Despite good intentions, things often don't work out as expected. Maybe you stick to your goals for a couple days, even weeks, but they soon fizzle out. Before you know it, the year has passed and you (I) haven't crossed one damned thing off the list.
Well, for me, this year is going to be different. No, really. I swear. Not only do I have good intentions, I have something that I've never had before: a plan. Say whaaaaaaat??
Yes, a plan. Not that I haven't had a plan in the past; or at least I thought I did. My 'plan' was to do all the things I said I was going to do. Plain and simple. I was going to turn my life around once and for all. But my 'plan' just consisted of my intentions to do so, and while intentions mean well, I can't recall ever accomplishing one of my resolutions according to my so-called plan.
This year my plan comes equipped with a program, a book, instructions, and a support group. And there's only one thing on my new years resolution list. What am I talking about? Don't you know, I'm talkin' bout a revolution.
Beginning January 8th, I will participate in 40 Days to Personal Revolution, a program designed by world renowned yogi extraordinaire Baron Baptiste. The program includes the advice, wisdom and tools to inspire a transformation of body, mind and spirit in a relevant and practical format. The outline entails practicing yoga 6 days a week, twice daily meditation, logical dietary changes, attendance at weekly meetings, and learning to find and listen to the authentic self. Each week builds on the previous one, beginning with small changes working towards more substantial ones as the program gets closer to the 40 days.
I do not claim or believe that this will be an easy undertaking by any means. It's a significant commitment and I definitely had/have my reservations about participating. My initial concern was the time commitment. By week 6, the yoga practices extend to 90 minutes, and the meditation lasts 30 minutes in the morning and another 30 in the evening. And there's still the weekly meeting. WHERE WILL I FIND THE TIME?!? I'm also concerned about the dietary changes. Although I know giving up certain things would do me good, old habits die hard and I haven't had much luck in previous 'attempts'. My final concern was the cost. I'm already struggling to make ends meet as is; should I really be taking on another financial obligation?
After some questioning, I learned that the yoga practices don't have to be done at a certain time or place; I can do them anywhere, even at home. The dietary changes are chosen by me, not according to a master one-size-fits-all formula. And even though money is tight, the cost of the program is less than I anticipated; a very reasonable price with some extra incentives* thrown in.
Even though my concerns are still very relevant to me, I signed up for the program anyway. There's no doubt I will experience moments of weakness, faltering motivation, sacrifice, even suffering. There's a chance I could even fail. I could quit, give up, drop out, realize I was in over my head (which is a legitimate concern). But I'm not letting that stop me from trying, and I'm convinced that I can make it through the 40 days. This is my new years resolution.
Why do I want to do this? What do I expect to get? Essentially, to become a better person. As cheesy as it sounds and no matter the stigma attached, I've always been a fan of self-help. I'm an avid believer that our minds hold the power to heal ourselves with enough determination, mindfulness, and perseverance. I remember listening to Tony Robbins years ago talking about his philosophy of CANI : Constant And Never-ending Improvement. The theory is to improve one tiny aspect of your life every single day, and over time....voila!! I love that philosophy; it has stuck with me over the years, creeping into my mind at times when I've needed it most. Besides, if we don't help ourselves, who will? Better yet, who would we allow, even if someone tried? It's been said that we're our own worst critics, but what about being our own biggest proponents? That's where YOU come in. You have the power to change yourself. Here's to 2012.
"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." - John Ruskin
*For more information or to enroll, contact Inner Peace Yoga. 40 day personal transformation will be facilitated by local Tulsa instructor, Chelsea Paxton.
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