Everyone has moments of mindlessness.
I know I do. That’s why when this happened at my home studio last week, it made me smile. Not that I derive pleasure from someone else’s mistake. But, it makes me remember that we all make mistakes. We are all human and in this together.
Last week, one of my students went home wearing someone else's shoes. She had the same pair of shoes at home, that's why they looked so familiar. But she had forgotten that she had worn a different pair of sandals to class that morning. The other student went home without shoes that day. Not a big deal. She had other shoes at home. It was just a minor inconvenience.(Fortunately, they made arrangements to get the shoes straightened out later that same day.) But the shoe thief didn’t do it on purpose. She just had a lot on her mind and was worried about a presentation she had to give later that day.
There is so much going on and there are so many things vying for our attention, it is hard to stay present and pay attention.
Do you ever have moments of mindlessness?
I know I do.
I can hear you say, wait, aren't yoga teachers supposed to be mindful? Yes, we are. But. I'm also human. And sometimes there is just a lot going on. I committed a major faux pas this past weekend. If you'd like to read about it and how I managed to not beat myself up about it, keep reading.
I had a major moment of mindlessness this past weekend. In January I had made plans to go up to the Catskills with a bunch of friends for the weekend of June 6, 7 & 8th. Like everyone, I’ve got a lot going on. I always get a little stressed preparing to go away, making sure things are in order, taking care of the dog, getting coverage for my classes…
Except, I forgot to get a sub for my Saturday class! I had a bunch of Saturdays where I had to arrange subs for my classes in May. I thought I had gotten one for June 7, but I didn't. Students showed up for class wondering where I was and if I was ok, because it is not like me to miss class or be late. Someone finally texted me.
This is where I was when the email came in asking me if I was coming to class and was I ok. I was very ok. I just had a lapse in mindfulness
I felt terrible! I'm so sorry people showed up for nothing. When I called my boss to let her know, she was not happy, but she was kind and understanding. .
I was feeling bad enough already, I was grateful that she didn't make me feel worse for having forgotten. In fact, she told me that I shouldn’t beat myself up about it because the same thing happened to someone else just last week. She was just going to send a reminder out to ask teachers to be more mindful about getting their subs.
Again, I’m sorry for the people who were inconvenienced, but we all have moments of mindlessness. I hope you can cut yourself a break the next time something like this happens to you. Also, remember to be kind to others when they have lapses of mindfulness. As Ram Das taught, “We are all just walking each other home.”