What do you need more of? Are you ready to give yourself that gift?

That's me in Bali, in a pose known as Upward Dog

Three years ago I was living in Afghanistan, struggling with a form of depression that grew out of the shock and trauma of losing my hope for a better world. I knew that I would eventually find my way back out of that vortex of doom and despair, but I couldn't find a foothold.

At some point, without even really understanding why, I decided that more stillness was what I needed. I decided to try meditation.

I'd read somewhere that if you do something for 21 days in a row, then you've set a new habit in place. So I decided to sit and meditate for at least ten minutes every morning for 21 days.

It worked. I formed a new habit that stuck for many months after the 21 days had passed (although not forever and I've had to return to the cushion after periods of absence more than once since then). Meditation practice also helped with my despair. More on that on other posts.

For now, I am remembering the power of those 21 days. Actually, I don't think there is anything magical about the number 21. I think that it was the belief that I was setting up a new habit that made it happen. I could have done it in 15 days or 30 days, as long as I really believed it.

Right now there are areas of my life crying out for a little bit of tender, loving attention. I've been pushing through some pain to 'get things done' and that's not the foot on which I want to start 2010. I'm going to start the year as I mean to go on, by choosing wholeness and well-being and joy.

So in the first moon cycle of 2010 (starting 15 January) I'm going to give myself this gift. I'll spend some time paying attention to what I need more of, whether that be rest or movement, and I'll design a specific set of practices (yoga and other) to meet those needs. Then I'll give myself the gift of following those practices for 30 days.

I'm in the process of creating some special packages for anyone who wants to join me on this journey. More on that in the next few days but it will be a customised process. We'll work together to identify where you are at and what you need more of (more energy, more rest, more ease in your movements, more space in your breath, more power in your body) and then I'll help you design a simple yoga-based practice that you can follow for 30 days. So if you are ready to start 2010 with some serious self-love and care, stay tuned!

Comments

[Emma]

Ohhh, I am intrigued. And I mean to copy you completely by beginning the year as I mean to go on.

xo

[DesertNana]

I definitely need more Yoga! Injury took me off of the mat and life has never been the same.
I look forward to your ideas!
Namaste
MB

[cath]

i'm definately in! i've been thinking about gifting myself for the first moon cycle (works better then our calendar as i'm on vacation until the 10th - so perfect timing for the lunar new year)... looking forward to it!! thanks!

[Tesni]

I'm definitely in too! It sounds like the perfect way to begin a new year and a new chapter in my life. Look forward to hearing your ideas.

[Mel]

I so know what you mean. I also intend to start out the year as I mean to go on. My daughter Dharma starts nursery in January and I suddenly will have a solid 12 hours at my disposal and I intend to get into yoga, find a morning meditation class and advance my photography. And be happy. Yes, being happy is actually the habit that I want to install. The other things are vehicles to get me there. :)

Mel

[asiyah]

Really interesting. I've spent the last hour jumping from page to page, stressed and not sure what simple task I need to do next. I think I may need some stillness and listening too. I'm on board!

[Kirsten Michelle]

i love this! staying tuned...xo

[JennyB]

I'm in girl!

[Swirly]

I would love to share this journey with you!! Count me in.

[Anton]

I always find your posts so interesting, peacefully blissful and helpful to others. I just got back from a housewarming on the weekend(the energy was very housewarming), where i met a lot of interesting people phycologists, chiropractors, yoga teachers, like-minded spirited souls who each had an interesting story to tell.

I must be on a journey this week as i meet up with a nun, at a nunery in my search for inner peace for the world as well, she reminds me of saints like Mother Teresa.

I myself need to somehow need to find time for yoga, i think the 21day thing is a good start. If anyone is visiting Queensland next year, I have heard theres http://yogafest.com.au/YogaFest/Welcome.html and the energy in this place will be amazing. It's a great place for us to meet like minded people, for now i'm looking forward to this 21 day start and journey with everyone in here.

What an amazing start to look forward to in 2010............ :)