practice without practice

I am almost done with the first month in my year of experiments. The idea was to start a new practice or habit every month and practice it daily until the next month. The current status? I did practice Shiva Nata every day, up until today.

Today, I just did not have time. Well, I don't know if that's entirely true. I am pretty sure that I could have squeezed it in somehow. But I had to run errands, drive the pup north to boarding, haul water from a nearby apartment to my apartment (our building had no water yesterday/today), perfect a handwriting style, make a birthday card, and pack. I didn't really want to squeeze a Shiva Nata practice followed by a nap in there.

In the past, this would have made me feel like I failed. The whole perfection thing, you know. Never mind that the year of experiments was supposed to be a good thing. I missed a day, ergo I failed.

But it occurs to me that in a sense, I did practice. I took the time to think about my day and about whether the practice would fit in the day, and deliberately chose not to do it. The best part - I didn't feel guilty at all. I am counting this as a success.

I still haven't decided on next month's practice. I am leaning towards yoga or drinking water. My back is requesting yoga. The rest of me is requesting water. We'll see who yells loudest.

Comments

[Kate D]

Maybe you should drink water while practicing yoga. :)

[Josiane]

There are so many ways to practice Shiva Nata without "practicing" it. And as you said, you did practice. You learned about how an old pattern has changed, you also got to experience a new one and you interacted with it. This is all very shivanautical. :)

[Julie M.]

That is an awesome idea! Just practicing something daily for a month to start... And bravo for not feeling guilty for choosing to skip a day.

I was thinking the other day. You'd be a really good life coach. Something to incorporate into your business? It's fun to follow your journey and I often find myself having mini self-revelations along the way. :)

[elizabeth --]

@Kate: Hee. I fear the water would never make it to my mouth. ;)

@Josiane: True! Except I still have a hard time considering anything but the physical practice itself as practice. Even writing the numbers feels like I'm cheating somehow.

@Julie: Thanks for the idea! I've considered it off and on .. but there are a lot of great life coaches out there; I think I'd rather visit/recommend them instead. :)