Become A Student of Yoga in 3 Steps

Being a student of yoga.

Here’s how…

Assuming I am still alive, I will be studying yoga until I am dead :)

Yoga, as most of us come to realize, is a lifelong study. We may begin with the practice to loose weight or because a friend dragged us into class; but sooner or later the practice becomes more expansive.

Almost as if by magic, our mood improves, we become more available for other people and our values shift. We can start to see the interconnected nature between our thoughts and our circumstances.

As a natural extension of these discoveries, it is quite natural for one to want to share the gift of yoga with others, to teach. Imparting the teachings of yoga is a wondrous opportunity that can reveal deeper dimensions of your own life as well as in the lives of your students.

There is just one caveat…

You must forever remain a student.

If you are not diligent in your own personal practice, or mistake teaching time for practice time, your teaching will likely become rote and uninspired -you lose the magic. Personal practice is the foundation of teaching.

Here are a few time tested and simple tips for strengthening your personal practice and sewing the seeds of the inner teacher.

3 Ways to Truly Become A Student of Yoga

1. Have a Dedicated Space

Having a dedicated space in which to stretch, breath and or meditate is essential. It does not have to be fancy. My first meditation enclave was wedged between a wall and a desk. It felt like home. Establishing home base for your practice will build up a vital charge of energy and association that will strengthen your practice. Find some way to designate a formal practice space.

2. Regular Practice

In order for the practices to work, you have to do them.

I often tell students to make it easy on themselves by just committing to practicing on a daily basis, no matter how small. This will circumvent the tendency to fall into “tomorrow” syndrome, in which it becomes more and more easy to dismiss the value of yoga practice with each passing day; until it becomes a nice idea rather than a living breathing reality.

If you want to get good at anything, whether it is playing the piano, mastering card tricks, learning to paint or pursuing your unique and noble life’s purpose, you have to practice.

3. Find Positive Association

The more we practice yoga, the more sensitive we become to what is wholesome and supportive to our well being and what is not. Turning the tide of negative behavior takes ongoing dedicated practice as well as a healthy dose of love and acceptance.

What can we do outside of our formal practice time that will support our formal practice? What foods do we eat? Who do we hang out with? What time do we go to bed at night? Was that third slice of chocolate cake really worth it?

Find behaviors and associations that will feed your time on the mat or meditation cushion -it will generate a positive self reinforcing cycle.

Conclusion…

Being a dedicated student of yoga requires ongoing practice, it does not happen all at once. We may fail many times before overcoming our inner obstacles. Teaching yoga gives us a chance to share the techniques with others and in the process, reinforce our commitment and dedication to personal practice. Be a yogi first, a teacher second.

Derik

Free Student-Lead Yoga Classes (Practicums)

Come experience these one of a kind classes and support these students and they show off the skills they have learned and blossom into full-fledged teachers!

Sunday, June 4, 2017
Class 1: Our Eternal Thread
1-2:30PM
Brian, Donna & Nikole

Class 2: The Space Within
3-4:30PM
Lindsay, Paul, Malina & Ashley

Saturday, June 10, 2017
Class 3: Sun, Earth, Moon
1-2:30PM
Lynda, Rebecca, Kristine

Class 4: The Yoga Breath & Mind
3-4:30PM
Haley, Lisa & Monica

Free to the public
3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs

May 23, 2017/by derik

The Center of the Universe is Right Here

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As we gear up for our upcoming Spring retreat, we are examining the theme of “returning to center” and what it means. Beth Sanchez is special guest on our blog today and will be co-teaching the retreat. Let us know what you think about the notion of returning to center and self reflection. And thank you to Beth for her thoughts and commentary below.

For me, I go in and out of seeing, knowing, feeling, believing, and abiding in the deeply inter-connected Universe. – Beth Sanchez

Indra is an ancient Vedic Diety, a God-King and administrator. His net forms the very fabric of creation. At every cross point in the net, there is a jewel reflecting all other points across space and time. Everything in the mutually causal web is connected to, reflects, and is accessible through all points in the web. One incredibly close microcosm of this principle is right here in our own bodies, as this image of firing neurons suggests.

This ancient understanding is both old and new. Inter-connectivity, Inter-Being, Dependent Co-Arising, all things being related and depending on the existence of all other things to manifest; these are the truth claims of Indigenous humans everywhere and appear throughout Buddhist and Hindu thought as well as many other philosophies. In the book of Romans, Paul says “So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others”. The Zulu concept of Ubuntu refers to the deep relationality of human subjects offering each other humanity and existence.

