Fresh Start!
Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by Margaret in Yoga
There’s no time like the New Year for starting fresh and setting goals. New Year’s resolutions are about making a commitment to do something new, change an old habit or make a lifestyle change that can only make you a healthier, happier person. It’s wonderful to have healthy goals; however, it’s also important to remember that yogic wisdom tells us to strive for contentment. That means we should accept ourselves as we are, with all our flaws. Let’s remember the positive aspects of our lives and be grateful for all that we are.
For me, my yoga practice has been the perfect place to observe my habits. Each time I come onto my mat, I begin by focusing my attention inward and becoming interested in the space inside me. By becoming aware of the quality of my mind and body at that moment, I am able to move from a place of deep connection. Initiating each movement with the breath is a great way to move through your practice mindfully. Without judgement, our yoga practice can be a tool that allows us to not only relax and open up, but to recognize our habits. We all have physical habits, whether it is favoring one side of the body, forcing ourselves to “get into” a pose, or maybe not allowing ourselves to really let go. In the end, it’s about becoming aware of our habits and working towards creating as much evenness and balance as possible. It’s about finding that balance between effort and ease in yoga and in life.
This New Year, focus on becoming aware of your own, personal habits on and off the mat. Start fresh, set new goals… and enjoy the balance of energy and ease your practice will bring.
Here are some of the most popular goals in the U.S.
- Lose weight
- Get out of debt
- Become more organized
- Maintain a diary
- Save money
- Improve grades
- Get a better job
- Get fit
- Eat right
- Get a better education
- Drink less alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress
- Take a trip
- Volunteer to help others
Here are some of my personal goals for 2010
- Learn to speak Spanish
- Commit to writing in my new Standard Diary each day
- Omit high fructose corn syrup… as often as possible
- Eat seasonally, locally grown food
- Seva (selfless service)… find something I’m passionate about and have time for and do it regularly
