I have to go to yoga. I need to be calm and breathe. I haven’t been in a week, in a month, in six months. Ah! Yoga!

Things I have to do go on the to-do list. And when “yoga” doesn’t get crossed off, I am disappointed and judge myself for being lazy and not making an effort. I felt this last Friday night. Exhausted from the week, I chose not to go, and rather came home, opened a bottle of wine and relaxed.

When we practice yoga, we bring consciousness and awareness into the body and mind. By choosing not to go to yoga, we can indeed practice some of the same philosophies as if we were on the mat. We can practice Pranayama: our breathing, balancing our life force. We can practice our compassion for ourselves.

So next time your to-do list says, “Yoga @ 6:30”, and your body says “Season Finale of Bachelorette” try to find some place in the middle. Lavender is proven to invoke a calming and soothing affect when inhaled. Perhaps light a lavender scented candle:

and practice forward folds during commercials or head to that yoga class with some lavender scented wipes cleanse your mat before class.

Whichever you choose, be conscious, aware, and present in the moment, and don’t worry about evaluating until after, or perhaps not at all. Namaste.

Curious about yoga? Submit your questions to emiliahallquist@gmail.com don’t forget to follow Emilia on Twitter.