It’s our holiday giveaway series! For the next few days we’ll be posting new giveaways for awesome and yogadorky goodies. Be sure to check back each day!
It’s an annual tradition around these yogadork parts! We’re so excited to keep the momentum going with our annual giveaway of A Year of Living Your Yoga: Daily Practices to Shape Your Life by Judith Hanson Lasater.
About A Year of Living Your Yoga:
Featuring one thought for each day of the year, along with a suggested practice, these brief, powerful insights reflect the author’s knowledge of classic yoga philosophy and years of experience. Humorous, inspiring, and surprisingly down-to-earth, they guide seekers both on and off the yoga mat. These aphorisms address love, asana, fear, trust, expectations, pranayama, suffering, laughter, presence, the Yoga Sutra, and much more. They emphasize the experience of being present to one’s self and to life’s ups and downs — day by day, breath by breath, moment by moment.
WIN: We are delighted to continue the YogaDork tradition teaming up with Rodmell Press to give away THREE copies of A Year of Living Your Yoga: Daily Practices to Shape Your Life by Judith Hanson Lasater.
TO ENTER: ‘Tis the season for intentions and reflections. Tell us 365 new things you learned from your yoga practice this year! Kidding. We invite you to simply share either a lesson learned from 2014 or an intention set for 2015 in the comments to make it official (maybe even say it out loud??).
Here’s wishing you all a happy, healthy, yogadorky new year!
Giveaway closes 11:59pm Monday, December 22nd. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced soon after. Good luck!
Be sure to check out Rodmell Press on facebook for more great yoga books and giveaways.
Update: Congratulations to Chris, Sarah Scoular, and Whitney! Thanks to everyone who shared their intentions and lessons. We can all learn from you!
My biggest lesson and accomplishment this year was learning to truly appreciate and honor my body through yoga and fitness instead of through punishment. It’s been an incredible journey!
My intention for next year is to not be so terrified of my own body. It doesn’t have to look perfect for it to do its job!
I learned that I can be a yogi while still keeping a warrior spirit.
My intention is to help people around me with restorative yoga after my Relax & Renew in London in March!!
This year has been all about trusting my gut. I quit my job, left the stability of a regular income to persure my dreams of teaching yoga full time. After I took the jump, I made a commitment to myself to let this year be about following my instincts and just going with the flow, and trust I was doing exactly what I was meant to do. Tons of ups and downs, but I truly believe the universe has my back, and I look forward to continue to grow as a student and a teacher to bring my students more love, connection, and fun on their mats for 2015!
to embrace the power of my own breath!! (i, too will be spreading more rest & renew love after a dallas training!)
Trust your instincts when something feels off.
The lesson I have learned and continue to learn is that trying to control everything just creates resistance. The path of grace rather than forcing things is much more rewarding, although more challenging. It’s been a huge one for me this year. I’m 38 weeks pregnant and preparing the birth my baby. I’m very excited to put all of my hard work into practice 🙂
The coming home of being in the inner stillness while in a pose is like drinking directly from the cup of the Gods.
This past year yoga has saved my life over and over again. My biggest lesson has been that when things feel completely overwhelming, I simply need to sit down and focus on my breath to calm down and center myself.
My biggest lesson for 2014 was learning to modify my practice to match my current situation.
This year I have more fully come to the understanding of how my aging impacts my practice. I treat my physical body with more kindness and am going inward thru meditation more intently.
I have learned that my beliefs might not be true. It’s not the head where you always find true answers. I thought I was much more rational… I thought that evolutionary psychology was a good way to understand human relationships, but now I think Tristan and Isolde could be closer to something real (whatever that word means). And my body was my guide..
To be guided by your own body you need to notice it. Trust it, respect it and take into consideration.
trying to be more graceful- internally.
I’m setting an intention to treat myself with loving kindness in 2015.
My biggest learning up to 2014 AND intention for 2015 and beyond is to learn to sit back and enjoy the lessons of life, whether they are only a little useful or more useful, but enjoying them either way.
My intention is to complete my yoga therapy certification in 2015, so I can share this amazing healing modality with others.
I surrendered and listened to my body; in asana and off the mat. As my baby grew inside me I learned to embrace the changes that took place both mentally & physically. The injuries I have had over the years have taught me to truly listen to what my body needs over these 9 months and onwards. Continuing on this path as I gave birth and now as a new Mom, embracing the new “normal” in my life, staying present and honoring myself each day.
