Embracing the ride of life.

2017. What is it you want to be this New Year?

More kind?

Relaxed?

Joyful?

We take this time of year as a new beginning, to release the previous year & any of it’s hardships & to be optimistic of the year to come.

How do we find these things we desire? I believe we just need to look inwards & connect to that place that already is all we want to be. To use tools, like our yoga practice, to connect to our True Self.

A simple formula that I have spoke about before is the 3 P’s (inspired by the article below, that I found years ago). Practice, Patience & Persistence. The 3 things that are necessary to create change in your life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-Therapy---Practice,-Patience,-and-Persistence---3-Ps-For-Body-Mind-Healing&id=1877205

Yoga Therapy - Practice, Patience, and Persistence - 3 P's For Body Mind Healing

"Are you losing patience and ignoring your practice of important routines for body mind balance? Perhaps you are about to completely give up because it's getting rough. Here are some tips for using 3 Ps, Practice, Patience and Persistence, to help body mind healing. See how Practice, Patience and Persistence connect hand, heart and head.

Practice is the doing word. It is whatever you currently do, or have decided to do, to create and maintain health for body mind and spirit. Which of the following action items deepen your body mind spirit connection: muscle tension release through stretching and movement, yoga meditation, singing, laughter, running, swimming, or something else? Repeat, repeat and repeat the practice. Come to think of it, would it really be repetition?

Action Tip: Practice daily. Ten minutes of daily practice is better than 60 minutes of practice once per week. A key to Yoga Therapy is the uniqueness of each individual. Stick with the practice that works for you.

Patience is the being word; the way you approach your practice. If your goal is worth achieving, it will take time. Do enjoy the journey. Can you allow the steps on the journey to be as exciting as the destination? Practice breathing consciously and deeply along the way, especially at tough times. This will allow you to be more aware of what is happening around you, as well as within you. And help you achieve more and more, while at the same time you slow down with Patience by your side.

Action Tip: Choose a day to slow down all your actions. Do everything twice as slow and calm your heart and increase patience. A key principle of Yoga Therapy

Persistence is the thinking word; the mindset that allows you to return to the practice day after day over a long period of time. To create a new habit it takes 90 days, and if you want to master it, a few years. If you have just begun a new habit for body mind and spirit, plan to stick with it even when you feel like quitting. If you have already stopped a practice, consider starting again. Call on your courageous spirit.

Action Tip: Commit to keeping up your practice, and make the commitment in a quiet moment when the mind is still and receptive. Another key principle of Yoga Therapy is Yoga Philosophy and Psychology which recognizes the impact the subconscious and unconscious has on our thoughts, words and actions.

Stay youthful with the 3 Ps. Practice for the hands, Patience for the heart, and Perseverance for the head.”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1877205

I like how she puts these 3 ideas into doing, being, & thinking. So lets all do our practice, be patient & find the mindset of persistence to not give up on ourselves. Over time, a new habit will form & if you falter, just start over, again & again.

To help you on your journey, join a yoga class, a meditation group, try qiqong, pilates….there are many body/mind practices that can help you become what you are meant to be & to be part of a group that will support you in all the ups & downs to follow.

When thinking of the ups & down that happen in life, I was reminded of a character of the Grandma from a movie you may have seen Parenthood.

Parenthood (1989)

[Gil has been complaining about his complicated life; Grandma wanders into the room] Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Gil: Oh? Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! Gil: What a great story. Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

Are you ready to get more out of life? Realize it has ups & downs, can make you feel so many things, yet is worth the risk of taking the ride as there is a possibility to get so much out of it.

Join me for a class this winter: go to acyoga.net for full details

YOGA & MEDITATION CENTRE OF CALGARY

Marda Loop 2028b 33 Ave SW Calgary

See YogaMcc.com or contact 403-251-YOGA (9642) for more information or to register.

Gentle Yoga for Strength (drop-in) WEDNESDAY 9:30-11:00 am Customized Yoga Therapy (registered) space still available WEDNESDAY 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Winer Session: Jan 4 - Mar 22

Healthy Backs (drop-in) THURSDAY 6:00 pm - 7:20 pm Customized Therapeutic (registered) currently full THURSDAY 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Winter Session: Jan 5 - Mar 23

YOGA THERAPY IN COCHRANE

Frank Wills Memorial Hall 405 1 St E

got to acyoga.net for more information or to register

Core Yoga Therapy - (registered/drop in class)