What’s Your Word?

Friends,

Happy New Year.

I was looking at statistics, and apparently, almost 40% of adults make at least one New Year's resolution, and 60% of young adults do, too.

The top three resolutions have to do with fitness.

It is the last week of January, historically, the time when most New Year's resolutions have failed.

I stopped making resolutions years ago.

I much prefer focusing my meditations and contemplations around the time of the solstice on a theme that I want to bring forth in the new year.

Usually, I sum it up with a word or an intention for the year.

We have so much going on in our lives right now, and a huge year coming up.

In an attempt to remain calm and steady in what promises to be a year of stress and disruption (a massive renovation where we have to move out and then back), I thought I would choose the word EASE. I wanted to cultivate calm in the chaos, but in my heart of hearts, it didn't feel right, more like wishing would make it so.

When I shared this story with someone and recounted all that 2024 would entail, she said, "I think you need another word!" I burst out laughing and knew she was right.

And I did some deep listening....STRONG was what was there the whole time.

I know that I can handle all that we have taken on. I have the right mindset, the perfect partner, and the vision for the completion of our projects.

The theme is not new for me, but has been renewed in me of late.

I wanted to incorporate more strength training, which had been neglected for me since well before COVID-19.

I am at an age where all the research shows that we lose 4-6 pounds of muscle per decade if we aren't actively building up our strength.

I began incorporating strength building in some of my yoga classes. People loved it! At the request of subscribers, and with Tiger's urging, I created a new hybrid class, which we are calling "Better Yoga." This class focuses on techniques of muscle activation and development in the first half, all centered around a certain yoga pose or flow of poses. The second half of class works on full body coordination and multi-joint mobility, which yoga is so well known for.

By activating the right muscles and linking chains of movement, you will gain strength and increase freedom in your body, finding an ease that you never knew was possible.

Hey, I just wrote "EASE. " Maybe I will get to incorporate ease in 2024 by focusing on STRONG after all.

Winter is the time to hunker down, hibernate, and have a great insight...

What's your word for 2024?

With so much love,

Kari