Background:
As some may or may not know, I love yoga! I've been doing it on and off for about 2 years. In the beginning, I did not "get it." Yes, it was fun and a great exercise, but I never understood what the hype was all about! For some odd reason, something clicked with me last summer and I started to understand and feel the true power of yoga physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are times when I go from practicing yoga 4 times per week and times when I may even go a week or two without it. Too inconsistent, in my opinion. But I always come back...
The idea for the 31-day challenge came from Tina of Carrots 'n' Cake.
The last couple of days, I've really felt that yoga "urge" drawing me closer. To be honest, I cannot put my finger on why some days this urge exists and others it does not (probably hormones, hehe), but I'm looking for more with my yoga. In all honesty, for the past 8 months or so, I have seriously been looking into a yoga teacher training program. However, at the moment, all the programs in my area are over $2,000, so needless to say, it is not within my current budget!I happened to stumble upon Tina's blog yesterday and saw that she did the same thing in March. Lightbulb!! Genius!! I was sitting in the bubble bath just moments before pondering what I could do to increase my yoga practice and give myself more accountability towards it. I then started to google "31-day yoga challenge" and I see others have done this as well throughout the blog-world.
The "rules"
On my days off, I need to do at least 30 minutes or more of yoga. For me, this is probably doable since all yoga classes are over one hour. Keeping in mind that some days my gym does not offer yoga, so I will need to do home-practice.
However, for the days that I am working, it gets a little trickier. For one, I work 12 hour shifts, which quickly turn into 13 from driving and getting/giving report to the oncoming nurse. On these days, I will be doing minimum 20 minutes of yoga at home, if there are not any late yoga classes offered on those days. With all the time I spend online reading blogs, facebook, etc., I think I can spare 20 minutes.
However, it is definitely going to be hard. Keep in mind, I am currently involved in rigorous Critical Care Internship that requires I work at the hospital, complete labs away from home, and tons of homework and computer modules. Challenge, yes. But beneficial, indeed!
Goals
What do I want to get out of this? What's the point?
Well, for one, I would like the whole month of October to not be just about the physical aspect of yoga, but the mental aspect, too. Let's call it a month of positivity! During this time, I will not only be doing yoga everyday, but also incorporating other things in my life that are positive, like reading certain books, trying new foods, anything that will inspire me. I'd also like a great way to reduce stress because I am sure most can imagine that working in the ICU is not a walk in the park.
October 1st is this Thursday!
My next post will be related to specific goals I have for the month of October related to yoga.
If anyone would like to join me in this challenge, you are more than welcome. Also, if you have any ideas, feel free! Please do comment though if you will be participating:)
8 comments:
More yoga, less computer time, more reading - my goals for October. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Great idea! I'll join you! Although I think I'll set my minimum at 10 minutes per day!
This is a great challenge!! It is a great opportunity to explore how yoga feels in your body when you take ownership of the practice, especially when practicing at home instead of in class. I will be checking back to see how it goes for you ;)
YAY yoga!!! I think you can also consider (on your UBER busy days especially) a 10-20 minute meditation, pranayama practice to be 'yoga' which is great. I really should work more on my breathing and meditation as well.
I agree with the word 'challenge' which was why I chose 'adventure' :) and this has inspired me to up my Adventure just that little itty bit to solitary practice twice a week on top of my three yoga a week (class and with friends)... once my flu gets better hah.
FUN space! So glad I found you and thanks for visiting mine! (ps- LOVE your blog title!)
I think I'll participate! I like yoga a lot. I'll try for 10 minutes minimum per day.
What a fabulous goal you have set for yourself and thank you so much for your comment and for reading me. For the days when you are working 12-hour shifts, you should look into hospital wellness programs. I know that here in Toronto, many of my friends that teach yoga do classes at hospitals for the staff.
That's an awesome goal to set for yourself! I like that you are incorporating the mental aspects to your life as well because yoga is not just about the physical benefits.
I wanted to mention that during your at home practices, there is a site that I really enjoy called yogatoday.com. It features an hour-long yoga video each week and if you become a member, you have access to their vast library of videos-from restorative to vinyasa. Good luck on your personal challenge!
Thanks for commenting on my blog and congratulations on your 31-day Yoga Challenge. Have fun!
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