Today's class was 7:30pm kundalini with Gloria. Dana and I were in the class together.
SQUAT COUNT - 94!!
It was a good class, but I have to admit, I wasn't fully into it tonight. My mind was brewing over with couple of situations that I am experiencing, which kept me from being fully present. But regardless, I was present on the mat, which is at least part way there.
This yoga challenge is all about self-discipline. It takes commitment to prioritize yoga each and every day of my busy life. Given that I've done this once before, and given that it's the start of a new year, I decided that this time I would to take the challenge one step further, in effort to transform myself into an absolutely amazing person. No problem, right?!
To obtain this lofty goal, I've chosen a path of wellness. I've been trying to drop bad habits, and pick up good habits. The list ranges from getting more sleep, eating more veggies and fruit, cooking wholesome food more often, getting to & departing from work earlier, making new friends, reaching out to old friends, being creative with art, reading more books, taking time for reflection, etc., etc, etc.! And, dropping alcohol.
So for the past three weeks (and counting), I haven't had any booze. As a social drinker who enjoys wine and occasionally over-indulges, the goal is to simply avoid alcohol during the 40 days, rather than to quit altogether. It's a chance for me to gain awareness about alcohol's subtle yet significant effect. That glass of wine on Tuesday night, which doesn't register, yet makes it slightly more difficult to wake up the next day. And weekend mornings with absolutely no residue of indulgence from the night before.
It hasn't been difficult, and it does feel good. I am not sure if it's that, the yoga, or other things, but I do feel more energetic. Waking up in the morning is much easier. Plus I am saving calories and money. All good things.
But not so good too. Like it or not, alcohol is seriously imbedded in our culture. It's a social lubricant, a facilitator, and an excuse. When friends get together, drinks are often shared, and it can be a lot of fun. Take for instance Saturday, when I was out to celebrate a good friend's upcoming wedding. She ordered a bottle of bubbly for everyone to enjoy, which posed me with a quandry. Do I stick to my commitment and miss out in the celebratory toast, or do I just go for it an enjoy the moment? As a compromise, I asked for my champagne flute to be filled with just a sip of bubbles, and the rest with OJ. That worked, but it was a little awkward.
Truth of the matter is that I want to take part in these celebrations. I want to be social. And I do enjoy wine! So why not?! The world is not black and white. Some is often better than none. My exercise in self-discipline has demonstrated that flexibility and comfort in the grey zone is often a better way to be.
So for the rest of this challenge (and beyond, for all the habits I am cultivating), rather than utter and complete abstinence, I will practice "Mindful Moderation". This is more realistic. Smart choices, with flexibility. A balanced and sustainable approach indeed.
SQUAT COUNT - 94!!
It was a good class, but I have to admit, I wasn't fully into it tonight. My mind was brewing over with couple of situations that I am experiencing, which kept me from being fully present. But regardless, I was present on the mat, which is at least part way there.
This yoga challenge is all about self-discipline. It takes commitment to prioritize yoga each and every day of my busy life. Given that I've done this once before, and given that it's the start of a new year, I decided that this time I would to take the challenge one step further, in effort to transform myself into an absolutely amazing person. No problem, right?!
To obtain this lofty goal, I've chosen a path of wellness. I've been trying to drop bad habits, and pick up good habits. The list ranges from getting more sleep, eating more veggies and fruit, cooking wholesome food more often, getting to & departing from work earlier, making new friends, reaching out to old friends, being creative with art, reading more books, taking time for reflection, etc., etc, etc.! And, dropping alcohol.
So for the past three weeks (and counting), I haven't had any booze. As a social drinker who enjoys wine and occasionally over-indulges, the goal is to simply avoid alcohol during the 40 days, rather than to quit altogether. It's a chance for me to gain awareness about alcohol's subtle yet significant effect. That glass of wine on Tuesday night, which doesn't register, yet makes it slightly more difficult to wake up the next day. And weekend mornings with absolutely no residue of indulgence from the night before.
It hasn't been difficult, and it does feel good. I am not sure if it's that, the yoga, or other things, but I do feel more energetic. Waking up in the morning is much easier. Plus I am saving calories and money. All good things.
But not so good too. Like it or not, alcohol is seriously imbedded in our culture. It's a social lubricant, a facilitator, and an excuse. When friends get together, drinks are often shared, and it can be a lot of fun. Take for instance Saturday, when I was out to celebrate a good friend's upcoming wedding. She ordered a bottle of bubbly for everyone to enjoy, which posed me with a quandry. Do I stick to my commitment and miss out in the celebratory toast, or do I just go for it an enjoy the moment? As a compromise, I asked for my champagne flute to be filled with just a sip of bubbles, and the rest with OJ. That worked, but it was a little awkward.
So for the rest of this challenge (and beyond, for all the habits I am cultivating), rather than utter and complete abstinence, I will practice "Mindful Moderation". This is more realistic. Smart choices, with flexibility. A balanced and sustainable approach indeed.
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