What are the three qualities I think are most important to develop? Here’s my answer after be asked a question as a part of an interview with Bold Journey Magazine.
I think one of the most valuable things I have ever learned is meditation. When I was in college, my mom gave me the gift of a meditation course and I’ve been meditating every since. I learned what meditation is and what it isn’t. I learned that the most important part of meditation is to show up for yourself, to be still, and to just be. I owe meditation to much of my happiness and success in life. Now I teach meditation and help others discover its value. Many students tell me that they’ve tried to meditate but can’t because there mind is too busy. Then after actually learning how to meditate they discover they actually can meditate and they get to experience all the benefits of a regular meditation practice.
I have to say that yoga has been one of the most impactful tools on my journey through life. Yoga is about so much more than yoga postures like downward facing dog and child’s pose. Yes, yoga has helped me stay fit and healthy especially as I’m aging. But more importantly, yoga has taught me mindfulness. Yoga is a way of life that centers around mindfulness. When you learn to go through life with an attention and an awareness to all things, it benefits everything that you do. With a regular practice of yoga, I’m able to pause before I act or speak so that I can consciously respond rather than react to what life throws at me. Yoga has helped me be kinder to myself and minimize the negative self-talk that has often cluttered my mind. It’s taught me to be intentional, grateful and faithful. I truly can’t imagine where I’d be without the regular practice of yoga and all
The advice I offer to students that are interested in yoga is to make self-care non-negotiable. The hardest part of any yoga class is showing up. Once you’re there, you can relax the body and the mind and reap the benefits. But the showing up part is challenging. I recommend that you make appointments with yourself for self-care like you would a doctor’s appointment or lunch date with a friend. Put it in your calendar as a non-negotiable appointment. When you make the commitment to yourself and stop scheduling other things over yourself, you affirm you value and worth.