Resolutions that are fun and easy

Reading from Wedneday, December 30, 2015 class

From an article from the Yoga for Healthy Aging website entitled "Pet more Downward-Facing Dogs" by Nina Zolotow

When my son was in the fourth grade, he came to me with a problem.  His teacher had asked him to write a list of ten possible resolutions he could make for the new year.  The thought of coming up with ten things he needed to change about himself was making him utterly miserable.  But to this dedicated student, skipping the assignment was not an option.  "What can I do, Mom?" he asked me sadly.  "Well, how about if you came up with some resolutions that would be very easy and fun to keep?"  He looked at me doubtfully.  "Let's see, how about something like : pet more dogs?"  He lit up with a smile and then went off in much better spirits to write a list of resolutions for his teacher.

I'm bringing this up now, because if you are planning on making any New Year's resolutions regarding yoga this year, I'd advise you to take the same lighthearted approach.

If you want to start a home practice...think small. How about:

1.  Do one Downward-Facing Dog pose a day five days in a row for one week.  (you can pet yourself afterward)

2.  Look through a yoga book and find a picture of a pose you've never done and just try it. (be sure to laugh if you get totally confused or fall out of the pose)

3. Download a yoga nidra practice or guided relaxation and try it once.  (you might become addicted)

4.  Clear some wall space, figure out what to use for props, and set yourself up in Legs Up the Wall pose at home.

5. Practice seated meditation for five minutes a few times a week.

6. Buy yourself an eye pillow and "test" it in Savasana (relaxation pose)