February Fun Challenge

I just finished reading an article on Huffington Post sent to me by my awesome Yoga guru Sheryl Braun. The article was basically discussing how the yoga community has recently gone from one of acceptance and inclusiveness to one of judgements and cliques. This article came to me at the right time. It's funny how many people I have spoken to recently who have told me just that. They start off by telling me how they have heard about how good yoga is for them. They then tell me how they have tried it before but they aren't sure if its for them. Then as the conversation continues I am told about some story where they have felt ridiculed and/or judged by the class and/or teacher.

[via]

  Obviously, I was not there and I can not say first hand what conspired. However, I do know this. When people say that yoga can be for everybody, what they are really saying is that yoga is for every BODY. And every BODY is not just a physical empty capsule, it is filled with people's personalities, hopes, dreams, insecurities, faults, beauty, love and so much more. As humans it is easier to assume everything should have a certain mold to which it adheres to, this way of thought makes it easier for us to learn and accept new things. However, it also creates shortcomings for new possibilities. If we meet someone that does not fit a mold of what we expect to be, before you judge them, stop to get to know them. Every person has a story. Every person is where they are because of the experiences they have taken. You would be amazed by how much you can learn about others and in turn realize something new about yourself.

[via]

So, I wanted to do something fun in honor of February being National Heart Awareness Month. I challenge everyone to open their hearts to 3 new people a week.  Give them a genuine smile, listen to their story, figure out a way to make their day brighter. And to up the ante, make sure at least one of these people you have never spoken to before, whatever the reason. You'd be surprised that showing such a little form of kindness can sometimes change a person's entire day, week or even life. No step is ever too small if its taken in the right direction.

Sending you all an endless amount of love, sunshine and open hearts! xo