Posts In: santosha

The Best Gift Ever

December 21, 2018

by Laura McCorry

It’s December and like many of you, I’m making a list and checking it twice, trying to find thoughtful gifts for all the people I love best. Holiday shopping has never been easy, but in recent years I’ve decided my gift-giving should be eco-conscious, ethically-sourced, and in line with minimalism, as well as something that will bring joy to the recipient. Phew.

You know what we don’t need this holiday season? Another gift guide listing things to buy. Even the most-desired, best-chosen gift in the world cannot make you happy. Happiness is something you have to make within yourself.

For yogis, happiness (or contentment) is the moral observance of Santosha, one of the niyamas. Through this lens, happiness is not something you have, it’s a way of being and something you practice.

The Best Gift Ever? THE Present. The actual present moment. 

Here are 6 ways to enjoy the present moment this holiday season:

  1. Breathe. You don’t need to follow a specific pranayama, or breath control technique. Just observe your breath as you inhale and exhale. Breathe slowly, without effort, until you feel calm.
  2. Let Go. Let go of things you wanted to do. Let go of parties you don’t want to attend. Let go of your expectations for others. Let go of your expectations for yourself. There are so many burdens you can simply drop.
  3. Observe. What is happening right this moment? Between our calendars, the pull of the internet, and social media, we are too often caught swirling somewhere virtual. Ground yourself mentally in the same place as your physical self. Then anchor your mind were you are at that moment, (not the past or the future) the present.
  4. Care for Your Needs. It’s hard to be present and at peace when you’re really hungry. Or too tired. Or your feet are too cold. Take a break to feed yourself, go to bed earlier, or put on some socks. Your body will thank you for noticing.
  5. Give Your Full Attention. Helping others makes us feel good! That’s why we like to give gifts. Give the gift of your full attention to whoever is closest. Make eye contact. Truly listen.
  6. Set a Reminder. It can be as simple as an alarm on your phone or a meditation app or anytime that you think of chocolate or coffee, that will prompt you once a day. Take a few minutes each day to breathe and check in with yourself.

Laura McCorry

Laura McCorry
Contributing Writer

Yoga and Laura had an on-again-off-again relationship from 2004 until 2009 when they decided to move in together and there’s been no looking back since. Passionate about both yoga and writing, Laura loves to introduce others to the joys and benefits of yoga and healthy living.

Contact: laura(AT)yogaonesandiego(DOT)com

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The Moose In the Middle of the Road

December 6, 2017

by Laura McCorry

It’s been said that life is about the journey, not the destination – but if you’re traveling with a toddler, just packing for the journey can feel like outfitting a polar expedition. Getting on the road with the family can be the hardest part!

I recently attempted this challenge, on an annual trip to the mountains to visit loved ones. The car ride itself is five hours without stops, and we wanted to arrive well before the two year old’s bedtime. I very quickly felt stressed about remembering everything to bring and anxious about keeping the kiddo entertained.

We have a cd of kid’s tunes we play in the car and this is one of the songs:

“Try to move a moose in the middle of the road, he’s much too big for you.
He’s ten feet tall and that’s not all, he weighs a ton or two.
When you can’t drive under, you can’t drive over, and you can’t drive around,
you have to wait for the moose to move although it slows you down.
But what’s your hurry, don’t you worry, don’t you know it’s true –
it may take a month or two, but the moose is bound to move.”

If you keep listening, the moose decides to take a nap, cars pile up on both sides, and eventually, everyone gets out of their cars and befriend the moose, taking pictures with him and scratching his chin.

In my yogic journey to the present moment, always trying to arrive, I don’t often embrace the obstacles in my path. I think that’s hard for most of us. What would happen if we did? Would the obstacles change, would we ourselves change, or both?

Yoga teaches us to observe the present moment, to sit with discomfort, to notice our reactions before acting upon them. All of these mindfulness techniques run counter to our culture of more, better, faster. Before you get caught up in the busy-ness of the last months of the year, try to observe the obstacles in your path. Maybe the “obstacle” is an important part of the journey.

As it turned out, we had everything we needed for the trip, the toddler didn’t have a single meltdown in the car, and we even enjoyed stopping to stretch our legs while appreciating the crisp air and fall colors. I hope you find the same joy in whatever journey you undertake.

Laura McCorry

Laura McCorry
Contributing Writer

Yoga and Laura had an on-again-off-again relationship from 2004 until 2009 when they decided to move in together and there’s been no looking back since. Passionate about both yoga and writing, Laura loves to introduce others to the joys and benefits of yoga and healthy living.

Contact: laura(AT)yogaonesandiego(DOT)com

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