v. commit (kuh-mit)
The changing of the new year is seen in today's culture as a time for plans and goals, dreams and resolutions. If we are not careful, it is easy to get swept up in the rush of new energy. To become fixated on that which we desire or resolve to attain sometimes means that we forget that we already have so much.

Stemming from the mid 1300s, the word "commit" originally meant "to give over." This January give yourself over to your true self. In our asana practice, this means being present and honoring both the challenge and also the joys of movement-based yoga. Off of your mat, take time to be present for all that life has to offer and honor all that you have in the present moment.

 Make plans and set goals for 2012, and at the same time, be open to synchronicity, synergy, and serendipity. Commit to taking time this year to be still, and when these quiet moments seek to tell you something, commit to following their advice. "Commit" has evolved to now mean "to give in trust" or "to entrust." Give in to the trust of your inner teacher and make this year the most exciting, most fulfilling, most inspiring yet.


 

n. presence (prez-uhns)
Being present is difficult to achieve in everyday life, let alone in the midst of traveling, holidays, and family get togethers. However, cultivating a sense of presence - rooting yourself to the here and now - can be both a tool for daily life and also an antidote for holiday stress.

The path to presence is through breath. When you feel drawn away from this present moment either by activities or thoughts, you can bring yourself back through a simple breath exercise: Breathe in and say to yourself "I am breathing in;" breathe out and say "I am breathing out." On your next round of breath, try "I am here" coupled with "This is now."

Our breath is our constant connection to the here and now, and our "presence" is rooted in its flow. The next time you feel tension rising or yourself being drawn away from your true self, slow your breath down. Your breath, and in turn your presence, allow you to be present for the people in your life - both loved ones and strangers - as you offer them your truest, fullest loving self.
 

n. acceptance (ak-sep-tuhns)
Dating back to the 1590s, the word acceptance is the act of "receiving something that is offered." As we learn to accept ourselves, it is helpful to think of acceptance as receiving that which is offered: your connection to your truest Self is a gift that you are invited to relish.

In the asana practice, many yogis struggle with acceptance. This is because we are too quick to judge our outward appearance, to compare ourselves to our teachers, our peers, and people on the Internet. Our teacher instructs us to take a bind, and if we can’t, we immediately undermine our legitimacy and, perhaps more importantly, our ability.

Instead of thinking about how your fingers aren’t touching, ask yourself how much freedom already exists in your shoulder. How much space is already there? How much life? And beauty? And joy? These are the ideas on which to focus, not on the space in between the crown of your head and the floor or other imaginary finish lines. Accept and love what is.

 

n. change (cheynj)
With the equinox upon us, change is in the air. Meaning both to transform and also to give and take reciprocally (as in to exchange), change is both a beautiful and an inevitable part of life.

On a cellular level, your body is constantly changing; in fact, cellular regeneration, in a process of unending renewal, replaces old cells with new ones, meaning that in as few as 2 days, your body grows totally "new" tissues. This changes happens without our consent or even our awareness but is an essential function of life.

Just as our bodies have to let go of the old cells to make room for the new, on a macro level, we too at times have to make room for new energy, opportunities, and thoughts. As fall approaches, we let go of the warm days of summer and make room for cooler nights and shorter days. And just as we accept the change in season, we must also accept changes both big and small in our own lives.

v. shine (shahyn)
To shine is defined as giving forth or glowing with light. Every moment of every day, we radiate boundless energy, knowingly or unknowingly allowing our inner light to shine. However, it seems that when the sun shines at its brightest, we too give off an extra glow.

During this month, as you relish the sun's abundant light and warmth, bask in your own inner light. August holds what many consider to be nature's best harvest - from our farms, we collect tomatoes, eggplant, and cucumbers; with our families, we enjoy vacations and warm, starry nights; and with our friends, we cherish each other's sunny dispositions as we enjoy the sun's brightest season. In your own life, you also start to reap what you sowed back at the beginning of the year, as the year picks up steam for the last quarter.

Amidst traveling and vacations, reunions and weddings, allow your truest inner light to shine. Join in at the sun's glorious zenith, as you acknowledge your innate ability to warm those people around you.

v. en·joy  (en'joi)
Stemming from the Middle English word meaning "to make joyful," to enjoy is to take pleasure in something.

When the days are long, and the weather is warm, there is no better time to enjoy ourselves, our community, and our environment. During July, the heart sings with little or no effort, as we recognize each glorious day as the miracle that it is. Enjoy the sunshine, and as your days and disposition brighten, let your soul be light.

Take pleasure in the simple joys of summer: a cold lemonade, long dinners with friends, your neighbors and the landscape around you. But most importantly, enjoy yourself and the ease of loving life that comes with the warm summer days. Strive to come back to the first meaning of "enjoy," and make yourself joyful.