The Perfect Yogi...

Recently, two friends came to visit me from Santa Rosa and we went for a DELICIOUS dinner at the Water Boy.
Together we were comparing my life in Hawaii as a Yoga Teacher and Studio owner with my life now in Sacramento... as a Yoga Teacher and Studio owner.:)

In Hawaii: I was very conscientious about living a healthy lifestyle- some might say a little extreme. My husband certainly did when I was 9 months pregnant and begging him to get me deep fried zucchini on a stick while I hid in the car for fear of being seen by a yoga student. After all- generally I would only be at the health food store, eating organic food and abstaining from caffeine and alcoholic beverages regardless of pregnancy... setting a good (and YOGIC) example.

In Sacramento:... a little older, a mom now, a tiny bit further along on the yogis path, in a bigger city (sort-of), sipping red wine, finishing pork belly (Yes, pork belly), and ordering Port for dessert ...setting a (Good, Yogic??) example as a Yoga student says hello from the bar. (And incidentally sends another round of port- very much appreciated, Thank you Steve!)

So, the question is: Somewhere between Hawaii and Sacramento, did I actually stumble off the path to enlightenment, loose my way and then begin to walk backwards in the opposite direction? ...Or is it possible that we can enjoy the delights of the world in moderation AND stay committed to a life of Spiritual Practice, inquiry and Yoga?

My opinion may sound like a convenient excuse (and very well could be!) but I am a modern Yogi living in the 21st century and if I am to be completely honest... missing out on good (or even deeply fried!) food and an occasional glass of wine while hiding the truth about myself in the car seems to be missing the point. The yogis path is a journey and we must set priorities along the way. And these days, in Sacramento, I choose my priorities NOT because they are easier or more convenient, but because they seem more effective and more important to me. I chose to practice non violence by not yelling at my daughter or my husband and by being kind to almost everyone I interact with, but so far I still eat meat (which some would say is FAR from non-violent). I buy mostly organic food at the grocery store, but eat out regularly (organic or not!), drink wine and sometimes even a lychee martini, even though some would say I am polluting my body and the earth with toxins. I chose to be honest about my life and my practice, even though sometimes that means I set a bad example for yoga students! I chose balance over extremism... but sometimes I do use the attainment of balance as an excuse to let a priority slide and sometimes I do yell at my daughter and sometimes I exaggerate and/or omit the truth... and then, in the spirit of yoga, I start again. Because each moment is a chance to do just that. To truly practice yoga takes hard work, commitment and the best of intentions. --But it does not require perfection. Luckily. So don't be hard on yourself, don't be hard on others, set your own priorities, work very hard every day to fulfill them, and when you slip...Start again. Enjoy your life along the way!


Please post your comments, questions or topics for discussion.
Have a beautiful day!
Cori