What are you doing for yourself this year?

Poster from Orange Beautiful

Over the holidays this year it occurred to me that I need to take on new habits that nurture me, and help me to move my life forward in the directions I would like to see it go.

I’m often a bit slow to join in when it comes to new trends – unless they’re tech related! So it comes as no surprise to me that I have only begun yoga now – years after it became “the” exercise of choice by many of my fellow city dwellers here in Vancouver.

Yoga pants from Purusha people

I have known for a long time that I needed to become more serious about developing an exercise routine, as I’m not as strong or as energetic as I have been in the past. And this has become of special concern to me as my husband and I plan to have children sometime in the next couple of years.

While starting yoga was at first intended to be a means of getting exercise, I have been thrilled to find more in it than I first expected. As an admitted Type A personality relaxation does not always come easily to me – so I am finding the yin and yang of the classes so enjoyable. By this I just mean the way the classes alternate between poses that challenge the body, and those that deeply relax it. I now find myself craving the quiet moments in class – and while these moments can truly be found anywhere, there is something special about sharing them with a group of people, in silence.

Yoga mat bag from Sweet Simple Beads

I have been surprised by the spiritual aspect of yoga, as I didn’t expect for it to be so powerful. For myself, I come to yoga with my own faith – and I see it as one of the vehicles by which I can express that faith. It is a time of centering and reflection, but also a time where I seek to improve my health and general outlook on life. I feel very confident that it is one of the many things I will take on this year that will be a nurturing and positive force!

I would love to hear about the habits and activities that nurture you and bring you life! Please feel free to share in the comments section.