My intention for 2015 is to truly start accepting myself. Learning to embrace my imperfections and banish negative thoughts about myself. And I plan on using yoga and philosophies of yoga to help me along that positive path. 🙂
My 2015 intention is to increase my sense of moderation, so that I can find some balance.
it (yoga) only comes alive when you put it (yoga) in action, which sometimes, means no action. Stillness, to listen.
Patience; finding and working on patience.
I learned that it’s OK to take an day or two off of asana practice.
I’m practicing accepting what shows up.
To prepare myself mentally to face my fears, regardless of what shows up. I’m hoping that no matter what, when and where it happens, to remember to face it instead of running in other direction. Even during my worse nightmares I’m reminding myself to face the scary entity, no matter how many mantras or tools I must use to do it.
To enjoy life and forgive my imperfections
Kindness!!
Towards myself and others.
I plan to schedule myself less in 2015. I want to enjoy my days and be less stressed.
I learned that comparison is the thief of joy. Yoga teachers are NOT in competition with one another, the task we face is being in competition with all the busy-ness of people’s lives. I learned it is OK to market yourself and that it doesn’t mean you are ego tripping. I also learned that what we need and what we enjoy in practice can be different. Yoga on in 2015. More practice, more sharing, more love, more compassion.
I miss having a practice. Need to fit it into the cracks of life…
My biggest lesson in 2014 was to finally overcome fear of pain which was keeping me from returning to my yoga practice. i had been afraid ofif worsening my chronic pain from a car accident. With persistence and courage, I have rediscovered the joy of moving and connecting my body, even on days when there is pain and discomfort. This was my lesson, which helped me heal.
To exercise patience and show kindness to all that I come in contact with.
I celebrate one year of owning the first and only yoga studio in our community at the end of January. We have brought people to all sorts of yoga, including Restorative. It truly fills my heart with gratitude to share the gift of yoga with so many, and to nurture them along the journey with my fellow teachers. My intention for 2015 is to grow our yoga community in Battle Creek, MI, and continue to expand our offerings through Workshops, Daily Inspiration, and Continued Exploration of the practice. Jai!
To be present…
my intention for the new year is to yoga more days than not. it’s so necessary for my wellbeing!
My biggest lesson learned on and off the mat: surrender
For 2015 I am working on having a lighter heart.
In asana and in life.
Feeling comfortable in my own skin was a challenge this year, and yoga made it possible. Next year I plan to take a Yoga Instructor course!
My biggest accomplishment of 2014 was finally seeking help for my anxiety and depression and my intention is to continue seeing my therapist and growing from the treatment she provides.
Hey other Sarah, just wanted to say that that’s really wonderful, and yay for you!
I learned to slow down. I have a somewhat high stress job due to certain circumstances. I was trying to do too many things at once, alone, and I got very sick with mono. I was out for a good month. It kicked my butt hard.
I realized that I don’t need to let what others say get to me, don’t start more than project at a time, take time out for ME, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Sometimes hard lessons to learn are the best lessons to learn.
My intentions for 2015 are to be compassionate with myself and others; to allow each moment to unfold; and to publish my first book.
My yoga instructor this year started saying at the beginning of every lesson: “be kind to yourself, for you is all you’ve got.” Something I plan to continue to practice.
My yoga instructor this year started saying at the beginning of every lesson: “be kind to yourself, for you is all you’ve got.” It’s something I plan to continue to practice.
This year I have learned to own the strength of my body and mind. I am especially appreciative that yoga has taught me to “sit with” uncomfortable emotions and be okay. These lessons helped me through the birth of my first child and his first few months of life.
I’ve had a few mantras for 2014. The two most significant “It will be ok in the end, if it’s not ok, it’s not the end” and “It’s not about me”. Reminding myself of these things often has helped me pull through some rough patches in my year.
I am learning to be patient as I head into my 3rd year of healing post accident. My body & brain are very different now & I am trying to love the new me.
My intension is to express appreciation…out loud…
<3 Love you Lynn!
it doesn’t have to be hard to be good.
My intention, starting today (and into 2015 and beyond): yoga every day
The lesson I’ve learned this year is that when I truly focused on my yoga, I began to submit more to God. This submission (in using the poses to prepare myself) opened my heart and my mind to be able to give more freely off the mat, for ‘off the mat’ is where most of your yoga will take place.
