I don’t know when I started cussing, but I’m 46 now and would assume my mouth went to potty around the age of 12 when most humans seem to rebel.  That’s 34 years of navigating the underworld of language.  Needless to say, I’m quite proficient and often poetic in my flowery use of the dirty.

Because of yoga, I really don’t cuss very much anymore. It just doesn’t appeal and I don’t know why. Sometimes it seems necessary or funny, but for the most part, my mind and mouth are clean.

EXCEPT…..

I have a stress word.  It’s “shit.” What this looks like is if something unexpected happens like:

  • dropping, breaking, spilling
  • stubbing a toe or other bodily injury
  • near misses on the highway or randomly running over curves
  • forgetting something hugely important like a kid that needs picked up
  • or stepping in cat vomit

I say “shit.”  I don’t mean to.  It’s simply the first reaction or karma that I have.  Without any intent, without thinking, the first thought that arises is “shit.  I’ve been working on this for years and it drives me crazy.  I mean, why on earth can’t another thought arise.  I’m not unconscious on this topic.  The habitual mind takes over and there is that dirty word.

Last week I was at the Corporate party of a friend.  I was meeting the founder of the company along with a very sweet couple and their small child.  I had a lidded coffee in my hand and I don’t know what happened, but the coffee went up in the air flipping in slow motion.  I used my super yogi skills to catch it, but not without splashing it all over the very nice and new shirt of my friend.  I said “shit.”  It was a little awkward as the child was steered away and the group disbanded.

sigh.

I decided in that moment and over the next days that I’ve had enough.  This word and this karma and this hole in my functioning mind..this insane groove, MUST GO.

I ran over a curb yesterday.

I said “shoot.”

I don’t know how it happened or why it took 34 years, but my shit is healed.

Peace, Pamela

Link to other good tips for healing the potty mouth

 

*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.