From the Rig Veda to Parmenides, to Einstein and countless (m)others, the myth of separate self-ness has been dispelled innumerable times. Yet, the delusion of separate self-entities persists. The felt experiences of separation, alienation, pain and their emergent forms of structural violence toward the (ultimately nonexistent) “other”, defy our deepest knowing.

The experiences of unified awe or divisive pain either draws us toward fulfillment or away from it. Can it be that our access point to the heart of the Universe, to what seems to evade us, to the deepest satisfaction possible is right where we are? Can it be that what we most deeply long for is hidden right here in plain sight? Can it further be that returning to the center happens easily when we practice together with our relations who have the same hunch?

Stop right now, drop into your vast being in one single slow breath. IN……..(gap), OUT……..(gap).

Isn’t it a marvel?

If that small taste intrigues you, PRACTICE TOGETHER WITH DEAR ONES who share the same hunch. For me, I go in and out of seeing, knowing, feeling, believing, and abiding in the deeply inter-connected Universe. I know that in my own habitual self-ing, other-ing also arises and is part of multiple socio-political-economic systems in which I live. I am not yet fully established in this knowing. In fact, I only get glimpses; the kind that have “ruined” an otherwise promising conventional life. Yet these glimpses are undeniable and overwhelming and they happen more reliably WHEN I AM WITH YOU! Yes, I need the help of your presence and relationality. I hope you can relate!

Let us be here together, in the very center of the practice-hood, the center of sushumna, the center of the enzo, the center of our circle of friends, the center of our Self, the center of our home, the center of the Universe, that most holy place which is right here and right now. The portals are already open.

Beth
Beth Sanchez

“RETURN TO CENTER”
A DONATION-BASED RETREAT!
GRANT, CO – MAY 12-14, 2017

This unique retreat is co-lead by Derik Eselius and Beth Sanchez. With 34 years of yoga teaching experience between them, they have made a significant impact on the Denver yoga community, leading Yoga Teacher Training programs, and offering classes, workshops retreats that are affordable and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Step out of your familiar routine and open the gateway to inner renewal and freedom. This retreat will be a remarkable opportunity to cultivate fresh insights and revitalize your core with the timeless practice of yoga. Join us as as we go beyond the ‘pose’ and dive into a multidimensional yoga practice; while surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Learn more here.

Where: YMCA – Santa Maria Camp Center: 51321 US-285, Grant, CO 80448 | One hour from Denver!
When: May 12th, 10:30am to May 14th, 12pm (home in time for Mother’s Day!)
Cost: Only $199 to cover the costs of food and lodging, making this retreat accessible to everyone, plus a donation at the conclusion of the retreat.
Register: Click here to learn more and to register!

May 8, 2017/by derik

How to Go Inward & Find Your Center

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Finding your center means more
balance, focus and awareness.

“Center everywhere, circumference nowhere.” -Kaivalya Upanishad

What does it mean to be at the center of your life? Do you find yourself chasing an endless “to do” list that only expands the more items you scratch off? Both Greek and Yogic myths tell the story of a wrathful creature, who when slain, only multiplies.

It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of outer and inner expectations and lose center in the process. When our inner expectations do not correspond to the immediate reality it creates stress.

Sometimes we need to take action and address our situation head on. Other times the situation requires that we change our perception of what is happening, to lessen our demands on life and return to that centered place within.

Yoga gives us physical and philosophical tools to be fully resourced when confronting outer and inner challenges. On the physical level, one of the simplest things we can do is to check in with our breath.

We have all been told to be mindful of our breath in asana class. Why? Yogic scriptures describe an immutable relationship between the breath and the mind. The quality of our thoughts are reflected in our breath.

Asana helps to expand our breathing capacity. Breathing practice expands our awareness. With repetition and practice, we can shift from panic to placid by simply modifying our breath.

Try this the next time the creation does not correspond within your criteria:

Slowly, breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 6 out through the mouth, pausing briefly at the bottom of the exhale. When you find your rhythm with this pace, stay there awhile and then up the go up to a 1:2 ratio (in for 4 and out for 8) with a brief pause and the bottom of the exhale.***

Do this until the tension the dissipates.

Creating Wholeness & Peace

Philosophically, yoga teaches that we are always whole. Our essence is forever at peace, no matter what is going on outside. This is the ultimate goal of yoga, to align ourselves with the infinite source of the creation, to return to that centered place within, beyond any “to do” list.

