Yoga does not make you a better person.

Nor does mindfulness nor Tai Chi nor sitting in a cave.

I’m still crazy after 15 years of meditating. Ask my husband.

~

What makes you a better person is what you bring to these practices. Your willingness to change. Daily. It’s what do with the information you get from these practices that matters.

You could meditate for 50 years, not do anything with the information you get from your practice, and be the most raging arse on the planet. (You might understand the deeper truth that you’re more than just this jerk, but you’re still choosing to be the jerk.)

Seriously.

On the other hand, you could take, for instance, what you learn about your anger issues in these practices, apply a few self development tools and make great strides.

Even then, some things are easy to shift and others incredibly difficult. It’s not a perfect system by any means.

~

There’s no need to look up to people because they practice something.

Instead, notice if they’re doing their self development work. That’s the useful bit.

And then realize that you can do self development while washing the dishes. In fact, it’s possible that’s even better because there’s no cultural glitz attached and at least the dishes get cleaned!

~

If you were thinking you’d be a better person if you’d just start/keep practicing regularly, don’t. Don’t waste your precious mental energy.

Or your time.

If you’re really serious about being a better person, about living a better life, all you need to do is pay attention to yourself.

Notice what’s working and what isn’t, and do more of the first and less of the second.

If you need help adjusting the balance, find a short video or article about what you’re wanting to change and play with what they suggest.

Simple.

Don’t turn it into something bigger than you. No yoga pants or meditation cushion needed. Just you, your determination and attention.

~

Let go of what you’re not doing, or what someone else is doing. Let go of looking outside of yourself for something to fix you. Not your practice. Not your teacher. Not your precious future goals.

Grab a hold of what you have right now and do what you can now.

Go for it. One step at a time will get you a long, long way.

Enjoy the ride.

(Happily, you can’t miss it, cowgirl. You’re on it right now… which could scare you or excite you depending on what you decide to do right now.)