Why Rules Are Made Not To Be Broken

May 28th, 2012

Monday morning. Daughter says, “Aren’t you going to yoga?”

“No. That would not be wise. I can go at 4pm – today I have choices.”

The only choice I don’t have is what is stated in my rule. If I’m home, and class is held, then I have to be there. (Weekdays only) This morning, after four days of lots of music, lots of food, lots of wine, lots of beach, and very little sleep, this morning the hot room would be a bad decision.

After hydrating well all day, about one my husband wanted to go get plants. Hmmm…if I’m busy and not home….I might not have to go. No such luck. We were home by three and I was just sitting watching Dr. Phil while my husband planted the plants.

This is why rules are made not to be broken. In a weak moment, waffling between yoga and cuddling up with coffee and my book, the rule takes over. The decision is automatically made. I’m home watching Dr. Phil. Class is at 4. It’s a no brainer. 3:30 I leave for class.

When I entered the hot room I wasn’t real sure how this was going to go. I began telling myself all kinds of bad things are going to happen to me in the next 90 minutes. Guess what? There’s a rule for this weak moment, too. No expectations about what the class is going to bring.

The class was one of my best ones. The condition in the room was perfect. I rocked the poses. AND we came out of the second camel early and all laid down – I think the teacher said a word we’re used to hearing at the end of it – so she made us do a third camel. A THIRD camel. I’ve never done that and began to panic. Ah..ha…there’s a rule to save me from myself when I get a panic attack, too. Breathe normally, and ease into the pose gentle and slow. I was so busy thinking about my rule that the third camel was over before I had a chance to panic.

Yes, rules are made not to be broken, but to save me in my weak moments of waffling, indecision, and panic. Today my little life saving rules definitely made my day better. I’m home, showered, curled up with my book, fully exercised and stretched and feeling good about the accomplishment.

During class I made a few more little rules to guide my food and drink and get me back on track so I can do it all over again on the fourth.

And so, as another day goes by, it feels good to be rid of all the sugar and salt, and …I have written.