Reflections... and a bit of checking in

Somehow we are already in the third month of this year... which seems to be a good time to assess my progress in terms of "The Big 7 Re:Solutions". I have to admit I'm kinda chuffed with my progress in general so far and am rather giddy with the journey, there is of course always room for improvement.

So here is a step by step check in:

#1 Stand against consumerism...

To date, I have managed to keep my clothes buying to an all time low. I have frequented the used clothes shop maybe a little more than usual~ but am still handicapped there, as most of the 'donors' are size teeny. I have to admit I bought a poncho (for Rob) and a scarf (for me) in Mexico, that although handmade by locals are not organic. I also had to stock up on underwear in a hurry before I left, and although from Muji, an environmentally friendly stockist, they were not organic either.

#2 No more plastic

I have somehow managed to loose 2 of my three eco bags, which is posing difficulties... I really want to convert some old clothes into shoppers... but I don't have a sewing machine in Japan. I might have to just bight the proverbial bullet and buy new shopper... I do find this contradictory to re:solution 1 however.

#3 Qualify as a Yoga Teacher

Check Check Check.... woohoo!

This has been THE most rewarding challenge I have set myself, and although accomplished, I feel the journey has just begun. Next week I begin my search for venues and hopefully I will start classes in the near future! watch this space!

#4 Finish outstanding degree

registered for last module, first assignment submitted... so far so good!

#5 Raw food challenge

We have been following our green lemonade morning start, and fruit only until lunch time pretty religiously. The food at Yandara, was spectacular and organic and mostly raw... the week after course was not at all raw and consisted of mostly cheesy, creamy Mexican cuisine. Since being home, I have been maintaining the juice and fruit, aiming at raw and integrating some Ayurveda principles in our diet (which I hope to learn more about), and (blush)... in saying all of that, I am sitting in a heady, chocolaty ,aroma caused by the 'rainy day brownies' cooling in the kitchen. So maybe need a bit of work here, ahem.

#6 ~ less face-eat-your-time-book

This is not an excuse... but on my return, after a month away, I had an inbox of new mail that stretched over a multitude of pages. I have been spending a great deal of time responding and resolving and updating. I'm giving myself until the end of this week... and then back on the rations.

#7 More time for hobbies

I am dismally failing in the harmonica and Spanish department! Although Mexico did wonders for my Spanish, since being back, I have been quite centered on yoga, finding new workshops, preparing for our future and spending time with y husband, all of which are more than passable alternatives in my book!

Re: Solution # 3... Qualify as a Yoga teacher

(This picture was taken 2 years ago on top of a mountain, in a gale force wind in Mongolia, probably not the best place to attempt Vrksasana... a balance pose)

With all the emphasis I have placed on my other 6 re:solutions, I have been awfully quiet about #3 : qualify as a yoga teacher. There are a number of reasons for this... none of them intentional, but as the time to make this leap rapidly approaches (18 days to be specific), it is naturally working its way to the front of my mind... where I intend to keep it for a bit, and thus it has earned a mention on 'oh beloved blog'. In 18 days I will board a plane and make my first ever journey to the Americas (Mexico to be exact), where I will engage in 16 days of intense study and practice, that will hopefully see me return as a RYT 200 (or... registered yoga teacher). I have had an on/off relationship with yoga for years, I have a tendency to get thoroughly immersed in my practice and then disconnected due to relocation or lack of finance, routine, time..... and so the list goes on. Early last year however, yoga and I became well acquainted again as it turned out that my landlady taught classes in the apartment next door and the degree I am pursuing delved considerably into it. The acquaintance turned into a love affair and before long the wandering wonderer and I were spending our evenings practicing at home together. During one of these at home sessions, I had an epiphany... (this happens a lot when you are alone with your thoughts and breath on your mat), why be dependent on location and teachers and money for yoga... if I became a teacher (which technically I am already), I would always have the knowledge and expertise with me. The challenge however, (a theme), was finding a place to do a course that would coincide with my time off from work and my bank balance... no mean feat at all! Needless to say I did find a suitable solution and promptly enrolled and booked flights. Although yoga is very much a part of my life and I have 'upped' my yoga practice quite considerably recently in preparation... I am quietly a little nervous. I love yoga, but I am no yogini, yet! My body does not do a lot of what it should do and my mind does a lot of what shouldn't. BUT... one of the first things you come to understand about yoga... is that patience is most certainly virtuous! Just as all bodies differ in appearance so do they differ in tempo, speed, agility, flexibility and strength. I am perhaps pushing a little hard now, but I am hoping my hips and legs rise to the challenge! (watch this space)