We're all well aware of the hype surrounding new year's resolutions. We tell ourselves that this year, we're going to [fill in the blank.] Maybe we aim to spend less time watching TV, procrastinating, or eating junk food.
Better health? More successful relationships? Improved fitness? Add 'em to the list!
But the truth is, most major changes won't occur all at once and overnight. According to Forbes, a mere 8% of people actually achieve their new year's goals! Why is this? We set our focus on the biggest "flaws" we hope to change about ourselves. Not only that, but we expect instant results in all areas. If that's not asking for failure, I don't know what is.
Instead of being hard on ourselves for "failing", "quitting" or "giving up" on our plans, we should simply realize the statistical impossibility of altering all aspects of our lives that supposedly need "fixing", and instead appreciate where we are right now. It may be cheesy to talk about "living in the moment" and being "fully present", but in all reality, if we're constantly wrestling with the past or worrying about the future, what becomes of the here-and-now?
The moment is lost, and with it an opportunity to be joyful, playful or appreciative of what we actually have.
Our privileged, western lives often cause us to forget how fortunate we are in relation to other people on this planet. (For the most part) we're provided security, comfort, education, technological advantages, and abundance: benefits not everyone is able to take for granted. I'm not saying we need to sulk and weep at the adversity faced by less fortunate people, as that won't be helpful to anyone. As much as we'd like to, we simply can't save the world single-handedly. However, what we can do to spark that change is work on ourselves. I once heard a quote that truly resonated with me- something along the lines of "Peace begins with me, for peace within is world peace."
Think about it: if every person loved themselves without condition, the world would be in a constant state of harmony.
The point is, self-acceptance and self-love are the true goals to be striving for. Paradoxically, it's when we surrender to the current situation that the greatest changes can occur. The moment we love ourselves without restriction, we become free of all resistance. This means, we cut loose the shackles of negative behaviours toward ourselves, and allow life to flow. Things appear to fall into place at the right time, opportunities present themselves, and we don't seek approval from others to make us feel worthy. What we have done is create space for true, lasting change.
So, next December 31st, when someone tells you they've written off potato chips for sure this time, simply excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, kiss your reflection in the mirror, and know you've just changed the entire world.
Better health? More successful relationships? Improved fitness? Add 'em to the list!
But the truth is, most major changes won't occur all at once and overnight. According to Forbes, a mere 8% of people actually achieve their new year's goals! Why is this? We set our focus on the biggest "flaws" we hope to change about ourselves. Not only that, but we expect instant results in all areas. If that's not asking for failure, I don't know what is.
Instead of being hard on ourselves for "failing", "quitting" or "giving up" on our plans, we should simply realize the statistical impossibility of altering all aspects of our lives that supposedly need "fixing", and instead appreciate where we are right now. It may be cheesy to talk about "living in the moment" and being "fully present", but in all reality, if we're constantly wrestling with the past or worrying about the future, what becomes of the here-and-now?
The moment is lost, and with it an opportunity to be joyful, playful or appreciative of what we actually have.
Our privileged, western lives often cause us to forget how fortunate we are in relation to other people on this planet. (For the most part) we're provided security, comfort, education, technological advantages, and abundance: benefits not everyone is able to take for granted. I'm not saying we need to sulk and weep at the adversity faced by less fortunate people, as that won't be helpful to anyone. As much as we'd like to, we simply can't save the world single-handedly. However, what we can do to spark that change is work on ourselves. I once heard a quote that truly resonated with me- something along the lines of "Peace begins with me, for peace within is world peace."
Think about it: if every person loved themselves without condition, the world would be in a constant state of harmony.
The point is, self-acceptance and self-love are the true goals to be striving for. Paradoxically, it's when we surrender to the current situation that the greatest changes can occur. The moment we love ourselves without restriction, we become free of all resistance. This means, we cut loose the shackles of negative behaviours toward ourselves, and allow life to flow. Things appear to fall into place at the right time, opportunities present themselves, and we don't seek approval from others to make us feel worthy. What we have done is create space for true, lasting change.
So, next December 31st, when someone tells you they've written off potato chips for sure this time, simply excuse yourself, go to the bathroom, kiss your reflection in the mirror, and know you've just changed the entire world.
~ A personal story from one of our Yoginis, Johanna Boedenauer~
Johanna Boedenauer is a Grade 11 AIS student, founder and president of the AIS Yoga CAS group.
She holds a 200-hour Vinyasa Flow Yoga Certification from Heart Center Therapy, awarded by Essud Fungcap Jr.
Johanna Boedenauer is a Grade 11 AIS student, founder and president of the AIS Yoga CAS group.
She holds a 200-hour Vinyasa Flow Yoga Certification from Heart Center Therapy, awarded by Essud Fungcap Jr.