New Year

Every year, on this day, we are reminded that at anytime, we have an opportunity to re-do our lives, choose a better path and give up what we no longer need. 

I have gathered my favorite New Year resolution articles from my favorite websites. Perhaps you can get ideas on where to start. 

1. 10 ways to stop treating yourself 

http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/12/29/10-ways-to-stop-treating-yourself/

2. 14 Ways to Make 14 miraculous 

http://gabbyb.tv/vlogging/14-ways-to-make-14-miraculous?inf_contact_key=35428f950a9d56e152854c4b675bf91b46e4a9eba5fcb763a5e37ef0b7afb5b2

3. Forget setting goals, focus on this instead.

 (After reading this, think of the systems as your intention, see if makes sense that way).

http://m.entrepreneur.com/article/230333

4. 20 things to let go of before the new year (I really like this one)

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11973/20-things-to-let-go-of-before-the-new-year.html

Other ideas:

- Take a jar, and decorate it. Call it the gratitude jar, karma jar, whatever. Write something you're thankful for every day and put it in the jar. See how beautiful it looks in Summer. Give it as a gift next year. 

- Make a list of 14 things that make you happy. For example, traveling, laughing with friends, doing yoga. Post this list somewhere visible and do those things as often as possible! 

- Don't get stuck on the things you DIDNT do. For example, I was supposed to get my license. And stop eating refined sugar.  These were two of my goals. I didn't get it a license, and although I cut down on sugar a lot, I still eat the occasional donut from Peter Pan. No excuses for myself, full accountability. But I want a car next year, and I need a license. And I'm traveling like 4 times next year to surf, therefore I will get my license, and will stop the sugar. But no need to beat myself up about it. It's a waste of time. 

What are you going to do better 2014? What are the ways you make resolutions? Please share. 

I wish that everyone has an amazing 2014!!!! 

fundamentals

The beginning of the year is a great reminder that we always have a chance to change.

Although in making resolutions we should shoot always high, we must first make sure that there is a strong starting point, a strong root for our goal.   For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, you must be realistic and make sure that you have healthy knees and have been a previous runner before.   Or if you want to travel to a far away country, you must have a passport.   

With our yoga practice, before moving forward, there are many things that can be considered a "fundamental" part of yoga, and they are personal depending on what you're trying to reach in your practice.  When I started, i focused on my core as an essential part of my practice, for my goal was to get nice abs.  And these foundations have changed for me many times- from making my legs really strong so I can hold poses  for a long time to practicing Ujaji breath from the beginning to the end of a class.  I've achieved that- so now, my focus is to leave my ego out the door and be able to meditate through the entire practice.  I would never be able to pick these goals if I didn't have a strong core, strong legs and a strong concentration level to begin with.  For next year, my focus will probably be something else and my foundation will be even more solid.  I worked from the ground up.

As you move forward in your practice, have a strong foundation in which you can build your goals upon.  Start by picking a goal, breaking it down, and working from the ground up.  Lastly, make sure you celebrate the baby steps that take you to your goal and don't be upset if once you reach your goal you realize that's not even what you wanted in the first place- the journey is the fun part.

Have a lovely week!
Patricia

P.S.  If you're looking to start to practice or need a foundation refresher, try doing a workshop like this.