For Those About to Yoga, I Salute You

Yes, Seriously

I’m confessing right now that I have not been keeping up my own practice as much as I would like. My self-care has been lacking. Getting sick was the kick in the butt that I needed to realize this. Otherwise, I often miss out on sick time. So, I honestly salute those who have been keeping up their yoga practice.

I have been keeping up my meditation practice and reasoned with myself that that was enough with how much I teach and the couple classes and short at-home practices I was getting per week. Clearly, this is not enough. I need to move my body. Bodies are made to move. Yoga does a wonderful job of this. Yes, I know this well and teach others because I believe in it. Funny how easy it can be to get caught up in life and forget that my own body needs my care and attention.

Self-Care

No one else is going to do it. I can’t do it for someone else. I can only take care of me. Sure it’s important to care for and about others. I’m all for supporting and looking out for others, but I can only really take care of me. I love to do things for others and show I care with kind gestures, but I may not truly know what others need. They know. They may not truly know what I need. I know. And sometimes none of us know ;) (at least on the mental level where we hang out so much of the time).

Not only do I need to move my body, but I need to be present in my body (not just demonstrating poses). Again, yoga comes in handy here. Not that it’s the only thing, but a main focus is presence and breath which is also very important for bodies (gasp). Mindfulness practice is extremely beneficial not only for body, but also for mind and every other aspect of a human being. None of which are as separate from the others as our labels for them. At this time of year (and every), self-care is important for keeping up with the pace of life and/or slowing it down a little.

A Challenge

The 30 day challenge just ended, so I’m going to start my own. I will practice at least 5 days a week through the last 2 weeks of this year. Through both the holidays, since the studio is holding classes on both days, and when 2013 rolls around I’ll be back into my regular lifestyle rather than needing to set any resolutions. I’m putting this out to you as well. As an added incentive, I’m offering a private yoga session to the first two people to join me and complete this challenge. The session will help you fine-tune your self-care practice.

Let me know if you’re game.
alissa@kushalayoga.com