You don’t have to constantly abide by someone else’s rules.
You don’t have to do everything the way they tell you.
There is no “right” way to do anything.
You really don’t HAVE to do anything.
Live life on your own terms.
There is no right way to do anything. There are an infinite number of ways to get any result.
Two areas in which I caught myself falling into preconceived “right ways” were Yoga and Meditation. I always felt like I HAD to do these things to achieve a clear mind and access greater awareness. And I would literally force myself to do them, because I thought it was what I needed to do.
But you know what I realized? I feel better doing my own thing.
I always felt like I had to “officially” do yoga to release bodily tension, become more flexible, and achieve greater piece of mind. I felt like I needed to sign up for a yoga class and wear spandex (or whatever it is you’re “supposed to do”). But then I realized… I don’t really want to do yoga. I just want the inherent benefits.
I like lifting, specifically bodyweight training. That’s my thing. But what I do to supplement that training is mobility work, bioenergetic exercises, and some stretching. All yoga-esque in nature. I incorporate it in the morning, as a warm-up for my workouts, and whenever I feel tense or stiff. And you know what? It works for me. I don’t need to “officially” do yoga to get similar effects.
The other practice is meditation. Like most people, it’s difficult for me to “traditionally” meditate; sitting cross-legged for extended periods of time. Sitting like that is uncomfortable for me. I’d rather lie down.
So what I do instead of regular meditation is two different things.
One is to lie down (on my back with my eyes closed) and simply focus on my breath for a minute or two. Focusing on the breath encourages deep breathing , allowing the body to naturally relax as the mind enters a state of non-thinking.
The other is to lie on my back, eyes closed, and move my awareness through each part of my body, from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. I feel the energy vibrating through my body and my body becomes deeply relaxed. Also, focusing the mind (awareness) ceases all incessant mental chatter, which is very calming.
I really enjoy doing these things (unlike “regular” meditation). They don’t take much time. They clear my head and leave me feeling rejuvenated afterwards; all without sitting cross-legged in the woods for hours.
So next time someone says you have to do something, you probably don’t.
Next time someone says their way is the only way, they’re lying like Pinocchio.
Don’t feel pressured to do something, or do something a certain way.
Don’t be afraid to trust your own intuition and do things your way.
There are infinite ways to reach the same end.
Be ya self!
-Stevie P
