Finding Balance: 3 Tips To Overcoming Self-Sabatoge
First introduced to yoga at the age of 15 in England via a Raquel Welch book, renowned yoga master Miller knew she had stumbled on to something special. A couple years later while pursuing a professional modeling career, she visited her first formal yoga studio in England.
“There was something about it that just made sense and felt right,” said Miller.
Her love for the practice led her to seek out the world’s greatest teachers throughout the Europe, India, and the U.S. — and eventually she become a certified Ashtanga and Kundalini teacher.
Miller’s passion is to help others overcome their vices and addictions. To accomplish this, she shares daily the lessons she has learned from her history of following the yogic path.
During our interview at Shakti Fest 2013, I asked her specifically how we women can end self-sabotage live with authenticity and purpose — the following was the valuable lesson she provided:
Find Discipline
“An undisciplined life leads to pure pain and failure,” said Miller.
“It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and thinking you are going to get different results.”
She used the example of emotional eating. It isn’t uncommon for some to turn to food as their best friend when stressed. The inevitable outcome of overeating is weight gain, frustration, and self loathing.
Another prime example is an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Instead of walking away when the time is right, it’s easy to get stuck in a never-ending pattern that can damage all parties involved.
“To find true discipline, we have to first ask ourselves where are we giving our power and self-worth. Are we giving it to ourselves? Or are we handing it over to other people, substances, or harmful vices?”
Miller suggests that the development of a daily yoga and meditation practice can help us answer these questions. “To come home to ourselves, we need to find quiet time and reconnect with our bodies. A daily yoga practice helps rid the self of all that is unhealthy.”
“The time to practice discipline is now. It shouldn’t be a lofty goal, but the decision to make wise choices minute by minute.”
Commit Yourself
“Commitment is the true path to freedom,” said Miller.
To explain, she took me to her earlier years and how she feared committing to a particular journey or relationship would be confining.
“In reality, lack of commitment results in a scattered mind. Once we define our paths and commit to a specific course of action, we are free to become masters of our talents and create something of value.”
Breathe into the Present
“Staying connected to your breath means staying connected with your self,” said Miller.
This is why most meditation practices are rooted in breathing exercises. “It only takes three minutes to completely make a mental shift and change your day.”
If your mind is scattered or troubled, pull your yoga mat out for a few poses or sit in a quiet room and take deep breaths.
It is so very easy to go through an entire day without having a moment of silence. Give yourself the gift of stopping — and get in touch with what is going on within your mind, body, and soul.
To help you breathe into the present, Kia has developed a short breathing exercise that you can do in the comfort of your own home:
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