Happy New Year, dear friends! 🌟 As we step into this beautiful new beginning, I find myself pondering, not just about the usual New Year Resolutions, but about something deeper and more nurturing.
In years past, I've used my pitta drive and my vata "head in the clouds" approach to resolutions and scribbled down a list of ambitious goals. It felt like if I had a long list of life changing tasks, I could take on the "battle of life" and come out a warrior. Other times, I've leaned back, taking a more kapha approach, and wondered, 'What's all the fuss about?'
It's true, not everyone jumps on the resolution bandwagon each January. But, let's take a moment to reflect on our past resolutions. Think about their core essence. Were they about quitting something or starting anew? It's quite common, isn't it, to think about changing some aspect of ourselves?
Here's the thing: these resolutions, while well-intentioned, often stem from a 'yang' energy' you'll find your vata and pitta people going over and beyond the norm here. It's about doing, altering, striving. There's a time and place for that, certainly. Yet, Ayurveda and yoga teach us about balance – the dance between 'yang' (action) and 'yin' (acceptance); being more tri-doshic and eqaul in creativity, drive and rest.
When we look closely at our resolutions, we might notice they often come from a place of self-criticism. It's the opposite of AHIMSA - Self love in yoga. There's this subtle 'should' in our mindset. But let's pause and ask ourselves – why aren't we already perfect in our imperfections?
Ayurveda and yoga emphasize harmony between 'yin' and 'yang'. Yang is about change, passion, and achievement. Yin, on the other hand, is about embracing stillness, the beauty of the present, and finding extraordinary joy in the ordinary.
Our culture often nudges us towards constant change and improvement. Ads, media, and even well-meaning advice point us towards what we 'lack'. If we aren't getting better, consuming, or changing, what are we doing (LOL, living, that's what MSM!!)? But this year, let's try a different approach. Let's look within and ask ourselves – what if we simply accept certain aspects of our lives and ourselves as they are?
This isn't a call to abandon 'yang' resolutions entirely. They have their place. But every action has a reaction. It's important to consider – have these changes truly brought us closer to happiness, health, and contentment?
This year, why not embrace a 'yin' resolution? Accept something about yourself without the desire to change it. Maybe it's about loving your body as it is, embracing your emotions without judgment, or simply letting things be.
Imagine the freedom in this acceptance. The past might have been about giving up joys for a goal, but what if we choose to cherish these joys this year?
So, as we welcome 2024, let's invite more yin into our lives. Let's balance our 'doing' with 'being'. Let's practice yoga not just on the mat but in how we view ourselves and the world. Let's embrace Ayurveda's wisdom of holistic well-being. This year, let's resolve to accept, allow, and love – unconditionally.
Here's to a joyful, serene, and beautifully balanced 2024! 🧘♀️✨
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