Winter Slump?

Many of us start off the new year on a high note. We have perhaps made resolutions for better lives or lifestyles and have optimism and a positive attitude to boot. There is a palpable momentum of greatness potential in the air. Unfortunately, the winter can be a heavy, dark time that wears on good intentions. From this darkness can resurface bad habits, poor life style choices and cycles of negative thinking accompanied by doubts. This is what I call the winter slump. I myself have experienced quite a bit of this over the past few weeks.

What can we do? There is no way to avoid the ebb and flow of daily life and thus, it is inevitable that we will rise and again dip down into the depths from time to time. And yoga can not stop this process, it is not a superpower. But, what the practice of yoga can offer is the power of observation. From the "purusha" or observer's seat, your thoughts and behaviors can be seen by you, all by yourself! You can notice when you are down on yourself in your thoughts, over-indulging, under-exercising or whatever the behavior may be, and from that awareness determine "right" action. In other words, as soon as you notice a dip into negativity, bring your awareness there and redirect your energy, thoughts and practices to what works!

The daily practice of yoga breath-work (pranayama) or poses (asana) can offer a time and space for you to work this out. On your mat, you stop to breathe and focus comes into the feeling body. Whether you are lethargic, racy or balanced, the practice will balance you and bring you back to a centered feeling. Then, you are open to creating new possibilities of being on-track in your thoughts and behaviors. If you can not make it to the studio, or simply have no time today, spend a moment wherever you are. Root your heels onto the earth beneath you (or car floor or kitchen floor, etc) and feel the firm floor. Take a few slow, steady breaths and ask yourself: "How am I feeling? What are my thoughts? By simply noticing, the shift can begin within you! And once you redirect your thoughts and slow down to breath, others around you will perhaps catch your good vibes.

There is no permanent cure for what ails us. There is the practice of self awareness and that is part of what yoga asks us to develop and hone within ourselves. Even if you are not a yogi, this can be a powerful skill. Try it and see :)