Don't Worry Be Happy

Hello and Welcome one and all!  Thanks for stopping by. I've been away from the blog for a minute there, but a world goes on and sometimes it rolls fast. I'm sure you understand.  Just now I got struck with a bit of yogic inspiration washing dishes...so obviously I stopped doing all my responsible chores and hopped on the computer. As is tradition.

I was listening to Pandora, and the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFarrin came on. This song is probably one if not the most notorious "happy" songs in the history of modern music. Honestly, it was so popular that even Bobby McFarrin admitted to being sick of it. True story. But for some reason, this time after hearing this song so many times bebore, I really heard this song. Sometime around the second time he told me to "don't worry, be happy" I came to realize that one of the greatest benefits of practicing yoga (not just hatha, but exploring the other areas as well) you are given the tools to give the power back to you when deciding to be happy, and not to worry. I wholeheartedly admit that life throws a lot of "curve balls your way."And sometimes shitballs get tossed in the mix as well.  I think we can all agree that obstacles are a big part of life, but really what good does worrying do? I will say one thing about worrying...its easy.  But much like in a hatha yoga class where you have to balance letting go and firming/engaging your body, in order to have a centered life, you have to learn how to balance thoughts that should be let go (worries) verses thoughts should be meditated upon.

I'd like suggest a couple of things that have helped me to balance my thoughts.  And for the record, yes I still worry.  Its a natural thing.  BUT, with a consistent yoga practice, I have made a lot of progress filtering thoughts that don't serve me, and to rationalize why these thoughts should be thrown out.  With a crazy woman brain, these filtering tools have made a much happier person.  So here are some yogic tips to deal with your life matters:

1). Think about what is consuming the mind. Money, relationships, confidence...the list can go on and on. Instead of allowing emotions, assumptions, and fear to take over...simply accept what you're worrying about.  Money? Health? Relationships. Target the topic and stay with it. No judgments..they're just going to get in the way.After you zone in on what you're thiinking about, catagorize these worries in columns of "things in my control, and things out of my control."

2). Once you've decided whats in your control and whats not, start taking action for both. If you have it in your control, what exactly is in your control? Do you have the option to get to a gym? Do you have access to the internet, thus access to infinite information? Do you know someone who might know someone who knows someone that could maybe kick you down with what your searching for? Get creative, and look at all angles of how you can move up and away from a mind consumed with worry.

If the topic at hand is not within your control, well then I have to say, is this really worth thinking about then? Or at least, keeping it at the front of the thought list? Think about it like this: think back to when you were a child and you first realized that this world is "less than perfect," to put it tamely. I mean like, learning about or even when sometimes you're better at something than someone else, but you're never going to recognized as the "best" (PS: F U elementary softball all star choosers. Not that I'm still bitter, cuz I'm yogic now, bitches).  These realities are very important life lessons.  They teach you that there are big things in this world that you can't control.  And to those things, I think it would be in you're best interest to just let it go.  Not let it go in the sense that it doesn't matter and can't be influenced, but let it go in the sense that its bigger than you, and you're going to have to make a plan----be strategic----where each step gets you closer to making the situation in your control again. But worrying with no action...its a waste of time.

Again these are rationalities that I have found to help comfort me when my mind goes amuck. They just make sense to me, and a large part about understanding yoga is that it should make sense to you...that's why its such an individual and universal practice.  Another thing that I like to turn to when I'm stressed out is to do a quick go over about all the things I have that I be appreciative for. I call them my "appreciatives." Now, don't get jealous, because I pretty much have a kick ass life, but I'm going to list the things I treasure in my life to give you some examples:

• I live in Santa Cruz, Ca. By far one of the most beautiful places on earth.
• I have a job and steady income. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm broke..I strive to make the poverty line. But I do have enough money to keep me alive.
• I have the ability to use motor skills, to use my mind, and have all 5 senses
• I have people in my life who I love and who tell me they love me back
• I have the freedom to walk out my door with a sense of security that I will come back safe
• And, probably one of my most favorites, I have the ability to listen to music. I love music, and its a gift to have it in my life. 

So those are my appreciatives and I hope they give insight to what you could consider an appreciative that can combat those incessant thoughts that just bring you down.  What are some of yours?

Whelp, looks like that's gonna sum up this entry, I hope something at some point encouraged you to think.  Thanks for checking in, and of coarse questions comments and concerns are welcomed.

Cheers and Namaste,

Roxy