𝓜𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓪𝔂

First off, I want to let everyone know – the common theory that Mondays suck = DEBUNKED. Monday’s don’t suck. But I remember when I thought they did. In fact, that notion began every Sunday around 6pm, having panic attacks that soon I’d be back at my day job in medical billing/coding, that I HATED. However, there really didn’t seem a way out. Remember I’m getting ancient and back then (lol…ok like a decade ago), there weren’t so many avenues of getting out of the rat race unless you were born already out or struck the lotto.

Regardless, I’m here to tell you, starting today, repeat after me, Monday’s do not suck, Monday’s do not suck, Monday’s do not suck…

Before I get in depth I’m still in the baby stages of this blog so I want to start from the ground up so my posts become more and more content that you can read as you go and come back to the beginning if you’re feeling a little lost. This blog is for everyone – beginner to guru to just someone interested in a good read. No matter where you’re at, you’ll get SOMETHING out of it. Even if it’s just removing that mind controlled thinking of “Monday’s suck.” (If you’re a yogi and need a mantra for the day – there ya go!)

The coolest thing about yoga is that it is unique from any other practice in that it is mind – body – soul. It’s not just a workout, it actually doesn’t have to be physical at all. You can get on your mat and literally do nothing, do everything, do some, or even stay off your mat and do yoga in your head. Yes, you can practice yoga in your head. So there’s another one for today – Meditation Monday!

In yoga, the first and foremost thing I have every student do is to create an intention for their practice. I remember THE ENTIRETY of my yoga practice before I became a registered yoga teacher, I never did that. I went because it helped me with my ailments, back pain, energy level, and mood (and so much more). But even though I was told to set an intention, I never did. I didn’t know how to, and I didn’t even really know what that meant.

Setting an intention is integral for your practice. It can be a goal, something you wish to achieve, a desire, anything you wish. But you have to mentally set this and stick to it throughout your practice and even your day, week…until it isn’t just an intention. It’s a habit.

There are 3 things that are the hardest about yoga. #1 is simply just showing up. It takes a million times more effort to show up to a class than it does to participate in it. However, I’ve never shown up and regret it. Not once. #2 is shutting off your mind. We live in an age where we have 24 hours in a day and need 72 at the least; thoughts are racking our mind of our to-do’s, don’t do, comparisons (big NO-NO), and for even one hour we can’t just make our brain be quiet. Too bad! You have to. If you want the benefits of the practice you have to drown out all of the clutter and nonsense from the days before and ahead and simply be in that moment. There will come a time when it becomes second nature you don’t even hear the instructor anymore. #3 Comparison – of course if you show up to a class and you’re new, you’re going to be compelled to see all the other people who have been practicing for years and it’s going to probably sway you a bit. If it doesn’t sway you, it probably will at the least make you start to compare yourself. STOP. If they went as a novice to something you are an expert at, the tables would be turned. They’re not looking at you. Don’t look at them! And another thing I realized is that you probably will also (at least I did) forget about all the other beginners in there with you. So don’t be intimidated. You. Will. Get. There.

Take breaks when you need. Repeat your mantras. Stay silent during class and in your overloaded hard drive noggin. Calm your mind. If you need something to focus on – focus on your BREATH.

This practice is YOURS and it is sacred. Honor your body, honor your mind, and honor your soul. Until next time, NAMASTE my friends.