Breathe in, 2011!

I've finally found the time to sit down and write in 2011! Even though I've been busy, this year feels like it has much more promise than 2010 to be a great year! It's seriously as though the stars or the planets re-aligned to be in a better place starting january 1, because I feel much more alive, positive and excited for this year than last year. I'm happy to feel like I'm coming out of my slump, and ready to rock 2011! It seems as though many people had a rough year is 2010 and their 2011 is already taking a turn for the better as well. Collective energy? Whatever it is, I'm excited for it!

There of course is a lesson or two in everything as well, and it's of course easier to reflect upon when I'm in a more positive place instead of feeling so overwhelmed. My biggest new years resolution for 2011 is to not be so hard on myself. When I teach my yoga classes, I am always encouraging my students to listen to their bodies, listen to their hearts, because if they listen, their bodies and/or hearts will tell them what they need. I truly do believe this, or I wouldn't say it...but I have realized on a deep level this year that, that is often easier said than done. So in order to practice what I preach, I am actively taking the time this year to sit and listen to my body or my heart, and follow what they need. Even though it's only the 8th day of the year, I feel SO much better. For example, today, I REALLY wanted to go to Hip Hop yoga at Back Bay with Lynne in the new studio space. But since tuesday, I have been nursing a shoulder injury. I am feeling better today, but when I sat down and really listened, my body told me to take one more day of rest before getting back on the horse. Now I know what I should do, I have surrendered to the decision, and I'm not stressed about it anymore!

In my opinion, what decreasing stress really boils down to, is having faith. I tend to have an easy time believing that "everything works out for a reason" when I'm in a good place. But when things get overwhelming, I have a very hard time keeping faith that everything will work out ok...even though it does pretty much every time. Another resolution is to try to remember to breathe, and know that everything will work out the way it should, as it always does.

In reality, all we have is right now, so it's important to learn from our pasts, but it's equally if not more important to not dwell on what's gone, and focus on right now. Each moment is new, each breath can renew, each exhale can cleanse, each day is a blessing.

I hope 2011 will be as beautiful as you can allow it to be :)

Light and Love,

Sarah