Coffeencupcakes

I have struggled most of my life with the concept of moderation. For an alcoholic, there is no moderate or social drinking. When it comes to sugar, caffeine, food, exercise, and even yoga, I believe moderation is the way to go.

The thing is that all the things we can imagine that are good for us, can be abused. There’s so much information out there about how eggs, sunshine, vitamins, cleansing are good one week and not the next. Students ask me all the time, “How do we choose?”

My answer usually revolves around the idea of moderation. In asana practice, I say if it doesn’t feel good or it hurts, don’t do it or at least don’t do it in that way. Modify.

Do I need to eat that slice of chocolate cheesecake? No. Can I yes. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. At this point in my life, I know how I will feel afterwards so if I choose it I am choosing the consequences that go along with it. As karma and Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion go for every action there is an even or opposite reaction or consequence whether it be good or bad.

So the next time you are thinking about eating or doing something that will affect your body, mind or spirit, think about the consequences first.

I’d love to hear your stories of moderation and consequences.