How to strengthen our “slip-up” muscles (ego and buddhi)

December brings forth a multitude of social opportunities and therefore, a multitude of opportunities to slip up.  We may say something stupid, or we may do something stupid, or maybe we just stand there like a bobbling idiot.  Then, we get the wonderful joy of experiencing that lovely slip-up over and over, as it pops in and out of our minds for the next few days (or weeks).  (Anyone still have one pop up from years ago?  Gulp.) 

But just as we strengthen our glutes for those inevitable slips on the December ice, we must also strengthen our inner-selves for those inevitable December social slip-ups.   We can’t just will ourselves into self-forgiveness.  It takes inner strengthening and conditioning.       

Yoga suggests that we strengthen our inner muscles through “buddhi”.  Take a moment to think back on your slip-up moment as if you are observing yourself.  Watch yourself make the slip-up.  Then shake your head at yourself. Give your ego a good ol’ eye roll. Chuckle at how human you were in that moment. Buddhi allows us an honest look at our honest slip-up.  Then, by chuckling at our human-ness, we are gently reminded of our humanity.        

Conditioning our outer body fortifies us for those inevitable icy rough patches.  We condition our inner body for the same reason. 

Until next time,

Laura