Stress-Free Holidays Embrace Imperfection.

My first real post of my new blogging life. A fitting way to start the new year I think.

So, I've been thinking quite a bit about the stress of the holidays for many people. I've never had to worry too much as this is not a big family time for us as Hanukkah observers, but I feel empathy for many of my students and friends. Time spent frantically running around trying to make things "perfect" for family and friends. Nothing could be more stress-inducing than that one word, "perfect". It sets my teeth on edge just typing it.

Perfect implies no room for error. Do or die to get it right. The perfect present, the perfect meal, the perfect hostess. In some ways, perfection even elicits a sort of inhuman robotic quality to mind. Martha Stewart has a lot to answer for in my mind. (Just kidding. Kinda.)

I'll never forget the few times in my life I thought my life depended on doing something exactly right. Bringing home a newborn baby was one such episode. For the first few weeks of her life I fretted and worried more than I ever have in my life. If anyone so much as breathed on that child I broke down into tears fearing that she would be irreparably harmed. I had the pediatricians office on speed-dial. I once called because her hands were too cold, "didn't that mean something horrible was happening?" I asked the poor advice nurse. My daughter's first few weeks of life on this planet were cooked into a stew of anxiety, worry, and fretting over perfection. I think of this now and realize that my child is often anxious, worried, and concerned with doing things perfectly. Hmmmm. Maybe the way we approach things sets the tone? Maybe if yoga and meditation had been a part of my life way back when, my daughter would now be a relaxed and fearless adventurer? I don't know the answer really, but I do know that since I've let go of being the "perfect" parent I smile more and worry less. I know that life is going to throw us curve balls and my husband and I will either catch them or let them go. The world won't end and we'll be happier at the end of the game.

So, this very long-winded post is really about reminding you to take stock of how you're feeling right now and deciding if it's worth it to feel stressed and out of control for a few days or if maybe setting the tone of "good enough" will make the memories sweeter for a lifetime. What do you think? I'd love to hear from you on this.

Sending you all wishes for a joyful and relaxed holiday season and New Year.

Namaste,

Jan

YogaGalNW

This is the new site of my blog.

www.yogagalnw.com

I'm over it today. Petalsyoga was just a phrase I made up to explain to my students how to be gentle with their bodies and to listen carefully to the nuances of each asana. You know, open gently if you are tightly furled like a rosebud or work on strength if you are as floppy as a full-blown rose. I can do that without petalsyoga. I think people can still find my blog now so I'm happy. In fact it has inspired me to try a whole new layout... stay tuned to this spot!

Thanks for the support, advice, and love,

Jan

End of my blog

I will not be using this blog after being served with a cease and desist letter today by someone who has trademarked the name Yoga Petals. I'm sad to lose all of my friends here but I'll try to start anew soon. Right now I'm just deeply saddened that another member of the yoga community is feeling threatened by my use of a term that to me means simply being open and receptive to the beauty of your body. For the record, I've never made one penny out of PetalsYoga. I'll leave this up just long enough for my friends to read and then the whole blog will come down.

Wishing you all peace and love,

Jan

Shop to be a hero.

A way to help a family in need brought to my attention by my friend Kavita at Bodaat.


Shop for Anissa Day

Here's why she needs our help:

http://www.hope4peyton.org/

I must run but I wanted to get the word out.

Sending hugs and happy holiday wishes to you all,

Jan

Want to meet a real sweetie?

Nope, this blog isn't turning into a dating service. We've just adopted a new pup. Her name is Lolly because she's as sweet as candy. We rescued her from the pound and we feel like we won the lottery. The pound told us she was a beagle but I've never seen a beagle that looks like Lolly before. Izzy thinks she's got some Dachshund in her and I totally agree. In any case, she is an absolute dream of a dog. She's trained, follows directions, is loving, and only barks when another dog comes too close. Can you tell that we are absolutely besotted with her?

Pics and a video of darling Lolly in action:





I can tell you, having a dog in the house again has also really improved my commitment to downward dog asana! ;-)

Hope you have a jolly Lolly day too,

Jan