Our guest author this week is Jenny Foster of Prema Yoga. A proud graduate of Group 37 and someone who always has a smile 
When I first started to practice yoga, I remember a teacher telling me how downward facing dog was a “resting” posture. Staring at the mat, my weight bearing down on my toes and hands, sweat pouring from my face, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Rest? You have to be kidding me. Corpse pose was a more likely posture for me at that point. However, after only a few weeks of practice, downward dog got easier. It didn’t hurt my wrists and hands anymore and although it was still challenging, I could hold the posture and move with the rest of the class. After several more months I finally reached the “resting” stage of that pose where I discovered that sticking it out was totally worth it.
This is the “hump” of fitness and healthy living. In the beginning, it can seem like the most challenging thing in the world – run 5 km? People actually enjoy that? – but with time and practice progress will be made and we will even start looking forward to fitness. The same goes for a diet full of healthy, wholesome foods – the transition is difficult if we are eating poorly to begin with, but once it has been made our bodies crave fruits and vegetables and it becomes easier to make good choices. So how do we get from where we are now, to where we want to be? Most of us know how to eat healthy, and that we need exercise. The challenge these days seems to be in actually doing it – and sticking with it.
The key here? Changing our habits. The key to that? Build positive momentum by starting small and exercising patience. Our bad habits are fuelled by our actions – the more we do something the more likely we are to do it again. And again. Eating poorly is a good example of this: if I eat something unhealthy at breakfast, I am more likely to eat something unhealthy at lunch. On the other hand, if I start the day off right with fruit, whole grains and a source of protein like eggs or soy milk, making good choices at lunch is much easier. The same goes for exercise: if I can get off my butt to do something on Monday, Tuesdays activity is much more likely to happen. When we make good choices repeatedly, we get our habits working for us rather than against us.
Starting small is essential, especially if we haven’t been active in quite some time. I have seen a number of students start yoga and commit to coming 5 days a week. After two weeks they find they can’t maintain that pattern and they quit. A better strategy is to commit to something that is manageable in the beginning then make additions. A great idea for starting small? Start to drink enough water. Track the water you take in during the day and make sure that you are getting around 2 litres. Next try to eat salad every day, even as a side. Then add a walk. Take the stairs. Build yourself up slowly over a few weeks and take opportunities to move forward when you are mentally and physically prepared to do it. Don’t slack, but be honest and challenge yourself in ways that are sustainable and that show self-love and kindness.
Patience is a vital part to this process. The fact of the matter is that in the first few weeks of eating well and exercising our body may resist us. We may be used to junk food and the couch, making the detox process a little rough. We need to be patient with ourselves, respect our limitations, forgive our own mistakes and show enough self-love that we continue to push through the first few weeks, knowing that it will get better. I teach yoga and still need to lose a few pounds myself but I always remember that it’s
yoga practice, not yoga perfect. Healthy living isn’t a destination, but a beautiful lifelong journey – I hope that you enjoy it!
Jenny Foster
Head Yogini
Prema Yoga
www.premayogatoronto.com
strategies with my previous employers. Many times I would wonder, why isn’t ‘the Company’ listening to their front line staff, whom are trying to rely the messages of concern, from the consumer. Sacrificing 70+ hours a week, at every beacon call to make sure business stayed on track and referring every and anybody that would listen to me, praises of ‘the Company’. Only to find out that we had a one-sided relationship and I was the odd person out. After sharing ideas that got implemented and no credit was offered, I knew my days were numbered and decided that I better think hard about who has got my best interest. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I’m on my own and I’d better start preparing for a business that I could enjoy making those sacrifices for, but most importantly; getting the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends doing the things that l love to do.
I’ve had a great time living, studying, traveling and working in various parts of the world. My adventures had taken me to four continents and 40+ countries, not by chance but rather to build on the basis of my business idea and how I’d apply all that I’ve experienced. There was a lot that I wanted to do, by contributing back to society. You know when your cup is overflowing and you just want to share all the seeds of growth you’ve learned. Well, during a volunteer experience at Rogers cable, I met Tina Wieringa and later conversed with Bev Mawhinney whom gave me the detailed instructions of being apart of OSEB via Essential Communications. I started the process with Jennifer Roberts of Northern Lights, applied, presented, then enrolled and then i was back in a classroom setting which was very unfamiliar at first. Fortunately, I had a great class of adults that were thinking along the same mindset. Thirsty and hungry to learn, as we reviewed the elements of various studies to capture our ideas and transform them into a real business. The strong support of an assigned coach that shares their experiences and offers you choices from their many tools, that will propel you to challenge your comfort zone. That same business that I would often daydream about, has no become a planned reality, showering me with independence and even more beautiful dreams.
About Shamba Amani - A Marketing Strategist who translates your business objectives into Marketing Strategies that drive revenue. Contributing Blogger for Essential Commications and upcoming monthly Guest Host for the award winning Dr. Vibe Show. Now, residing in Courtice, Ontario and continues his role as, ‘The Strategist’. Consulting individuals and businesses in Canada and across the globe. Feel free to meet me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google+ .
