Brahmacharya, moderation, is the forth Yama.  Moderation means stopping before we’ve had or done too much.  We can go overboard with anything, from work to food to exercise. Being distracted can cause us to overdo it. We’re at the gym thinking about food, planning our post-workout meal or watching cooking shows on T.V. While we’re eating, we’re thinking about how hard we’re going to have to workout tomorrow to burn off the calories. We’re on social media when we should be working.  Then when we are with friends and family, we’re checking work email. When we’re not fully present in mind and body, it can seem like the meal, the experience, or the workday never happened.  We are unfulfilled and unproductive.  We overcompensate by going back for a second helping, overtraining, and working late. Brahmacharaya calls on us to be fully present with the person, the meal, or the experience in front of us right now.

“There are some people who eat an orange but don’t really eat            it. They eat their sorrow, fear, anger, past, and future. They are          not really present, with body and mind united.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Here’s how I practice Brahmacharya in my personal and professional life:

I’m incorporating more awareness into my daily life. I start every morning with inspirational reading and meditation to set the tone for the day.  I do not check email or social media until this ritual is complete.  This dedicated mindfulness practice primes my day, allowing me to be more present with every interaction and situation.

I’m working on making time to sit down and eat without anything else going on.  I rarely eat while watching television. Studies show people tend to eat more in front of the television.  I eat slowly, putting the fork down between bites.  I feel satiated without overeating and I’m less likely to snack after my meal.

When I’m with someone, I try to keep the phone out of sight.  I’ve disable the notifications on my smart watch so I can disconnect and be present.

When it comes to work and working out, I have a day off every week.  I schedule the rest day. It’s as important as every other appointment and training session I have throughout the week.

We need the practice of Brahmacharya in our lives now more than ever as our attention is being pulled in so many directions. It reminds us to honor ourselves, our work, friends, and family by giving each the undivided attention they deserve.

Up next in part five: Aparigraha, non-attachment.

Alicia Cross is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, and Yoga Instructor with more than 15 years’ experience working with clients in classes and one-on-one.  She is a yogi, meditator, vegan, and lifter of heavy things. If you’re ready to discover the strength and peace that comes from within, email Alicia@AliciaCrossTraining.com.