A new year, a full moon, a multitude of challenges (aren’t there always in this life – just different incarnations), and at the same time, a wealth of silver linings (the half-full part of the glass). Lots to face, lots to be grateful for, lots to do, and lots to embrace. A year ending and new year beginning is an opportune time to reflect and reset and restore. But now I feel it’s time to get moving. So as I enter 2023, I commit to unsticking myself from some of the gooey-ness of life. Cultivating faith, trust, hope, joy even in the midst of uncertainty, helplessness, and sadness. How to do this? In the moment, BRFWA – breathe, relax, feel, watch, allow. Then move ahead with a calmer perspective; a positive perspective. Own your missteps and make amends. Find a positive mantra that relates best to your situation and THINK IT, AFFIRM IT, BELIEVE IT…every day and keep setting reminders. Move the body and say the words and walk the walk. Drink the water; eat the veggies; work on the mind; and better sleep will come. ACT, not REACT. Make the time…The checklist may seem long, but I believe one must advocate for oneself first – what is the minimum you can do/think/say for yourself that will empower you to ACT positively? One step at a time.
There is so much out there to help one get out of the gooey-ness – people, books, courses, programs. But ultimately, only YOU can get the ball rolling…so step 1 is show up…take the step, even if it is a baby step. DO IT and BE IT, whatever IT is for you; not just say you are going to do it. Sign up for the course, read the book, get off the couch, make the call, change your mind; and if rest is what you need, then stay on the couch. Do at least the minimum…and that could mean as simple as smiling a big toothy grin each day to stimulate some feel-good hormones while you lie on the couch. If you need help, please reach out to your network…or just one person. It may not be easy…but it is necessary. Patience, perseverance, at times forgiveness, and EMPOWERING YOURSELF to keep at it, giving time and space for transformation to happen. Okay it sounds exhausting…but it doesn’t have to be. The glass is half-full…
There will always be provisos and conditions and circumstances and excuses and justifications for the obstacles on the road…often we think it is time-related or other-person related. If you don’t make the time, how can you move forward? If you are stuck in blame, how can you move forward? I’m not denying there will be raw periods where it is SO HARD to move forward, full of trial and error, roadblocks and challenges, but forward we must go believing in goodness, contributing to that goodness, and trusting in the goodness…step by step and again with patience. The coming out of the dark into the light; resetting and recalibrating, again and again.
The tradition of yoga suggests a Sankalpa or “a resolve” in order to stay on track. A short statement made in real-time of how you want to BE. I have been guided by the same Sankalpa for a long time…it’s a four-part positive guideline to follow (“Joyful energetic body, loving compassionate heart, reflective alert mind, lightness of Being” – thanks to the Chopra Centre for this one). Every day, and throughout the day, I ask myself if what I am doing/thinking/saying is contributing to this resolve or going against it. Sometimes I ignore it, sometimes I challenge it, and sometimes I forget it…but my Sankalpa always resurfaces and quietly reminds me that it’s okay – just reset. For me, and maybe you, too, such is the power of the practice of yoga, over and over.
If you would like to move forward with me, try out one of my guided meditations or videos (see a newly uploaded Yin and Gentle Yoga video!); join my online classes; or simply send me an email and share with me how YOU are moving forward. And for a wider network, check out the Canadian government’s initiative for mental health – Wellness Together Canada.
And if staying put is the right thing for you at the moment, try this: 36 breaths lying on your left side, 36 breaths lying on your right side, and 36 breaths lying on your back propped up a bit. Total = 108 breaths.
Namaste and here’s to 2023.
Yoga In My Backyard 