Welcome 2006!
New Years Resolutions that
support and empower you
ALL year!          

  By Bliss Wood

 Here it is, a brand new year, in the “present moment” of our lives! It’s time for a fresh start, a new beginning, a release from the past. If you're like me, you’ve probably considered and made a few New Years resolutions and goals for 2006. GREAT! We all want to start the new year off on the right foot ... quit smoking, make more money, get a better job, find a mate, have more abundance ... and the #1 intention, to have better health and lose weight. The big question is how can we keep our promises to ourselves throughout this new year without feeling the guilt of not following through on our resolutions in the exact way we planned?

To ensure the best possible results for your resolutions, I think it’s important to define what resolutions and goals truly mean for you and then be kind to yourself when things don’t go the way you expect them to. I am constantly reminding myself of this during my yoga practice when my body doesn’t move as far as I’d like it to, or I can’t seem to master a particular pose in the NOW! It is most helpful for me as a student of yoga, and as a teacher, to define what I want out of my practice and release my ideas of how I’m going to achieve my results.

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite definitions of resolution. “Resolutions are dedications to our intentions”. What a beautiful way to describe a resolution! We are, in fact, dedicating ourselves to our intentions for a better life. We are focusing precisely on a thought and putting our faith and trust in our desired outcome. Precise intentions produce clear results. They help us to clarify who we are and what we need in our life. But, resolution must be met with a sense of "un" attachment. I use un-attachment instead of detachment because we do have an interest in our intentions, but we must give them (resolutions) space to grow and mature and “become” without controlling how we get to the outcome! I like to use the song title from the rock band 38 Special, "Hold on Loosely", when referring to making resolutions and following through with them.

Freedom comes in life when we can clearly see our dreams and goals and still let go of the expectation of how we will achieve them. Here are a few tips and tools to help you define and achieve what you really want out of your life.

When making your resolutions this year, think about what is of the utmost importance to you and see if you can let go of controlling how you reach the outcome. As you make a commitment to yourself to change, trust that change is inevitable.

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The realization of your resolution can be the most rewarding and empowering thing you could do for yourself! What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

1. Take a few moments to sit quietly and reflect on this past year. Without judging yourself, just notice the things you would like to change or develop more this year. Write those thoughts on a piece of paper or (preferably) in a journal, without censoring them.
2. Re-read what you wrote in your journal and then ask yourself what you REALLY want to accomplish with your intentions this year. Make a list of resolutions from the thoughts you just wrote down. Leave a large space between each resolution.
3. Under each resolution number from 1-4 (more if you need it) and create a step-by-step plan to achieve your goal. Give yourself a "fluid" time line to achieve your goal so as not to create self-critical thoughts.
4. Read your list EVERY DAY and post your resolutions wherever you can see them. (bathroom mirror, kitchen cupboards, computer, car dash, etc.)
5. Share your resolution with someone you trust. They will help motivate and support you in achieving the results you desire. Try not to tell more than one or two people as this will dilute the focused energy you are creating to reach your resolution.
6. LET GO of the outcome and enjoy the journey of the PRESENT MOMENT!

Example:

Resolution - Be more balanced and focused

            1. practice yoga 3 times a week

            2. incorporate balancing postures into my workout

            3. focus on deep breathing throughout the day

            4. keep a daily journal of my progress

One of the best ways I know to help me accomplish New Years resolutions is to practice yoga. Yoga provides the focus, inner strength, confidence, and trust that you need to help you follow through with your intentions. As well, it gives you physical support and stamina to. It creates cellular memory in your body which is a good habit that continually reinforces that NEW YEARS resolution. It empowers you to "go the distance" with your goal.

Yoga and yogic breathing fill your body with fresh oxygen and energy which promotes clarity and focus for your mind. It also provides a sense of calm and peace to help you acknowledge and accept life exactly the way it is in each moment. In other words, yoga helps to integrate your mind, body and emotions so that you can consciously and freely achieve the results of your New Year’s resolutions. Before you know it, your resolution has become a positive part of your empowered life!

Namaste~

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Bliss Wood is the author of the book Empowering Your Life with Yoga (Alpha) and the CD Yoga for Deep Relaxation. She currently lives in Nashville, TN where she lectures on and teaches yoga. Join her and Dick Sutphen in their upcoming AZ adventures in April! www.just4bliss.com