Dear Jane
1. Dear Jane,
As a yogi I’m all about giving back to the community and this year I suggested to my family that we offer our services on Christmas Day by serving meals or cleaning dishes where we are needed. They all said no.
Any suggestions on how I can get them to see the greater good is in giving rather than just receiving?
Blessings,
Nicoletta
Dear Nicoletta,
Hmmm, like your thinking (it’s very, you know, Christmassy) but would suggest you first see who actually needs your help before presenting it as a whole huge deal to the fam.
I know a woman, a lovely woman, who announced to her family that that was the plan for Christmas once and then found out that in fact most organisations hosting people unable to afford a decent meal or gifts for their kids had waiting lists of helpers. Although I, I mean The Lovely Woman, didn’t see an eye roll, TLW sensed it over the phone as you can imagine… all the do-gooders only coming out once a year, falling over themselves to ‘give back’.
I’m eye rolling myself right now as although it’s always meant with kindness, if we’re honest a large part of it is to make ourselves feel better. I know TLW learnt this.
Why not offer your time and service during the year when volunteers are asked for? If you do this regularly and enthusiastically I imagine your family will be lining up to help you.
Guilt is my go-to, always.
2. Dear Jane,
I’ve just found out my regular yoga studio will be having different teachers over the summer. I prefer to have the same teachers because I’m used to them. I know it’s probably not very yoga to say that but do you have any suggestions on how I get through this difficult time.
Love and light,
Trix
Dear Trix,
This difficult time? I think you just need to really try and get over yourself. And all will be well.
3. Dear Jane,
I’m thinking of giving up chocolate because sugar is my addiction and it’s got a bit out of hand. Any advice?
Sweet Tooth of Dunedin
Dear STD,
As brave and inspiring as I think you are, I would perhaps be mindful with your sugar intake over Christmas and then give it up. (And certainly don’t go announcing it on social media because that would be most unwise. For some reason people hold you to these sorts of things.)
Although when you say give it up, I presume you mean cut back-ish; as in, don’t eat it for breakfast because dark chocolate is not an actual meal or carry kingsize blocks of it around in your bag in case of emergencies or eat gifts meant for others or, well, you get the gist.
Yes. Just give it up. You’re on a downwards slope and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.
But namaste.
Busy season. Many probs.
Email me – jane@theyogaconnection.co.nz
Photo by Michal Grosicki
© The Yoga Connection 2017