Fun & Discipline & Top Books of 2024
*If you’d like to donate to support those affected by the LA wildfires (where I grew up), consider World Central Kitchen, LA Food Bank, CA Fire Foundation, or Pasadena Humane.
Although I take studying and teaching yoga seriously, there wouldn’t be much joy in it without a sense of play (see also: stability and mobility).
I love and believe in the power of alignment, but if that’s all I strictly focused on, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun – or fulfilling.
And if all anyone did was play and party, well… we know how that story goes.
By cultivating a sweet spot between discipline and playfulness in our work, relationships, and everyday lives, we can become less rigid without losing sight of what matters most to us.
This balance teaches us to embrace the benefits of discipline – like focus, consistency, and growth – while still allowing necessary space for joy and fluidity.
P.S. Mistakes are part of the process – especially if we overdo discipline or let it fall to the wayside completely – so receive muck-ups with as much compassion as possible :)
Discipline & Structure can look like:
- Setting a schedule – even a flexible one – or identifying desired outcomes.
- Noting and taking consistent, aligned action steps towards your desires, or having non-negotiables like physical activity or mindfulness rituals.
- Setting healthy boundaries – practicing moderation and avoiding extremes (and forgiving ourselves if we don’t do either of these things).
Fun & Play can look like:
- Allowing space for free time and play time – even if it leads to boredom.
- Giving ourselves grace if we over indulge or leapfrog over the discipline piece.
- Purposefully engaging in beloved familiar and newfound activities, whether spontaneous or planned – sometimes even scheduling play can be a disciplinary act of self care.
This is an ongoing work in progress with no fixed destination other than our unique sense of physical and mental equanimity, or [insert a desired outcome].
The journey of continual practice helps us create a life that’s not only meaningful in ways that are unique to us, but also filled with joy, curiosity, and exceptional FUN.
Schedule a free coaching call if you’re looking for support in cultivating balanced, personalized lifestyle practices that include both play and healthy boundaries.
How do you infuse structure and play into your daily life, and in what area(s) do you feel you could use more or less of one or the other?
Take good care,
S
Speaking of play (and education!), below are a few of my top reads from last year – because I myself appreciate good book recs, too.
*I curated a variety of books I’ve loved – including books I intend to read and love someday – on my Amazon storefront (I receive a small commission).
Top Books in 2024
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
I have been meaning to read this forever and am not yet finished, but am thoroughly enjoying it and already recommend – deep food for thought.
The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch
I loved reading another expat / immigrant-in-France story. – very inspiring, with some fun tidbits about France, the French, and French food (all global hot topics, non?).
Sacred Nature by Karen Armstrong
I feel like this should be required reading in school – a lovely, in-depth account of our relationship to nature based on ancient spiritual teachings and principles.
The Bear by Andrew Krivak
A very gripping story – often dark, but incredibly beautiful and thought-provoking.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
As a former theater-person, this was a really enjoyable and easy read for me – an entertaining story with interesting characters and complex relationship dynamics.
Chocolat, Peaches for Monsieur le Curé and Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
I’m late to the game with these books, but they were all such engaging stories – they were especially delightful for me because of the French and foodie components.
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby
Her essays made me laugh-cry several times – comic-relief is in fact relieving.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
So insightful and easy to return to for guidance and wisdom – I saved many quotes.
How To Be Perfect by Michael Schur
Hilarious, philosophical, relatable, and educational – as Michael Schur does so well.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This book literally fell into my lap at an outdoor café table in LA (classic), and 2 years later I finally ripped through it – whimsical, heartbreaking, and empowering.
Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza
This took me a long time to get through, but I’m so glad I did – highly recommend if you’re interested in personal growth and the neuroscience behind meditation.
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