift.

Seeing your patterns clearly so you can start to move towards doing something (small) about it. Because - from little things, big things grow.

And if you’re really stuck. Would you like to meet me weekly, start a daily practice and have me text you five days a week to help you change, or at least become aware of your habits? I have 2 spots left for the one-to-one Mind Body Reset starting in August.

To sign up for our twice-yearly yoga practice challenges, pop your name on the board at the school, or contact us for the livestream option, and we will add your name.

Remember - it doesn’t matter what classes you attend. Could be Yin Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Healing Hatha, Meditation. You can practice yoga with us in West Perth, or online.

Consistency is what is key. To develop a steady practice over time, needs us to examine the habits getting in the way.

And not just try to change them by force, but through an awareness of the function these habits serve.

Enjoy these words of Mary Oliver

Warmly,
Jean


What some might call the restrictions of the daily office, they find to be an opportunity to foster the inner life. The hours are appointed and named… Life’s fretfulness is transcended. The different and the novel are sweet, but regularity and repetition are also teachers… And if you have no ceremony, no habits, which may be opulent or may be simple but are exact and rigorous and familiar, how can you reach toward the actuality of faith, or even a moral life, except vaguely? The patterns of our lives reveal us. Our habits measure us. Our battles with our habits speak of dreams yet to become real.