Recently, I've decided to step back and take a look at things. For those of you steeped in yoga philosophy, it's known as svadhyaya (self-study). Lately, everything has become routine and somewhat boring for me. I dislike those phases when you feel like you're on "autopilot", but that's the way I've been feeling. So I decided to alter some things in my daily routine.
First on the list was yoga. Due to my erratic work schedule, I've noticed that I have attended classes with many of the same teachers. When i've practiced yoga at home, I've been more or less doing the same routine. Also, although I alter each class I teach, I've noticed that each class has been very similar lately.
How do we slip into autopilot? But more importantly, when that happens, are we able to recognize it and do we have the tools in place to slip out of that routine? I'm lucky to be surrounded by lots of peers who do not live on autopilot and they're all vivacious and fascinating people. They keep me in check and their fresh perspectives allow me to get myself out of a rut before it becomes a habit.
If you find yourself slipping into autopilot on a regular basis, take a few moments for svadhyaya (self-study). Look at your daily routines. Is there anything that you can slightly alter...a new route to work, waking up a little earlier for yoga, meditation, or journal writing before you start your day? Think of easy, no cost (or low cost) changes to your normal day. Sometimes these are enough to gain a fresh perspective. Sometimes we may also need to take a look at our friends/acquaintances. Do we feel energized after spending time with them, or do we feel drained? Are we surrounded by positive people, or Debbie Downer's and Negative Nancy's?
I think it's really important to periodically step aside and take a look at these things. All of us are presented with choices throughout our journey. From those choices, are we evolving or regressing?
