Weekly Letter: Exploring Non-excess

Those of you who have met me in person already know that I’m a short woman topping out at 5’2”. I like to joke that what I lack in height I make up for in volume. My family would agree.

During Covid, I was as guilty as the next overindulging in food and I gained some weight during that time. When I decided to bring my weight down I started keeping a food journal as my first line of defense. I found through that exercise, I was not only snacking, but I was eating the same amount of food as my 6’ husband. In fact, we both got into the habit in our relationship of creating equal portions of food, which makes no sense-as we are built differently.  

As I documented what I was taking in, I started to develop a new relationship with myself to explore when I felt full-and it wasn’t a heavy full I was looking for, but satiety.

Brahmacharya in yoga is a concept of non-excess and when considered under the guise of food, it can be tricky. So I began to explore this relationship with myself to find more balance and within it I was able to make my body a more comfortable place to live. 

Now, I still make mistakes and overindulge at times (because I love food), but I also was able to give myself some tools to come back to when I get carried away.

Brahmacharya in yoga doesn’t have to be restrictive, but sensitive to the balance of everything before going to excess.

What’s the balancing point and when does it tip over the edge into excess?

~Carmen