From this centered, peaceful place we are far more resourced to affect positive change in the outside world, to serve life more fully.

Yoga retreats, such as our upcoming Spring “Return to Center” Retreat in Grant, CO, are a great way to return to center because they take you out of your element, remove you for the busyness of day-to-day life and force you to pause.

When you find yourself on the stressful outer orbit of who you truly are, remember to breath deliberately and marvel that your finite problems occupy a very small part of a limitless universe; the nature of which is infinite peace, and whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.

Yours in Spirit, Tradition and Service of Yoga,
Derik

“RETURN TO CENTER”
A DONATION-BASED RETREAT!
GRANT, CO – MAY 12-14, 2017

This unique retreat is co-lead by Derik Eselius and Beth Sanchez. With 34 years of yoga teaching experience between them, they have made a significant impact on the Denver yoga community, leading Yoga Teacher Training programs, and offering classes, workshops retreats that are affordable and accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Step out of your familiar routine and open the gateway to inner renewal and freedom. This retreat will be a remarkable opportunity to cultivate fresh insights and revitalize your core with the timeless practice of yoga. Join us as as we go beyond the ‘pose’ and dive into a multidimensional yoga practice; while surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Learn more here.

Where: YMCA – Santa Maria Camp Center: 51321 US-285, Grant, CO 80448 | One hour from Denver!
When: May 12th, 10:30am to May 14th, 12pm (home in time for Mother’s Day!)
Cost: Only $199 to cover the costs of food and lodging, making this retreat accessible to everyone, plus a donation at the conclusion of the retreat.
Register: Click here to learn more and to register!

April 25, 2017/by derik

6 Reasons A Cleanse Should Be In Your Near Future

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Spring is the ideal time of year to give your body a powerful reset.

In addition to ridding yourself of toxins and finding new vitality, there are many researched health benefits of cleansing. And we are doing a cleanse in Denver this month if you’re so inclined!

Here are just a few:

Increased energy
Improved digestive
Reduced inflammation, thereby reducing pain
Reduced cholesterol and improved liver function
Purging environmental toxins
Lose weight

There are even more valuable benefit to doing a cleanse… letting go of foods, and old ways of eating that don’t serve you. We all have the tendency to eat more from our emotions and habits than from the wisdom of our bellies. By taking away what we are use to, we are left to become more conscious of our unconscious habits. Peal back stagnant assumptions and immerse yourself in mental clarity and freedom!

As a Naturopathic Dr. of 20 years and a dedicated yogini, I would like to look further at the relationship between cleansing and yoga practice.

The ancient yogis found that they could accelerate their growth and strengthen their character through the practice of “tapas” or austerity. Tapas, is the creative friction that arises from the restraint of desire. Tapas empowers us to shine more brightly! By practicing restraint we can find new reserves of strength inside of ourselves and build the fire of spiritual growth.

Another yoga practice that relates directly to cleansing is “soucha” or purity. Soucha is a principle that not only extends to our personal hygiene, but it also relates to the purity of our speech, thoughts and diet.

When we do a cleanse we support the body in ‘cleaning house’, thereby increasing our sensitivity to what is best for our body, mind and spirit. We grow more wise through cleansing and are more empowered to choose foods that will not compromise our system in the first place.

So next time you do a cleanse, or if you decide to join my upcoming cleanse at the end of March, know that you are not just cleansing your physical body, you are also strengthening your character and purifying your awareness. Become more conscious of what you put into your body and experience more peace and freedom!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Brenna Hatami, ND
(Axis Yoga Teacher Trainer)
www.doctorbrenna.com
doctorbrenna@gmail.com

Spring Cleanse!

Join Axis’ very own Dr. Brenna Hatami, who draws on nearly 20 year of experience as a naturopathic Doctor, as she leads you step-by-step into three distinct phases of the cleanse that will nurture your body’s innate healing wisdom.

Date: Wednesdays, March 29, April 5 and April 12 | 6-7:30pm
Location: 3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs
Cost: $199 -Includes Supplements!
Register: Call or email Dr. Hatami | 303-320-1174 | Email

March 20, 2017/by derik

The Power of Prana in Yoga Practice

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Yoga beyond poses consists of your breath

Most of us know yoga through the postures. Perhaps we have even heard the Sanskrit word “prana” mentioned in class, though this is the exception to the rule. Traditionally speaking, the pranic-force is fundamental to yoga practice (including the postures) and is as essential as sunlight is to a plant.

