For of many of us, the new school year is a fresh start, an opportunity to set new goals, take time for ourselves. Yoga is often at the top of our list. But, what if you find yourself Gung HO at first? Then, as the novelty wears off, you settle into an old school routine, and your enthusiasm and discipline begin to wane?
Well - I'm here to say No Slacking Off!
Yoga is so good for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. It's a discipline that centers on critical states of being - peacefulness, living in the moment and gratitude for your exquisite life. You owe it to yourself to incorporate this healthy practice into your lifestyle.
Here are some tips to help you keep practicing:
1. Have Discipline
Make yoga/exercise a non-negotiable part of your routine. Just like brushing your teeth in the morning or eating a good breakfast. Decide the night before what time and which class you will go to in the morning. Lay your yoga clothes out the night before so you can put them on first thing in the a.m. Like - you're on autopilot!2. Choose Classes
Reward yourself several times a week by going to your favorite class with a teacher you LOVE. That way, you can look forward to this "treat" all week. YogaSource has so many different levels and teaching styles, like Goldilocks, you are bound to find the perfect fit. You can read more on the different yoga styles in my August 9th “Trusting Your Yoga Practice” post.
3. Have a Buddy System
Remember the old adage don't go swimming with out a buddy? The same can be said for yoga. Having a friend to look over and giggle with when you can NOT, NO WAY in HELL, fold your body into Eka Pada Koundinyasana (One-Legged Arm Balance) makes class sooo much more fun! Plus, you can grab coffee afterward. Buddies bring an essential into the practice – Love and Connection – you will feel the juice much more intensely if you have a yogi partner in crime.
4. Watch On-Line Videos
The great thing about yoga is that you can do it anywhere! Shove your dining table to the side, unfurl you mat and Down Dog right in the middle of your sweet home. Plug into Grokker and choose from many wonderful videos with me or some of my yogi pals. Again, make a plan the night before and stick to your workout. (See #1 - Discipline) No matter how badly the fridge needs cleaning, honor your commitment.
5. Try Fabulous Workshops/Trainings
If your practice is feeling stale, there is no better way to re-energize than by attending a workshop. I had a student who told me she fell in love with yoga all over again last fall when she attended a YogaSource workshop with my great friend, sexy Bryan Kest who teaches popular yoga classes in Santa Monica, CA. (Although it could have been Bryan she fell in love with!) Workshops and training are your opportunities to learn from the creme de creme of the yoga world. There are some excellent opportunities here in town at YogaSource.
6. Do Luxurious Retreats
This is where I blatantly plug my retreats. All my Retreats are a heavenly mixture of nature, nurture, yoga, great food/drink and camaraderie. We have another fabulous weekend coming up in March 2014 at the peaceful, redwood-shrouded Chaminade in Santa Cruz. I can't tell you how chill these retreats are! I'm not the Yoga Nazi. You are free to come and go, and make the weekend work for you. But I promise you will leave feeling renewed, refreshed and happy with a sense of clarity.
7. Cherish Community
In 2010, a yoga instructor named Elena Bower created the largest yoga gathering ever seen in New York City. Naturally she chose the Great Lawn of Central Park for this historic event. But you don't have to go to NYC to do free Sunday yoga in the park. Just Google those very words -- free yoga in the park -- along with your city or town, and watch what pops up. Another great resource - Both Lululemon and Athleta offer free classes at various locations. Practicing on a grassy field, the sun sparkling on your mat, birds chirping--what a wonderful way not only to mix up your routine, but also experience nature in a harmonious way.
See you on the Mat!
Much Love,
Cindy
