Well, there are many....but here goes with a few:

 

1. Take time out from your normal routine to connect body, mind, soul, breath.  It pays dividends, you know.  We can easily forget the simple things, such as how to breathe.  Deeply, completely, filling the body with fresh energy (prana).  Somehow the world seems simpler, problems smaller when we take a lovely deep breath in and just allow the shoulders to drop, tension to release, with a long, slow exhale. 

 

2. To get those limbs moving.  Ever heard the phrase "use it or lose it?".  Usually thought to apply to our brains.  Well  it applies to our joints as well.  Unless we take our bodies through the full range of available movement everyday then the range of available movement shrinks.   Do you remember being able to touch your toes as a child?  Can you still do it? 

 

3. Learn to relax.  And I mean quality relaxation, not the veg out in front of the telly kind.   Nothing wrong with that either but until you have tried yoga relaxation (yoga nidra) then you don't know what you are missing.  Twenty minutes yoga relaxation can be the equivalent of a couple of hours good quality sleep.  And we could all use a little more of that!

 

4. Getting to know yourself just a little bit better.  Time spent on a yoga mat is time for honesty with yourself.  You check in with how you are feeling.  Is that lower back a little twingey today.  Or maybe the knees are a little stiff.  The rich and excessive food at the weekend is maybe making the whole system feel a little sluggish.  Is this how I want to feel?  Really??  Time spent with yoga reminds us that we need to look after ourselves.  We decide to eat better and probably less food.  We restrict the amount of alcohol and maybe even stop altogether.  And it's not because we are killjoys it's just that we learn to listen to our bodies and educate ourselves about what is necessary.  It's a life long process really.  Have I mentioned paying dividends???!!

 

5. Topical for the time of year is de-tox.  The January classes will be focused on getting our sluggish digestive systems going again.  We will be building our inner fire to negate any lethargy.

 

6. New Years Resolution???   The kind that we have forgotten after a week?  Or New Years Revolution.  The kind that transforms our lives, the quality of our lives, the gift to you, from you,  for the rest of your lifetime.

 

7. Your comments??  What do you want out of a yoga practice?  What does yoga give you?