The word itself is commonly translated as “vital-force” or even “the breath”. Prana is a much larger idea than that. A more literal translation of the word means “the first breath”. It is the first, primal, all pervading, energizing force of the creation. The sun is imbued with prana, the plants and animals possess prana, the air is rich in prana.

The ancient yogis readily perceived this pranic energy and found ways to maximize its influence on our physical health, mental clarity and spiritual development. Many of the techniques that are commonly used today, such as asana, pranayama and even meditation are build around pranic principles (whether we actively recognize it or not).

The very name sake of hatha yoga, the system of yoga that is the genesis of many modern poses, is in reference to the prana and its relationship to the mind. Through specific breathing techniques or prana-yama, we can affect specific states of mind; states of mind that are more conducive to deeper states of peace, joy and fulfillment. Yoga practice uses the pranic force to affect powerful changes in our physical health and psyche.

We can also apply the principles of prana to our asana practice by simple becoming more deliberate about our breathing. Take time in your poses to recognize the quality of your breath, to make it smooth and purposeful. The quality of your breath will powerfully shape the quality of your practice.

The more attentive you are to the quality of your breathing during asana practice the more powerful the effect will be. By listening to the quality of our breathing we will know if we are applying ourself too much or not enough. Classically speaking, the postures are thought to be an instrument to access the formulation of the breath, rather than being an end unto themselves. Aim to have minimal hitches or rough spots in the breath.

I invite you to integrate these principles into your next asana, pranayama or meditation session. Become more and more aware of the subtle power and influence of the pranic force within all of these practices. Or better yet, learn about how to more skillfully apply pranic power to your poses this weekend at Axis’ monthly workshop!

Yours in the Spirit, Tradition and Service of Yoga,
Derik

Yoga & Prana Class March 19th

Perhaps we have heard the word “prana” mentioned in a yoga class in reference to the breath, but it is much more than that. What does it mean? How does it relate to yoga and how can it add exponential depth to one’s practice? Come find out the answer to these questions and more as we learn about this essential and often overlooked dimension of yoga practice.

Sunday, March 19th. 9:30-11:30
3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs
Suggested Donation ($15-20)

March 16, 2017/by derik

3 Reasons You Should Be Meditating

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A look at the benefits of regular mediation

Why Meditate?

It was only a couple of decades ago that meditation was regarded as something reserved for mystical spiritual seekers; it had something to do with eating brown rice with tofu.

Now, it is practiced everywhere from pre-schools to prisons, from hospitals to monasteries. It can even be found on the cover of Newsweek and Time magazines.

Why this dramatic shift from kumbaya to mainstream media?

The answer is very simple.

Meditation implicitly makes life more enjoyable. Meditation teaches how to deliberately move from mental, even physical tension into a place of peace and clarity. Meditation is like a best friend that will never abandon you, a friend that is always there for you in any and all circumstances.

How is this possible?

Our mind is at the cornerstone of all of our life experience. You are what you think. Two people can experience the exact same event and experience it in two totally different ways, based on their unique mental constitutions. The mind is the ruling force of our perception and interpretation of all life experiences.

Through meditation it is possible to reprogram our thought process, to let go of needless distractions, to give you the mental stamina to overcome adversity, attract favorable circumstances and expand your capacity to experience peace.

Here are three basic tips to get you started on the path of inner freedom:

Have a teacher. There are many automated resources out there to help you get started on the path of meditation, however I would encourage you to find a teacher with can give you some outside eyes, answer your questions, and provide a living example of what a committed meditation practice looks like.
Regular practice. Just like learning any discipline, meditation takes practice. If you want to learn to play the violin, you need to practice. If you want to learn how to run of four minute mile, you need to practice. If you want to learn to master your own thought waves…. you need to practice. Consistency is the key. It is hard to make any meaningful progress if your practice is sporadic. Aim for meditation daily, ideally at the same time and place. This will build a powerful groove of association that will radically deepen your practice.
Life off the cushion. At first we do yoga/meditation to enrich our lives.Then we do our life to enrich our yoga/meditation. Meditation helps to shine the light of awareness on our habits and tendencies. With this insight we are better able to make choices that support our life and in so doing support our meditation practice.

The beauty of meditation is that nothing outside of ourselves is required. If we can think and breath, we can learn to meditate. How conscious are we of our thoughts? How intentional are we about our decisions? Are we in-touch with our creative capacities? Meditation can help us to answer these questions and many more, provided we are willing to practice. A world of awakening awaits you.

