Many times we look at a developing a particular habit in a Newtonian fashion. Ones and zeros.
I want to exercise 3 times per week
I am going to go to 2 yoga classes this week
I am going to run 5 times per week and train for a half marathon
I want to write in a journal each day
When we look at the greats however, many of the world champions or true experts, we don’t find this type of pattern. We see an integration. A way of living that encapsulates these “goals” or directions.
We also don’t see this mechanistic approach in animals. “Stretching” is part of who the cat is. “Running” and playing is part of who the dog is. Part of it’s fabric or way of existing.
What if you slowly, bit-by-bit, become the runner, mover, yogi or writer (without having to call yourself any of these – another post altogether).
You decide this is something you want to feel, or experience and you look for avenues and opportunities to encapsulate these activities in your day. You wake up and stretch a little. You walk to work. You are watchful of your breath right before a meeting at work.
It is not longer just a separate practice
Your way of doing things actually changes, to reflect this new direction.
To really benefit from a new habit or practice, it may need to become part of how we live. The other parts of your daily schedule will have to accommodate at some point or another, so we may as well start with that at the beginning.
