Confession of a Yoga Teacher

I'm going to admit something that does not really 'fit' with the role and archetype of a yoga instructor.  But here it goes... I need to get this off my chest.

I love Diet Coke.

There, I said it.

Yes, I know it's horrible for me.  Yes, I've seen it dissolve nails and pennies, and can therefore infer what it is doing to my insides.  But eff it.  I think it's delicious.  Do I drink it all the time?  God no.  I know it's not the best thing I could be putting in my body.  But do I enjoy one once or twice a month?  Bet your butt I do.

I'll even admit to being something of a Diet Coke snob.  Because not all Diet Cokes are created equal, see.  The best Diet Coke comes from a soda fountain and served over ice.  Second to that, direct from a can, served ICE cold.  Third is out of an old timey glass bottle.  (This often implies that you are in a foreign country, so the formula may be slightly off... but what the heck, you're on vacation.)  Fourth, as in I won't even bother, is out of one of those plastic bottles.  Those make it taste just wrong.  The carbonation is off, and they frankly never stay cold.

I know, I know.  I should not be ranking something that is undoubtedly bad for me.  But here's why I felt the need to confess this:

Yoga teachers are just people.

Yep!  Jusssst people.  With quirks and bad habits and all!

Sure, I know so many incredible teachers that really seem to walk the walk and talk the talk, if you know what I mean.  Vegan, Prius driving (or better yet, bicycle riding!), alcohol abstaining, three hours of personal yoga practice a day taking, 200 watt inner glow radiating beings.  I know some of these special yogis, and they are awesome!  But the majority of us, I dare to guess, have that one deep dark secret -- that totally seems to go against the lifestyle we promote and subscribe to.

But here's why I'm okay with that... I'm a firm believer in all things in moderation.  And I think some people are scared off from taking their first yoga class - even if they have a bubbling interest deep down low --  because they think they'll have to reject all of their vices and bad habits.  Nope!  Own 'em.  We're all human, and we all get to make our choices.

The nice thing is, a regular yoga practice has a funny little tendency to help people naturally shed those habits and vices that don't necessarily add  to their lives.  Which is why I only reach for a Diet Coke once or twice a month.  That used to be a near daily occurance, so come on... give me credit.  Good habits develop naturally in this industry and community.

But that doesn't undo the fact that I will probably always love an ice cold, perfectly carbonated Diet Coke.