A Yoga-Inspired Approach to New Year Planning

Ever since I can remember, I've loved the time between Christmas and New Years. It seems that this sacred time is for slowing down and enjoying and is a nice change from the breakneck speed of holiday preparations. Just as I do every year, I welcome this time. It's my time to integrate all that has happened in my life over the past year and to consider how I want to live the next year of my life.

Around this time I get a flurry of emails talking about the importance of goal setting. The word achievement is bandied about as if it were the most important thing in the world -- and don't even get me started on all of the New Year's resolution talk. I chuckle to myself because while everyone else is planning to do more, I'm conspiring to do less. My thoughts on goal-setting have been captured perfectly in this interview with Zen Habits blogger and The Power of Less author Leo Babauta. I love what he says about eliminating the non-essential. I notice that when I used to choose goals they weren't truly essential -- they were simply accomplishments I felt I needed to work towards. This year I'm looking at things differently.

My yoga studies of late have addressed the topic of Dharma, so my plans for the year are going to take on a new meaning. It's more about what lights me up rather than what seems reasonable or practical. It's common for me to change course and move from one thing to the next rather quickly. In the past I viewed that as negative -- like I was quitting. Now I see it as being fluid and more in tune with who I am as a person. After all, I'm not stagnant but always changing. Doesn't it then make sense that my goals would follow suit? Yoga Journal has an excellent article that ties dharma to health. Before you think about sucking it up and sticking it out yet another year doing what you don't enjoy, read it.

And when you find yourself ready to make a change or you desire to plan simply for the coming year, check out Lululemon's free Goaltender site. It makes planning fun!

And the biggest question you should ask yourself as you look back on 2008 and ahead to 2009 -- what joy have your brought?

Namaste!

Comments

[Peter]

My apologies the link didn't work in the previous post, it is: http://www.discountyoga.net.

[Peter Ohsoin]

Very cool site. If anyone is looking for yoga gear that is specialized to be environmentally friendly try www.discountyoga.net.

Thanks again! Beautiful blog.

[Nicole Feliciano]

I resolving to a class a week (Monday after preschool drop off!). I've got a review and coupon for cool yoga gear on my site. Check it out and feel free to leave an inspiring tip for yogi's in the works:

http://momtrends.blogspot.com/2009/01/yoga-clothing-for-cool-moms.html

[Wellspring Life]

I've resolved to do less, too. The computer and TV has to be off at least an hour before bedtime!

[diana]

Thank you for this - exactly what I was looking for. I love the art of reflection and of looking forward to what can be.
Blessings~

[swan]

It's so excellent that your yoga practice has led you to this state of mind of pursuing what "lights you up". Although yoga practice will optimize physical health by toning and energizing the entire body, the greatest benefit comes from the healing of the mind. Well, I guess they're both great, right? For incredible yoga classes for all levels try www.SumitsYoga-Phoenix.com 

[Becky]

The time between Christmas and New Years is one of my favorite times too! I have taken this time to enjoy blog hopping and to catch up on some relaxation and reading. Last night I finished a great book titled, "Soul Communication" by Dr. Sha. This book was truly amazing! I know that I will be able to use it to benefit my life! After searching his website, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he has another great book titled, "The Power of Soul," coming out in January!

http://www.drsha.com

[carlikup]

I absolutely LOVE this post! Thank you so much!

Have a happy new year,
Carla

[Linda]

wow, we kind of blogged the same way today!