Every once and a while I like to challenge myself to let go of habits I know are no longer serving me and adopt new habits I have been thinking about and playing with. It takes repetition, discipline, some fun, and a deep sense of WHY to actually make these shifts happen.
I was at the Banff Yoga Festival this past weekend and took classes led by some amazing teachers. Each class was so unique and powerful in its presentation, themes, and flow. I found myself falling more in love with inversions and reminded of the beauty and magic that comes from sitting still and quiet.
I remember the first time I tried doing a hand stand in class, a few years ago, and I was shocked by how scared I was to get upside down. I had been such a brave and fearless child, trying almost anything and consequently getting injured quite often. I don't know exactly when it was that I transitioned from a fearless and wild youngin into a cautious and fearful adult, but I think it is safe to assume it was sometime during puberty.
I committed to practicing and playing upside down as much as possible to help myself get over that fear. I have come a long way since then, but I can sense that it is time to up the ante and get myself even more stable and confident with my feet in the sky.
I have also been playing with building the habit of mediation daily, and I recommend it as a practice to almost anyone when the topic comes up. Meditation, for me, is one of those activities that I know has many benefits and I know I feel amazing after (and sometimes during), but it often takes a lot of motivation and several reminders to actually sit down and do it.
For these reasons, I felt that Inversions and Meditation would be a perfect challenge for myself to engage in for the month of June. I turn 30 in July, and I want to drink up and enjoy these last few weeks of my 20s. Strolling into 30 with a strong meditation practice and a growing ability to play on my hands sounds like a great way to honor my journey.
I have written up a calendar on a white board that sits on my living room table. I know that having that as a reminder will definitely help me stay on track. Each day I get a little boost of dopamine as I get to check off the day as completed.
Join me for a 30 day challenge. Choose one or two things that you need to let go of and replace them with one or two things to harness your energy and focus your mind on. What do you need more of in your life? What have you been thinking about doing but haven't mustered up the courage or the motivation to go for? It's time!!
If you need support in how to love the process and let go of perfection, reach out and I would be happy to have a conversation with you. A 30 day challenge quickly loses its appeal when you beat yourself up or you become a slave to the process. Keep it light. Keep it fun. Stay focused on growth and progress versus being the best. It's not supposed to be easy, but it will be worth it.
And if you are feeling the need for more, check out The Path to Change 40 day challenge, in 'What I Offer'. Another great resource to learn new language, concepts, and tools to align yourself with the change you want to see in your life.
Share your story. What does your June Challenge look like?