| Many Yoga practitioners go to retreats, ashrams, or | | | | We all know a friend who would like to visit a Yoga |
| intensives, while they are on vacation. Travel | | | | class, but never does, due to an inner fear. Even |
| expenses, and a dull economy, are keeping many | | | | though there are many forms of Yoga, our friend |
| Yogis closer to home this year. No matter what you | | | | claims that he or she would feel embarrassed. At first, |
| decide to do, your vacation days should be memorable | | | | we might think that this is just an excuse, but on |
| and filled with fun. | | | | further observation, we realize there is a deep rooted |
| A sudden jump in fuel costs may alter your vacation | | | | fear. |
| plans, but it is important to get away from your regular | | | | For example: A friend believes that she must lose |
| working routine. Let's look at options you can do during | | | | weight before attending a Hatha Yoga class. You |
| vacation, without costing you "an arm and a leg." | | | | might try to convince her otherwise, but she has seen |
| Challenge yourself by doing something different. Most | | | | pictures of difficult poses, performed by slim, young |
| of us have a comfort zone, and we do not get out of | | | | women. Her mind's eye pictures herself being in a |
| it much. This does not mean you have to take up sky | | | | class, surrounded by slim, young women, who are |
| diving tomorrow, but look at your routine to see what | | | | performing difficult poses. |
| you could do that you have never done before. | | | | We all know the feeling of embarrassment, and very |
| The challenges we overcome, put our fears in their | | | | few of us learn to laugh at ourselves. Someone else's |
| place; and it is important to realize that fear often holds | | | | fear may seem silly, but each of us has our own |
| us back from making progress in life. For example: A | | | | worries. Fears of criticism and judgment are often the |
| person, who has never learned to swim, might | | | | root of inaction. |
| consider swimming lessons with a qualified instructor, | | | | The results of overcoming a personal challenge are a |
| while on vacation. | | | | newfound form of optimism, which stem from |
| The results of this challenge could be life changing. It | | | | self-confidence. These are priceless qualities, which will |
| takes regular practice to become a competent | | | | carry you far throughout the rest of the year. Your |
| swimmer, but the basic skills can be learned in a short | | | | vacation should be an adventure, but the good |
| time. The result is a feeling of empowerment, a | | | | memories, and new life skills, could last a lifetime. |
| positive attitude, and accomplishment. | | | | |