Ready For 2018?
- By Yoga Studio Calgary
- •
- 18 Dec, 2017
- •
Don't look forward, look back
As this year comes to a close we naturally begin to think towards the
new year. Our plans, goals, intentions, resolutions. These are of
course wonderful thoughts to drive our focus. It takes a lot of energy to
create something new, to birth something into existence. The fastest
way to actualizing visions or manifestations is by being in alignment
with your greater self, and the universal principle. Getting into this
alignment comes when we are living in our state of flow, contentment.
Here are a few ways to get to living in your state of flow.
1) Reflection - reflect back on your year. Not just in a, "oh yeah, I did some pretty great things" type of a way....bring in more detail, maybe even write them down. In all of the 52 weeks you had, what was your biggest win each week, your biggest accomplishment....write them down. Look at that page....wow!
2) Gratitude - the surest way to generate more in your life (more of anything) is to hold a genuine feeling of gratitude for all you already have throughout your body. Look back on your year...slowly. Pause each time you felt grateful. Write them down, look at your list....wow!
3) Acceptance - This is not the time for problem solving. Spending anymore time thinking about the things that didn't go so great is nothing but an energy drainer. Thinking doesn't actually solve any problems...ever! Thinking will only activate an already over active mind. the very thing that got you there in the first place. Simply accept that it is what it is, and on you go.
1) Reflection - reflect back on your year. Not just in a, "oh yeah, I did some pretty great things" type of a way....bring in more detail, maybe even write them down. In all of the 52 weeks you had, what was your biggest win each week, your biggest accomplishment....write them down. Look at that page....wow!
2) Gratitude - the surest way to generate more in your life (more of anything) is to hold a genuine feeling of gratitude for all you already have throughout your body. Look back on your year...slowly. Pause each time you felt grateful. Write them down, look at your list....wow!
3) Acceptance - This is not the time for problem solving. Spending anymore time thinking about the things that didn't go so great is nothing but an energy drainer. Thinking doesn't actually solve any problems...ever! Thinking will only activate an already over active mind. the very thing that got you there in the first place. Simply accept that it is what it is, and on you go.
Inhale: 1-2-3-4-5. Exhale: 1-2-3-4-5. If you’ve been doing breathing exercises to feel calmer, happier, and more focused, you know how soothing yoga is.
Despite being an ancient practice, yoga has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. It is suitable for people of all ages and effective for treating chronic conditions.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered that this practice has several mental health benefits. Let’s explore the relationship between yoga and well-being, as well as the evidence-based benefits of yoga.
Winter is here, it is that time of the year again when waking up early and practicing yoga becomes a difficult task and mostly ends up compromising it for an hour of extra sleep. But there are lesser-known facts about why we should practice yoga during winters and how it benefits us.
Spring is nature’s rebirth. Every year, when the soft green buds and the delicate pink blossoms appear on the cherry trees, we are given the opportunity to renew ourselves. In our yoga practice, this can be through a physical detox, a mental reboot or both.
So, it’s THAT time of year again. The cards are out, flowers and chocolates in the shops, and the candlelit tables are all booked up weeks in advance. With good reason, many of us find it all rather superficial and insincere. Perhaps some of us might join the cynical chorus asking why we need a specific day to express our affection for someone else. We may even go as far as to accuse the the forces of capitalism of driving demand for “stuff”. But I’m not here to monologue on the meaningfulness of St. Valentine’s Day, and I’m certainly not here to criticise anyone for wanting to express themselves or to show affection for someone else (we all need to be doing this more, not less).
Can yoga reduce anxiety?Yes! Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of yoga in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In one study, women who participated in a three-month yoga program experienced significant improvements in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. In another study, ten weeks of yoga helped reduce stress and anxiety for participants.
Happy New Year yogis! I’ve often found this time of year to be especially powerful in enhancing my yoga practice. Of course, yoga is always a powerful practice, but the gift of the new year brings deep reflection and introspection that can amplify processes of self-inquiry, expanding our spiritual awareness and commitment to yogic living.
