So winter has finally arrived. I greatly enjoyed its delay for the sake of sunny, spring-like weather and clean dry roads to run on. But I think that we needed a deep freeze, a little white stuff, and the change of seasons. I don’t mind that I had to shovel last night when I got home from work. I shoveled for the neighboring businesses, too, as the fresh air felt so nice on my skin and the temperatures were rather mild still compared to January’s past reputation.
If you’re interested in a snowshoe outing, please COMMENT here – and we will find a date in February or March to make it happen.
You also see an unlikely word above. Donuts. About three times a year, I get this weird curiosity again about these little baked treats. I do have more of a sweet tooth than a salty habit, but these donuts (especially the ones from Gordy’s where they are bigger than my face!) are a bit too much. I buy one, I eat it and enjoy it. Then when I am finished I am convinced once again that I’d probably be content to never eat one again. The point of this all is not to bring shock and awe into your perception of who is this personal trainer of yours. Rather, to illustrate that we all make choices. I am a good person regardless of what I chose to eat yesterday. I am a healthy person who makes my fitness a priority. I made a choice. By removing the “good and bad” of it, we can objectively see what brings us true happiness and health. And for me, it certainly doesn’t come in the shape of a donut. Yet allowing myself these annual oddities makes me remember my commitments, reset my tastebuds (or maybe my memory or image of what my tastebuds want, as I am glad that a few bites will do with something like a donut), and be able to relate to all of you. What I am asking for from each of you is not perfection. I am asking for more mindful choices each day, more awareness of how your choices effect you, and thus an effortlessly growing commitment to the choices that make your energy, your health, your mind vibrantly, brilliantly well.
Temptation is all around us, but really – honestly – what do you crave? The immediate taste of something that we often hear is forbidden? Or the lasting freedom of making clear, committed choices and living well? The feeling of supreme health each day?
My sankalpa (intention) for this year is CONSISTENCY and DISCIPLINED PROGRESS. I have a daily practice, I love being active, and I usually stick to the same types of foods and meals that I cook for myself. Yet, I know more is possible. I know that through disciplined, progressive attention to my practice I will see a natural unfolding into new levels of understanding and ability in my body, and balance in my life. This comes alongside the Yoga principle of Tapas. Tapas, according to the Yoga Sutras states:
“As intense discipline burns up impurities, the body and its senses become supremely refined.”
Cheers to you and your own sankalpas – many of you have written these on the Goal Scroll – and we will continue to refine your efforts, your practices, your commitments.
Have a beautifully mindful day.
Cheri
Find your sitting bones and allow yourself to find easy, upright posture. Observe your inhale as it fills you and supports the curves of your spine, and linger with your exhalation. Ready? Continue…