Going Deeper with Meditation

Got Peace? Have you ever felt anxious, or lay at wake at night thinking your way in endless circles? Learning how to direct and live in harmony with one’s own mind is an essential life skill. Meditation teaches us how to gain mastery over one’s (discursive) mind and experience deeper levels of peace and fulfillment. Mainline into the source of all happiness with practice of meditation.

Join us on Sunday, Feb. 26th. 9:30-11:30 | 3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs

Suggested Donation ($15-20)

February 15, 2017/by derik

What happens when you meditate daily?

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An experiment in daily meditation

An account from one of our yoga teacher training students…

My personal experiment was to construct a continuous meditate practice outside of yoga class. My plan was to do it every morning, considering that is when I had the most time for myself, and to do it 20 minutes a day. The first two days were really easy. I noticed I was really productive at work and had more of a chill day than when I would not meditate. The third day through the seventh day, I did not find time for a session. I decided to sleep in instead of waking up on time which is 4 am. My day would start out sluggish and it was harder to focus at work. I would try to get 4 things done at once, instead of completing one duty at a time. My day was more unorganized and felt longer and more stressful. After that week, I told myself I had to find time for it in my day somehow or another.

The second week rolled by with hardly an issue. I meditated everyday for seven days and it seemed as though the week was easy as pie. If I could not fit it in my morning time before work, I would meditate right before bed. When I did that, my sleep was more sound. I hardly rolled over or moved or woke up. My dreams were more vivid and peaceful. I was able to go to bed later than usual and still be able to wake up on time the next morning. I felt more energized throughout my day.

I would go into work with a smile on my face and not have a tired look. My days would fly by, and if it got stressful at work, it hardly affected me as far as putting me into a bad mood and I was able to come up with simple solutions immediately. I felt more confident in my skin. At work, when employees were not doing their job the right way, I would tell them the expectations and if they did not listen to it, we would have to find someone else. I was not rude about it, rather I introduced the conversation in a direct but pleasant matter. Needless to say, they fixed their attitude and got their job duties done. I was really proud of myself for saying something when I normally would pretend to not see anything and let them get away with not doing their job correctly or half ass. I even stopped watching television after 7. When I needed something to do, I grabbed a book and started reading for at least an hour.

The third week came by and once again, I got caught up in old arguments which lead to me missing a few days of meditation.

The practice was a little choppy as far as the effect it had on my day, and the timing. My practice was all over the place. I would miss a day, next day meditate in the morning. Next day, miss another day. Day after, meditate after lunch. Next day, miss another day. Then I meditated the next day after. Same thing happened the fourth week.

The same affects happened to me the third and fourth week and they were really chaotic weeks. In spite of meditating a few days in a week, it was clear to me that it is not going to cut it. I had to do it everyday without missing a day. Granted, some days were better than others but overall, I noticed I had the best week when I was consistent with my practice. Now, I am on day 4 without missing a day and it is only going to get better from here. This whole experience has made me accept who I am as a person and that I can amount to great things if I simply apply myself to it. I will continue to have a consistent practice for meditation and even in my busiest of days, if I have to go to the bathroom just to meditate for ten minutes I will, but I will make time to meditate somehow.

The little things I do now, will amount to greater and bigger things in the future.

Going Deeper with Meditation

Got Peace? Have you ever felt anxious, or lay at wake at night thinking your way in endless circles? Learning how to direct and live in harmony with one’s own mind is an essential life skill. Meditation teaches us how to gain mastery over one’s (discursive) mind and experience deeper levels of peace and fulfillment. Mainline into the source of all happiness with practice of meditation.

Join us on Sunday, Feb. 26th. 9:30-11:30 | 3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs

Suggested Donation ($15-20)

February 6, 2017/by derik

Yoga Resolution 9: Share Your Practice

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Shout it from the rooftops!

Yoga Resolution #9: Share Your Practice

Welcome to a new beginning!

Congratulations on making it to the final installment of our nine part series on setting our intentions for the new year! I hope the series has been enlightening for you and has helped to propel you into a powerful new direction in 2017. Living into your resolve is an ongoing process that can extend well beyond the length of this series. Living out your soul’s purpose can be the journey of a lifetime!

Most if not everyone participating in this series has some sort of yoga practice. I encourage you to maintain the momentum you have started, and continue your yoga practice as we take the next bold steps into 2017! What aspirations or dreams are you living into? What sort of support are you receiving?

As we wrap things up, I invite you to plot out your next bold step in the coming year and put some stakes in the ground. What can you commit to now that will continue to propel you into the rest of the year? What can you aspire towards that will give you inspiration as you navigate your everyday responsibilities?

