Snowflake Culture

We've been raised in a culture that repeatedly tells us we are perfect snowflakes. We've been told we're special, unique, fragile in our beauty and amazing as we are. And because there's always balance in the world, on the other end of the spectrum we're constantly being advertised to that we need improving upon. But skin cream, expensive clothes, perfume, and bigger TVs aren't what will make us better people. You don't need new jeans to be a better version of yourself... though if they make you feel like a million bucks when you wear them, then by all means, buy yourself those jeans! But because they make you smile all the way down into your toes, not because you've been told you need them.

Here's the truth. You are not a perfect snowflake. (Actually, even snowflakes aren't perfect.) Now before you turn on me, I swear I'm not a callous monster. You will never be perfect... but you should always strive to be a better version of yourself. Your lack of perfection doesn't mean you aren't amazing and wonderful and full of inner light to shine out into the world. But that light won't always shine bright, and some days you'll find you need the help of others to let it shine. Or the help of a day of rest, or time spent out in nature, or a deep conversation with friends, or yep, sometimes a new pair of jeans.

I don't know what you need, but I know the first step in figuring it out is taking the time to pay attention to what makes you feel your best. In my yoga classes I always start class by inviting students to turn inward, without judgement, and notice how their bodies are feeling in that moment. Throughout the class I remind them to check back in with themselves, to really tune in and see what changes are happening in the most subtle of ways. I remind them that every moment of every day is different and this is reflected in their bodies and their breath. We don't need to hold on to anything that isn't serving us in the moment, so exhale and let it go. And I will be the first to admit that if it's difficult to do these inner check-ins with ourselves atop our little rubber rectangles, it's even more difficult to do them when we're out in the world. And that's okay! There's a reason I instruct it every single class. Through practice, difficult things gradually become easier.

We've been told we can be anything we want to be, do whatever we want to do. But what no one tells us is that it takes work; so much work.

All of this to say, this is just as much an exercise for myself as it is for you. I have not been the best version of myself lately. I am a constant work in progress, and so are you. Every day is a new day, a chance to be better than the day before. If I can strive for it, so can you.

One of my biggest struggles on my bad days is non-judgement. Accepting people as they are. And despite (or possibly in spite of) the name of this blog, staying in a positive state of mind.

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