Lately I have worked with some rogi's that are very hard on themselves. They have very high expectations of themselves and tend to judge themselves quite harshly if things are not going as they think they should be. This amazing Pitta quality is why they can do great things in this world - they make them happen. However, when the Pitta is too high, those expectations are too high, the desire for perfection is too high, and this can lead to frustration and a lot of self-judgment. Whether this is in regard to lifestyle changes, work deadlines, or anything else, this does not serve the overall wellness path of finding balance.
First off, the doshas can get vitiated every day, because that is the ebb and flow of life as we know it. What we can do is be gentle, and acknowledge the ever flowing ebb and flow so that we can add the opposite qualities to find that balance.
If a person is getting stressed and frustated over making a lifestyle change or changes, then it is simply too much. Step back. You have heard the term baby steps, yes? This is not a negative thing at all, though some hear it that way unfortunately This is frequently what is required to make the lifestyle changes that are necessary, rather than short-term changes that cannot last.
We are all different and habit change can be challenging. There are so many books written on changing habits that are best-sellers. That alone will tell you that the majority struggle with habit change, and there is no one way that works for every single person.
The irony is that those individuals who are hardest on themselves with being perfect, are the ones who need to not do that the most. Remember? Like attracts like leading to imbalance, whereas opposites create balance.
Whether it is because we arre in a new year and you are super motivated to make changes, or perhaps you are seeing myself or another practitioner who has recommended certain changes. Please be honest with yourself (and your practitioner) and please be gentle with yourself. Remember the phrase "Life is about the journey, not the destination." This is so true on so many levels. It is about the process of making those changes and noticing what comes up for you, and learning and growing from that. The same concept can be applied to yoga. We are all different bodies and asana is going to look different in all of us - that is normal! It's not about getting to the final asana shape, it is how you are in whatever shape/asana/krama you are in.
Be present. Be gentle. Try small steps instead of giant ones if that is your tendency. Give yourself grace. The only constant in life is change, it's inevitable, so creating balance in our bodies requires we go with the flow of change.
Happy February!
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