New Year’s resolution
It’s this time again but different - the end of a difficult, strange year that at times felt like it would never end… What we collectively hope for in 2021 is very simple: to be able to visit family and friends again, to go to a concert or a museum, to eat in a restaurant without the risk of contracting COVID. But I wonder if some of the habits we developed during the prolonged lockdown will persist even after the pandemic recedes. Will we be comfortable in crowded places? Shake hands? Keep wearing masks on planes?
This pandemic has been rough on all of us - body, mind, and soul. My resolution for the New Year is to keep moving forward with the intention to connect and be true to my Self. And, you know, just to keep moving! Yoga is a great guide in this regard. For me, it is also a way to give back to the community, whether though outdoor classes or virtually for the time being.
In particular, over the last two months I enjoyed doing quick online “yoga lite” stretch sessions during lunch for my colleagues and friends. The concept is simple: every work day at 12 noon you stop whatever you’re doing, come as you are (i.e. no need to change in workout clothes, just wear something that won’t restrict your movement - I love my stretchy Betabrand work pants) and stretch for 12 minutes or so. I know things will become busy again in January and I can’t commit to leading these live sessions as I have been. So taking advantage of some downtime I recorded 5 clips with simple stretches that anyone can do at any time from the comfort of their home or office, no yoga experience required.
The idea is to commit to doing them every working day of the week to make sure that, no matter how busy you are, you make this time for yourself to slow down, breathe, and move. I hate taping myself and this series this is certainly not in the professional film making category, just me experimenting with my phone. So I am making these videos available for symbolic $5 total just to see if there is interest in producing something more polished. You can pay via Venmo or PayPal and I’ll send you links. Here is Part 1 to give you an idea of the format:
And while you’re at it, treat yourself! I always start yoga, meditation, or stretching with a dab of fragrant essential oil - Edens Garden is my favorite brand. If you like practicing with music, these two playlists on Spotify hit the spot on chilly days: Sweater Weather Instrumentals and Winter Instrumentals. Join me and check this one easy New Year’s resolution off your list! Happy New Year, everyone! God knows we’re ready to say goodbye to this one…