1 Year, 52 Weeks, 365 Days
When I think of a year from now it seems like a distant thought. Almost as if it’s a foggy evening on the shore at the end of the ocean. But, when it’s broken down into weeks and days, it seems to move quickly – sometimes too quickly.
A year ago, I started this weekly Yoga Inspiration. A means to connect with AYC students, past and present, and anyone else who is looking for a little inspiration each week in their practice. Thoughts to ponder, movement to take, and various ways to breathe with intention. It’s also given me direction and focus each week on my practice, learning, and teaching.
When I began to consider a weekly commitment, it seemed a little daunting. Could I maintain this with a full work schedule, business ownership, and personal goals always on the table? However, from the beginning I realized that these inspirations were coming to me naturally. Ideas popped in my mind during conversations, stemmed from musical lyrics or words in a book, and sometimes just from what I was experiencing day to day.
In recalling the experience of the last year here is what comes top of mind:
Consistency: Over the past year, the process of writing and sharing this intention has proven consistency is key. I’ve seen this proven in various areas of life, time and time again. While not always easy, the continuous weekly action began to become a part of how I organized my week. The process began to lead conversations and reignite conversations with students and each week I felt a personal accomplishment for keeping the commitment.
Repetition: Just as in our yoga practice repetition in our lives is important. Think of simple tasks like washing our face in the morning or reading the newspaper at night. These small tasks give us order in our lives and as they are repeated, we begin to simplify the process and perhaps find new meaning in their importance. Japa, which is Sanskrit for the practice of repetition, when considered in our asana and breathwork practice, allows us to find deeper presence in our mind and soul when the process of the postures becomes less of a focus.
Focus & Follow-Through: If we are always chasing the next best thing we never allow the time to see longer-term outcomes. We miss opportunities to focus and fail, yes fail, and find growth in one area. I recall from my professional fundraising days that it took 3-5yrs to really build the relationships to see the results of my efforts. Which leads me to time…
Time: It passes. It’s what we do with it that counts. But how do we determine what counts? That’s what you must decide. But whatever you decide for its purpose make it intentional, find consistency, and repetition along the way. Focus and follow-through until you feel you have exhausted what you were meant to learn from each experience.
Here’s to a year of Yoga Inspiration! Whether you’ve read from week one or you are just finding this. Thank you for being on this yoga journey with me. Drop me a line any time to let me know you’re out there or to continue the conversation.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Asana Practice: Are you able to complete this simple, repetitive practice, consistently every day for the next week? If so, as the week moves on begin to focus more on the breath as the sequence becomes more natural. Repeat as often as you wish for each practice time.
Child’s Pose > Table Top > Cat/Cow > Downward Facing Dog > Plank > Table Top > Cat/Cow > Downward Facing Dog > Warrior I (R) > Plank > Downward Facing Dog > Warrior I (L) > Plank > Downward Facing Dog > Child’s Pose > Table Top > Cat/Cow > Child’s Pose
Journaling Practice: After each practice session take a moment to record how you feel. Consider, time, focus, repetition, consistency, and follow-through in your writing.
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR yoga Teacher Training beginning September 6, 2025, and become a Certified Yoga Teacher before the end of 2025. We are 1/2 full. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie