The Truth about ‘Perfection’ Interview with Elena Brower

WATCH INTERVIEW BELOW (scroll down)

Confession: I’m not perfect and I will never be perfect.

Let me explain…

This perception of ‘perfection‘ haunts us all. The perfect way to parent, to look, to feel, to walk, to breathe, to meditate and to do a yoga pose. I use to live like this (and sometimes I do still catch myself in my old perfectionist ways).

This is NOT realistic and when we are ‘thinking’ unrealistic thoughts we develop fear, anxiety, guilt, worry and shame. YUCK!

Consider this: Have you ever looked at a yoga guru or celebrity and thought “I will never be as calm and patient as them”, “I will never be as beautiful or self loving,” or even worse, “I am not worthy of accepting myself for who I am”?

“We are ALL perfect NOW. Awareness of our imperfections allows us to grow, let go and accept ourselves for who we are, not what we will become.” 

This week I sat down with the lovely Elena Brower. If you are not familiar with Elena and her awesomeness, she is a kick-ass yoga ‘guru’. You can find her classes online at yogaglo.com, visit her in her New York studio (VIRA YOGA), and check out her new book “Art of Attention” that will be launching December 2012.

Besides being a dedicated teacher, Elena is also a student of her work. In my eyes she is one of the most down to earth, realistic and open yoga mamas I have come across.

During our chat (which you can see below in the video) I ask Elena about her experience as a yoga teacher, a mother and how the two go hand-in-hand. Her insight blew me away and gave me chills.

For over 16 years Elena has been a ‘mindful’ teacher, practicing the Art of Attention, being aware of her thoughts, actions, and behavior in everything she does on the yoga mat and off the mat.  Applying her mindfulness, yoga, and awareness practices to parenting was an added struggle that brought Elena farther on her personal journey of ‘self-awareness’.

In this video Elena talks candidly about her tendency toward anger and violence in moments of ‘pressure’  as well as:

• The impact of ‘shame stress’ on our children and how it effects their brain function.
• Apologize when we (as parents) are wrong.
• We do not have to relive our own childhood. We can change generational patterns.

Watch the video below and let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Elena’s Action Plan for the ‘stressed out’ Mama. 

Practice the Art of Attention: If you want your child to be a certain way, you have to be that way. Always look at yourself first before making a judgement of another’s behavior.

Recognize your part in the relationship: Your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Cultivating an awareness of everything you are doing. Put attention on the smallest things. Notice where you are draining your energy.

Enjoy the video and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below.

Much love,

P.S.  Want to know what I’m up to?  Happy Calm Confident Kids Teacher Training is back! I am so excited to bring this offering to you. If you work with kids and want to share tools on mindfulness, meditation, and awareness with them to increase their confidence, this is the training for you!  Go ahead and add your name and email below and you will be notified as soon as the details are ready…

Heather Chauvin is a mental health and self-esteem advocate who has made it her mission to enhance the lives of women and children through conscious living. Heather has a Bachelor of Social Worker Degree and wide variety of continuing education certification in the mental health and holistic sector. Heather also carries a decade of experience working with many diverse populations locally and abroad. Heather leads dynamic training programs that teach both adults and children to succeed in life and accomplish anything they put their minds to. Her unique life experience and professional trainings gives Heather a one-of-a kind approach to personal growth and development.