Perhaps it is a trip. Perhaps it is some shift in a significant relationship, or adjusting your diet or developing new associations, or even deepening your yoga practice.

Yoga is the eternal wellspring of peace and clarity amid the myriad fluctuations of life. It has been my own experience and the experience of many, many students. If deepening your yoga practice has been on your list, I invite you to take you to take the next courageous leap into our upcoming spring yoga teacher training!

People take the training for a variety of reasons ranging from personal enrichment to becoming full time yoga teachers. Perhaps your 2017 resolve could benefit from a richly supportive environment that will take your yoga practice to the next level! If so, I invite you to apply for our upcoming program, just click here for more details.

Wishing You the Best in 2017!

Derik
720-934-6934

January 25, 2017/by derik

Yoga Resolution 8: Let Gratitude Be Your Guide

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Live and grow in a state of appreciate.

Yoga Resolution #8: Let Gratitude Be Your Guide

Let’s begin with a word of appreciation for all of your dedicated effort to live into your 2017 resolve! Now, in this moment, reflect upon your three greatest victories in the new year and then softly smile to yourself for 15 seconds :)

How did that feel? We are almost three weeks into the new year and I hope you are seeing progress; that your resolve is actually coming to life! When we live in alignment with our soul’s deeper purpose, as expressed through our resolve, happiness and fulfillment occur naturally. What a beautiful gift!

I invite you to celebrate your victories, whether small or large, with the spirit of gratitude. Living in gratitude lightens the load of doubt, worry and anxiety and frees us up to live life with an awake sense of curiosity and wonder in the face of all sorts of circumstances.

As you plot the course of your new year’s resolve, what have you discovered, what can you be most grateful for? I would encourage you to continue with your yoga practice to help generate a wellspring of support, insights and, well…. Gratitude.

As an exercise, keep a gratitude journal for the next 21 days to help maintain the momentum you have accumulated thus far. Write down 5-10 things you are most grateful everyday. I can promise you, it will shift the way that you see the world!

200-hr. Yoga Teacher Training Open House – Sun. Jan. 22 at 9:30am

Come find out more about Axis Yoga’s ongoing yoga teacher trainings. This will be a great opportunity to experience a class, meet graduates, get your questions answered and get a taste of what Axis is all about! Click here to learn more.

January 19, 2017/by derik

Yoga Resolution 7: Give Yourself An “A” for Effort

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High-five yourself! You deserve it!

Yoga Resolution #7: Give Yourself An “A” for Effort

It comes easier for some than for others… Some have a natural propensity to take their shortcomings in stride. Thankfully, a positive outlook and the ability to genuinely acknowledge your successes is something we can cultivated.

We began this series by formulating a resolve for the new year. How is it going? I’m sure that for many of you the results may have been mixed. I’m sure you can think of examples of when you took action in support of your resolve and other times when you may have convinced yourself to do otherwise.

Living in alignment with your resolve is its own reward, it speaks for itself, and can fill us with inspiration to continue upon the path (even if it is hard). But what to do if we are not living in alignment?

Rather than assuming you are a failure or incapable, see your shortcomings simple as feedback. When we deviate from our resolve, or circumstances blow us in a different direction than we intended, welcome the input you are receiving with acceptance and curiosity; take this even one step further and find something to appreciate about the situation.

Recognize and acknowledge your efforts, learn from the situation, and simple take the next courageous step in the direction of your resolve. Our resolve really describes who we are when we are in harmony with ourselves.

Here is a simple exercise to help you see where you are on the path of living into your resolve:

At the end of the day, begin by writing down your resolve. In the spirit of genuine curiosity and objectivity, reflect on when you may have come up short in your resolve.

What was the situation? What thoughts went along with it? How did it feel?
What did you say and do in response? How did that feel?
Is this a familiar thought or feeling in your life?
How can you respond differently to this occurrence in the future? Do you change how you are perceiving the situation and or how you respond/act?

Conducting this exercise will help to reshape your relationship to your resolve, take off any negative charge and plot you in the direction of living into your deepest intention with maximum intentionally, self awareness, and acceptance.

200-hr. Yoga Teacher Training Open House – Sun. Jan. 22 at 9:30am

Come find out more about Axis Yoga’s ongoing yoga teacher trainings. This will be a great opportunity to experience a class, meet graduates, get your questions answered and get a taste of what Axis is all about! Click here to learn more.

January 17, 2017/by derik

Become A Student of Yoga in 3 Steps

Being a student of yoga.