In order to stay more accountable to my new year's resolutions this year I am letting you all know my intentions for 2011. Normally, each year I have a list of things I want to accomplish - usually places I want to go, certifications I want to get, things I want to do - actual measurable achievements that act as a checklist. This year my resolutions are focused on becoming a better person. I have let go of the material, the intellectual, the physical and am focusing on the spiritual. This should not be too shocking since I am living at a yoga ashram!! I have realized these resolutions are much more difficult though because I can't just do it and check it off the list, I need to practice them every single day. I am going to type up exactly what I have written in my journal in hopes that it will inspire you in some way and also help me enforce these habits for myself. If you notice me straying off my path feel free to remind me!
January 1, 2011
I just wanted to take some time to reflect on 2010 before I fully assess the changes I want to make for 2011. This year I am proud of myself for:
*accomplishing the 200-hour Sivananda yoga teacher training course
*following my heart even if it may not be the most traditional path
*sticking with my one year commitment even though it would have been much easier to leave
*making a daily effort to become a better person and live a more virtuous life
*learning and growing from the past and others
From 2000-2010 I really grew up. I became more independent, confident in my decisions, aware of who I am and what I want instead of always trying to please others. Although I still have the habit of putting others needs way before my own, I am getting better at realizing that what I need is important and that is a major step for me! I got the glamorous career I dreamed of only to realize it was not all it was cracked up to be and it was a huge blessing to realize that I need a fulfilling life, not just a career. Some areas I would really like to work on for the future:
1. Communicate more, suppress less. I tend to be quiet and internalize things which can often create tension and problems with people because they tend to get uncomfortable when they don't know what is going through my head.
2. Balance in all things. Finding balance in helping others, exercise, yoga, nutrition, learning, family, friends, career and personal time.
3. Protect myself by setting boundaries. Take better care of myself. I often want to help everyone else and end up running myself into the ground. Stand up for myself when I need a day off, when I want something, or when I need help. Learn to say no.
4. Healthy Habits. Become more aware of what my body needs concerning rest, sleep, exercise, hydration and nutrition.
5. More discipline. This one sounds a bit strange since my life at the yoga retreat is scheduled down to the last minute of my day but I want to be more disciplined so that even when I am tired I still stick to my full asana practice, study, and meditate. This is a challenging one because I also need to find balance and healthy habits so determining when I just need to rest versus sticking to my discipline will be interesting.
6. Study more. Read and learn each day in order to contribute more to my students and loved ones. Understand yoga, ayurveda and massage deeper and apply lessons each day, in each situation. Turn the knowledge into wisdom.
7. Live in the present moment, not the future. Do not dwell on future plans, understand that things will work out the way they are supposed to. The only moment guaranteed is the present one so enjoy it as much as possible!
8. Complain less, accentuate the positive and state the facts not opinions. Finding the positive things in each situation and being grateful makes life so much better. If I work a twelve hour day there is no need to state that when talking with a friend, instead find all the lessons and wonderful things that happened over the course of the day and discuss that instead.
9. Don't be so stubborn, learn acceptance and surrender. Often times I get irritated when others try to look out for me by telling me what I need to do. I know that people are trying to help me in their own ways and be more appreciative even if it is not what I want to hear or do.
10. Radiate kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. Unconditional love for all, not just friends and family. Remember this more immediately in difficult situations. All beings want happiness and to avoid suffering, even if they have funny ways of trying to achieve this! Most people are the cause of their own suffering but they still need loving kindness and compassion. A joyful smile or sincere compliment can brighten even a stranger's day.
I am happy that this year I didn't have to deal with the pressure of society to go out and party for new year's eve. I was able to take time to listen to some beautiful music, watch the fireworks on the beach and contemplate life. I have a great basis to make some positive changes and a blueprint to guide me. I am so blessed to still be alive, to be healthy and to have this year to myself. I need to make every moment count. It is going to be a fabulous year!
