On Sunday, yes I know it’s currently Tuesday, but at yoga on Sunday we talked a lot about the need for balance. We talked about the importance of balance in our lives. It’s important to be busy and active and just as important to be calm and still and restful. Us Westerners - err lemme rephrase that - specifically myself - do not really practice this idea of “rest.” Yes, I love to sleep, but that is physically relieving the body of its activity, it is not being still or calm.

One of my favorite compliments I ever received was actually sophomore year in high school from Eric Seifert (crazy right?). He told me, “Corey Ann you are so well rounded.” Now, I don’t know if he remembers this, I don’t know if he really knew what he meant, and I don’t know why he said it. However, I do remember thinking at the time - yes! That is what I want to be! And still to this day, I enjoy the idea that I can be a well-rounded person. This to me means I am interested in all types of areas and experiences and topics. If you ask me to go to a sweat lodge - I’ll be down. If you ask me to go speed dating with you - I’ll be there. If you ask me to go to a Hustler Halloween party - I’ll bring the party.

I understand the idea of “balance” in terms of where my interests and skills fall in my life. Now I have to start understanding the idea of “balance” in the practice of my life.

Our homework this week was to do pranayama (breathing exercises) for 15 minutes everyday. Last night I did it for 6 minutes. Tonight I will try again for 15. It is very difficult for me to stop, lay down, focus on my breath, my eyes, my tongue, my nostrils, my lungs, and keep an empty mind for 1 minute let alone 15. But, that’s why we practice.

“Meditation is not something you do. It’s a state of being. Either you are meditating, or you are not.” -Nancy Kirkland (my teach)

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One Response to “A Bit of Self Indulgence”

1. Asha Says:
   November 15th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

   I think I may do some breathing exercises for a couple minutes as well…

   And you’re def well-rounded, which I am thinking is multi-talented!

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