Join Our Team for the 24 Hour Yoga Challenge
November 9, 2009Newport Yoga Wild Things Rocked the 24 Hour Challenge
November 18, 2009Surviving Your 30 Day Yoga Challenge
Look ahead at the next 30 days and set yourself up for an inspired and successful journey!
For everyone participating in the 30 Day Challenge, you’re about to start on a month of personal development! But before launching into the first practice, it’s important to look ahead at the next 30 days and set yourself up for an inspired and successful journey.
The Importance of Intention
Firstly, it’s important to recognize why you chose to participate in the challenge. This intention will give you direction on those days that you are looking for excuses to stay at home. Here are some cues…
It could be for physical reasons: you are curious to see how your body responds to a consistent yoga practice.
It could be for the allure of the unknown challenges: that in any obstacle, the act of meeting a challenge brings out and develops aspects of our character.
It could be to give yourself a reason to take time out of your schedule for your own personal development.
It could be that you can’t pass up any challenge… and that’s a good enough reason in itself (although there are underlying reasons to consider).
Click here to tell us why you chose to participate! We want to hear your reasons for choosing the challenge!
It’s also important to understand that the process of working through the challenge will reshape your original intentions. Take time at the beginning of each class to think about the original reason why you chose to take on the challenge, and how you relate to these reasons on this particular day. You may find that your intentions have changed since the challenge began, and new goals have arisen through it.
Beyond Downward Dogs
The challenge is a great time to explore your practice beyond the physical pose of yoga. When you take classes with greater frequency, you have the opportunity to explore further how your practice cracks you open in greater ways. It may provide a space for you to explore the inner voice that coaches or criticizes you through your day to day life. Ultimately yoga seeks to transcend the inner chatter, to quiet your mind and help you get in touch with a peaceful inner nature.
Tips for Success Through the Challenge
Over the next 30 days, each of us will encounter our own unique struggles. Remember that your instructors and fellow yogis are here to support you. Here are some tips:
- Recognize that your mind may find ways to subtly undermine your goals. Plan the classes you will attend in advance, and take each day as an individual challenge.
- Remember to pace yourself – it’s your journey so take all the rest you need during class, and get lots of sleep so your body can restore.
- Try a few new classes which you may normally not attend, perhaps Yin Yoga or Gentle Hatha.
- Yoga is about creating balance. If you find your practice is taking you “off-center”, this is a clear warning sign that you need to focus more of the relaxing aspects of yoga and less on the physical. Remember to bring your awareness back to your breath, the seat of your vitality: take the modifications that allow it to be smooth and steady.
If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to participate!
Dates: November 16th (today!) – December 15th
The Challenge: take 23 classes in 30 days.
The Cost: $125 (less than $6 / class)
** This pass gives you unlimited yoga til 2010! **
