30-Day Dare, Week 4 Recap: CELEBRATION
Done! 30 classes in 30 days, plus I taught 70 classes in the month of October—100 classes, that’s a lot of heat!
I feel great. Sore, yes, but “I worked hard” kind of sore. It wasn’t all fun and good feels, but it was a great journey and I’m glad that I took the challenge. It’s even more fun for me to watch all the yogis take on the dare. I witnessed the struggle, and I saw light bulbs of awareness turn on. Some of you even dialed it up and set higher goals for yourselves. Awesome! Some of you realized that this was not your time to complete the dare and you bowed out, and I celebrate your ability to recognize what you needed. Really good work!
I saw growth, new possibility, positivity and awakening. I sense a growing spirit of community and a real desire for growth.
And now that we have summitted the 30-Day Dare mountain, “What’s next?”
How about a fun workshop? Christina will be teaching a “Yoga Party Tricks” workshop in both Eastown & Holland in November. You’ll have fun and build skills no matter where you are in your yoga journey, I guarantee it!
This I know for sure; what you focus on, grows. Where do you want growth? Where will you focus?
Next on my personal Growth Docket: I’m going to focus on my meditation practice, because with the holidays on the horizon, I want to stay grounded and present.
Here’s a guided meditation I really enjoy by Oprah & Deepak, Creating Peace From The Inside Out.
There are also many other sources for meditation we at the Funky Buddha recommend:
These people: Dr.Rick Hanson, Sharon Salzberg, Dan Siegel OR these FREE apps: Stop, Breathe & Think , Headspace (and soooo…many more. We also have several books in our lobby on meditation. Check them out next time you’re in and let us know if you have questions!)
Also, watch for in-studio meditation workshops coming up this holiday season. (Rest Fest, info coming soon!!!)
Celebrate your success, and ask yourself what you really want right now.
Take aim, and grow!
30-Day Dare, Week 3 Recap: Slow & Steady Wins the Race
I got up at 7 am on a Sunday to practice yoga.
I’m either crazy, or I’m crazy committed to this 30-Day Dare.
After the Sunday night Community Class, I’m even, with seven more classes to go.
Week 3 has me feeling stronger, and hungrier, and more tired. I seriously think I could crush a walnut with my thighs. Ok, maybe not, but my muscles are sore in a really good way. I talked to a yogi tonight who said she could actually feel her core muscles engage in a way she’s never felt before. Yes! Growth through practice!
There’s just one week left of the dare. Some yogis have already finished. Awesome! Even if you only have 14 classes under your belt at this point, you could still finish the dare. (Spoiler alert: We give you October 31st as a bonus day to get your 30 in.)
Nobody ever said this was easy. It’s not. It’s physically draining, and my social life has taken the back seat, but that can be a really good thing too. Saying no to things in order to work on yourself and take needed rest is amazing.
If you want it, go after it! It’s the final countdown. (These Big 80’s tunes are falling down like rain.) Bring us home, Europe!
P.S. See you Thursday night at Brush Studio for our YogABeats, yoga, drinks & dance party! 😉
—Laurie
30-Day Dare, Week Two Recap: Disillusionment
What was I thinking? I don’t have time for this. My body can’t handle this!
If that voice inside your head has whispered (or shouted) some less-than-encouraging thoughts, know that YOU’RE NORMAL. By the end of week two, doubt often creeps in.
Your body should be feeling the extra effort on your mat, that’s not a bad thing. You are growing in strength! You are becoming more in-tune with your body. Your body is awakening! Celebrate that you can feel!
You’ll only have time for this if you make time for it. With just two weeks remaining, you’ll have to prioritize your free time and make yoga a daily “must do” not an option. Make up any missed days as soon as you can, it’s just not a great feeling being behind.
Lets be real, some days I can think of a dozen things I’d rather do than get on my mat, but truthfully, every time I get on my mat, I’m glad I did. Now, I’m closer to the finish line than I am the starting gate.
Stay positive! We’re half way there! Bon Jovi, take it away…
—Laurie, out.
30-Day Dare, Week One Recap: The Honeymoon
I’ve been down this road, so why again? It’s a challenge, every damn time. It kicks my ass and makes me physically stronger and mentally, more focused. It reminds me that reaching any goal is possible with a plan. Week one is the honeymoon phase of the dare. Yoga love is in the air. High fives and good feels, and a hint of, “Damn!, that class last night…”
Here are some tips from a seasoned dare-er:
– Map out your month.
– Look at every possible opportunity, and grab every one. “If I can, I must” is my mantra. Front load your month, people. You’ll be grateful you did.
– Make a habit of practicing when it naturally works in your schedule and stick to it.
Make good choices.
Fuel your body with nourishing foods and hydrate! All this extra physical exertion is going to make you hungry. Set yourself up for success by having good stuff on hand so you’re less likely to drive through Taco Bell when you’re starving. Rest when you need it, both on and off your mat. Really.
Enjoy the ride.
Choose your way of being. You can love this or hate this, your mental attitude is everything. Keep your own journal. These are days to remember. Let’s get shit done, then we can belly up to a bar and commiserate/celebrate in November.
We’ve only just begun… cue The Carpenters:
—Laurie