To truly and completely love myself.
Remember leave the past behind
Remember to live in the present
Remember to breathe
Life is now
I have learned that there is courage even in the little things we do.
Satya has become so central for me this year. I realize that living my truth is what brings joy and peace in my life– not approval, acceptance, or popularity- but shining my light regardless of how it is received.
Dear Judith,
One of my intentions for this year has been to make ‘courage a steady companion’ so that I remember to express myself wholeheartedly and with integrity.
The lessons I’ve learnt through living this intention has been 1) to trust my heart, 2) be okay with making mistakes and 3) acknowledge, honour and express my values.
A 7 year old told me that joy can be found in yucky things….. The year of “from now on” I’m not going to run away from yucky things……. Cause ya never know!
Biggest lesson this year was patience! A must have with a newborn!
My intention for the new year is to be present, mindful and real with myself. My mantra has and will continue to be kindness…. Sounds so easy yet so very challenging…
I have learned that the struggle always starts and ends in the mind. When I am done fighting my thoughts, reservations, preconceptions, ect, that’s when I can tackle anything.
It is hard to come up with something original when so many have already echoed my own thoughts and intentions so beautifully in their posts. Thank you to the brave and strong yogis for sharing. These views demonstrate that in so many ways, even virtually, we are connected through our practice.
I have learned that any one can do you yoga regardless of their age, condition or size. Yoga is about you not the person next to you! It must be your own personal journey!
Accepting my body for what it can do and not punishing it for what it can’t do.
Lesson from last year – I can do great things. Intention for this year – Reward my body with the healthy fuel that it deserves.
In 2015 I intend to keep Pema Chodron’s words in mind: I am the sky. Everything else is just the weather.
to just let it go…..
Whenever I feel lost and on the treadmill in the rat race, I know that I can step onto my mat and slow things right down and bring quiet to my mind, even for just a few refreshing minutes. It really is a lifesaver. My intention in the new year is to keep focusing on my practice and in particular to connect with myself on a whole new level as I embark on a journey of prenatal yoga with my new growing family. 🙂 Merry Christmas & Happy 2015!
2014 was all about opening up – creating room for new opportunities, being open to others, and opening through gentle backbends in my yoga practice!
I learned that a physical practice didn’t need to be painful and that it could open up new worlds.
In the past, I’ve jumped into a comprehensive yoga practice, kept it up for a short time, crashed and burned. My intention this year is to slowly build a sustainable practice.
I’ve learned how to recruit from my own strength, from both my body and mind.
I intend to not give up in the face of self doubt – to work with doubt through yoga. With practice, my ego shall be given balance. Once it has balance and equanimity, I can then surrender it.
My most recent intention has been to practice with an open heart, both on and off the mat.
2014 taught me to be in the moment emotionally and not delay joy or sorrow- it builds up.
I have learned this year that you do not always have to lead the life that everyone else is, or even the one that is expected of you. You can make your own path. It may not make sense to anybody but you, but that is okay.
I love how yoga makes me flexible and strong at the same time in that I am in my mid 50s and see how it contribute to my (physical, mental and soulful) health now and for the future. I plan to still do yoga when I am 80!
My intention for 2015 is to lead more fun and meaningful yoga adventures with others! Also to practice more acroyoga, I found it very challenging and fun!
BKS Iyengar died, our teacher of Iyengar yoga died. In our practice, teaching and sharing, we keep his devotion and wisdom to the gifts of yoga alive for the betterment of the individual and the whole.
I am just starting to practice after a hiatus due to injury and my goal is to listen to my body and adapt my practice, instead of thinking I have to “get better” in order to be able to practice!
Acceptance and letting go were big this year and will roll right into 2015!
Your body will let you know what it needs and is capable of each day. I just need to be more mindful of listening to it.
My intention-find “freedom from trying to create permanence in an ever-changing existence”. Quote from Michael Stone’s The Inner Tradition of Yoga.
In 2014, I chose to leave the stability of unhappy employment and negative people. I moved to two different states, following my bliss and finding my spirit. I look forward to continued blessings and gratitude in 2015, with continuation of self-nurturing and community service. Namaste, all.
This year, during my 200-hour teacher training, I encountered health/[physical issues that limited my practice. It was tough at first, but then I realized that yoga is not about how many sun salutations one can do – being present on the mat is enough. It’s truly about being kind to myself through a consistent daily practice.
