Breaking out of the mold

Last winter I reluctantly decided to go out with a friend for a cross country ski. I had skied before when I was in school in the Prairies but I was really intimidated to tackle some real hills. I had never been downhill skiing either so I really didn't think it was something I would enjoy.

Well, I went out for that first ski and I was instantly hooked. I fell in love with the scenery surrounding me, the feeling of being active in the crisp winter air and the way my legs burned in places I wasn't aware muscles existed! I would have gone every day if I could. After a few weeks on the classic skis I decided to try out freestyle (skate) skiing and was even more addicted. The feeling of swaying side to side through the quiet trails became almost therapeutic. Now I couldn't imagine my life without skiing and I can't believe I went so many years without it because of my stubborn hesitation. Why are we so hesitant to break out of our mold and try new things?  Is there anything you have always wanted to do but have always been intimidated to try? Don't waste your time thinking about it, do it.

It is never too late to give yourself a new challenge.

I hate to think of what I would have missed out on had I not made that first bold step.

Yoga for Life

During a recent trip to Vancouver, I dropped in at the YYoga Studio for a class. I felt immersed in Yoga culture the moment I walked in. This is the metropolis of Yoga, much like Robson Street is to Vancouver. I pranced in along with all the lovely urbanites in their fancy boots, Lululemon jackets and Yoga mats in tote. I walked down the long hallway, peeking into the classroom windows to find full classes of students focused on the same pose. In the change room I was greeted by stacks of yoga mats proudly sporting their owners names. I was moved and inspired to be part of this great practice.

What is the big deal with Yoga? What do people really get out of it? Yoga has become a part of my life and who I am. I started when it was gaining popularity about twelve years ago. I was training for a marathon and wanted a cure to the muscle tension I was experiencing. Well, little did I know, it would become much more then that.  Yoga does for me what nothing else can. It allows me to free my mind of all its' daily clutter and focus on one specific intention. As I breathe in and out, I fall deeper into every pose and let go of all the tension. There is always room to get better at yoga, to achieve a certain difficult pose and its' physical benefits are immeasurable.

This month I am taking on the challenge of doing yoga every day for thirty days. I think if nothing else this will prove to me how I can fit it into my daily routine if I make the conscious effort. I am lucky to have a supportive husband who is also enthused about the idea and is willing to downward dog with me instead of cracking open a beer and watching the hockey game. In fact our four year old son and 19 month old daughter already do yoga as well. Now if I can just find a mini-yoga mat....

I would like to challenge anyone interested in joining me. You will be amazingly pleased with the benefits and results. If nothing else, if you have never done yoga, sign up for some beginner classes at a local studio!

Namaste