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“Presence” in place of “Perfection” 

YOGA theme January 2020

Presence~  the state or fact of existing or being present in a place or thing.  

Perfection~ the action or process of improving something until it is faultless or as faultless as possible.

     I welcomed this month of January, to be more present and not jump into resolutions or what I call (re-"soul"-utions) or goals. There is a natural pause between the holidays and the start of a new year.  More downtime and a new year ahead can offer space for contemplation. Time to hibernate a bit, stay inside, maybe make a fire and set the phone or computer aside, and sit with a good book. I asked myself too, what if, in January, I was more present in my daily life.  Slow down and be open to letting the month unfold. Not rush to act, speak, or change my perspective with being in the world.

     January felt like the right time to focus on this theme.  For example, last week, my husband and I spontaneously invited some friends over for dinner, just one other couple, which is something that we typically haven't done.  It was a simple meal reconnecting with friends we hadn't seen in some time. Present and not perfect. We tried not to overthink adding more couples or creating the perfect evening or experience.   

     Tara and I shared this theme at the January Women's Wisdom Circle at EASE Yoga, and I used these words for my yoga students to reflect on throughout this month. Several students commented this theme resonated with them too. How often we are so absorbed with getting it "right" or making it "perfect" that we miss the point or miss moments that are meaningful because we are engrossed in perfection. 

     In the January Women's Wisdom circle, we talked about what our relationship is with the word perfect or perfection. Several women shared that they have a love-hate relationship with perfection. Or that they work so hard to make life perfect for their families and look back at how they could have been more present and let some of the expectations go. Sitting down to enjoy just being with family. Truly present with them.

     Try this idea of being present, with family members, co-workers, people you meet or friends.  Giving them your attention making eye contact, instead of multitasking, checking your phone as they are telling you a story.  Challenge yourself to mindfully enjoy a meal without the TV in the background, checking your email or social media.  

     We lose moments and opportunities when life becomes nothing but a blur. There is still time in January to ask yourself, can I be more present and what is my relationship with perfection?

The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” Rumi
 

Peace, Delia