My intention for 2015 is to further deepen my practice while helping others discover it for themselves. Yoga is not about achievement; showing up is enough.
Om Shanti
This year, I learned that yoga is great for both my mental and physical well being. It challenges my body and calms my way in a manner that no other exercise or practice has ever done before. Yoga is now my home.
Teaching and doing my own yoga allowed my to be crazy busy finishing an Occupational Therapy degree and still have something to give to my clients/patients/friends and family.
Teaching and doing my own yoga allowed me to be crazy busy finishing an Occupational Therapy degree and still have something left to give to my clients/patients/friends and family. It grounds me and keeps me healthy.
This year I reconnected with the external me – who I am in the community and with my friends and family. For 2015 I plan to continue that journey, but have a primary focus on reconnecting internally, finding and being my true self.
I have learned that there is great peace and joy to be found in silence.
Biggest lesson learned this year? “Practice and all is coming”
My intention in 2015 is to cultivate more compassion and kindness, and to find the friends I have neglected over the years.
My intention for the New Year is to stop believing everything I think or at least get better at taking a step back and trying to decide if what I think is really true!
This year I learned to give up what does not serve me and practice and commit to what does. Also, as cheesy as it is my main priority last year was to follow my heart. This caused me to apply to my teacher training program (I start next year!) and lose the idea that I have to finish the degree that isn’t making me happy, and instead am applying to be a holistic nutritionist. My intention for next year is to “be present”, I often live in the future and past and need to work on being where I am and having that moment be enough.
The biggest lesson that I learned this year is a major yoga principle that I never quite experienced this deep before. I learned that my breath affects my mind and my mind affects my breath.
Something I learned (and am still trying to put into practice) is that it’s OK to do “nothing.” I always complain about being so busy and wishing for time to relax; and then when I finally get the chance to slow down and breathe, I feel lazy for “not doing anything.” But nothing is actually something!
That, turning 60, retiring from 30 years in education and getting bit by arthritis….taught me that I can do anything and I will!
I’ve learned to let go of attempting to control anyone, including my grown children.
During the polar vortex of 2014 when
almost every morning was greeted by more snow, ice, wind and darkness my yoga practice kept me flexible, improved my balance to avoid falls and mostly kept me feeling good about what my body could do.
Yoga teaches me everyday that even my scariest inner demons just want to be loved, cuddled, tickled and placed into child’s pose.
A HUGE lesson I learned and practiced is living in the moment, even if that moment is filled with negative energy, it passes and leaves me stronger for the next moment and in THAT moment I can serve.
Breathe
I have learned that if I keep laying out my mat, ALL will come………
My resistances are alive and well, and recognizing them is part of the practice.
I learned that meditation is worth getting up early for.
I just set my sankulpa for 2015 during my solstice observation. Move forward…with my writing, my business plans and my practice and study. In this year I’ve been working on the practice of being present and it’s made me a kinder and gentler person!
The biggest thing I learned is to trust myself, and to set realistic intentions and that my life will just get better and better. My intention for 2015 is to complete my Yoga Health Coach studies, and create the business I want while helping others reach their best selves.
This year I learnt to relax and trust my body during my practice. I don’t always need to be pushing and pushing to get to the next level, or perfect the pose. I am now allowing myself to “feel” more instead of always “thinking”.
What I’ve learned this year – when in doubt, show up up to my mat. Whatever I’m seeking at the moment can usually be found there, within.
This year I learned a lot about patience, both in yoga classes as well as in our 5-year infertility journey (which we conquered 14 weeks ago!)
My intention in 2015 is to become a full-time yogi.
My lesson from 2014 is also the intention for 2015…..slow down !
My intention for 2015 is to create space for myself. Rather than packing my schedule and making my self busy, I’m going to leave time, leave space for myself. Let things happen as opposed to scheduling myself sun up to sun down.
breathe more……talk less, practice more…..loaf less, inhale gladness…..exhale sadness
Just Be…..
My intention for 2015 is to kick asana, every day!
To take time for myself, because I’m not always good at that.
I’ve learned to appreciate & make the most of my time here on earth, while honoring my loved ones that have passed.
My intention for 2015 is to let go, to surrender, and to trust. To detach with love.
I am reminded of the edge always, for me this year, the line between striving effort and relaxed being.
Talk Less. Eat Better. Get places on time. Believe that Peace is Every Step. Take in yoga as much as I teach it.
I need community. no really!