It's time for me to make a change.
I had my first cigarette when I lived at an orphanage in Auckland. I was 11 years old. And from that moment on, I have struggled with the addiction.
The ONLY time I found it easy to give up was when I was trying to get pregnant and during my pregnancies. That was a long time ago!
Since then I've been on again, off again. When I'm 'off' the ciggies, I miss them. When I'm 'on' the ciggies, I feel guilt and shame. I should know better!
So I'm 50 years old now. It's time for a change.
“Accept - then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” Eckhart Tolle, author of "The Power of Now".
I accept that I'm addicted to nicotine and now I am going to act to kick the habit.
Since we have a two week term break from classes, it is the perfect time for me to disappear ... to literally 'retreat'. So I bit the bullet and booked myself into Anahata Yoga Retreat in the hills of Takaka for a seven day retreat. I head off this Sunday and come back the following Sunday, hopefully as a non-smoker.
I figure as long as a Four Square is not within walking distance (it's not) and I'm living with strangers, then I should be able to get rid of the nicotine habit in that time. Then, when I return, I will have to deal with the habit itself. But at least my darling hubby won't have to suffer through my withdrawals and bad moods. I'll be polite and friendly to strangers ... they're safe.
To support this process, I've just started reading Russell Brand's "Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions". He swears a lot, which will probably suit the mood I might be in whilst withdrawing.
I will have no access to cellphone or internet while I'm away . . . yayyyy!!!
Wish me luck!
Term Break
As you know, my resource consent limits class times to during school terms. We've just had our last week of classes and will be back on our mats in the third week of October. I have booked in the 'regulars' so you'll all get a reminder the day before class. Simply cancel if you can't make it.
You might like to consider inviting a friend to join you next term. As a thank you, if you bring a new person with you, your class will be free. And so will theirs.
Our morning classes start at 9.30am on Tuesdays (Level 1) and Thursdays (Level 2). I am hoping that this will enable parents of school children to attend these classes - to take some time out for themselves! So if you know anyone who might be interested, please do invite them along.
The evening classes at 6.00pm on Tuesdays (Level 2) and Thursdays (Yin) are well attended. Please do make sure you register for class - preferably at least the night before.
When people are away on holiday, the numbers drop down, and sometimes I might need to cancel. I'd rather not do that at the last minute. You can book all your classes for the term and then cancel if need be.
Home Holiday Practice
I promised you all some links to 30 minute classes. I was going to record some myself, but since I'm shooting the gap instead, I'll recommend a couple of YouTube offerings. I've done some of them myself, but can't vouch for the whole lot. Just see if you like it. I like both the personalities. They're both fun people with a sense of humour.
Once you get past Day 5 in either programme, you'll see the link on YouTube for the next session.
YOGA WITH ADRIENE: REVOLUTION
Adriene Mishler is an actress, yoga teacher and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas
"Yoga is really the art of waking up. Getting back to the true you. It can be that simple. Yoga offers up a way for us to see a world that is working for you instead of against you. Yoga reminds me that everything is connected so we must live, act, dance, breathe with awareness. If the journey really is the reward, then by golly I choose to enJOY the journey. I hope you will join me. Love, Adriene"
YOGA WITH TIM: TOTAL BODY YOGA WORKOUT
Tim Senesi is a yoga teacher and surfer from Laguna Beach, California.
"Practicing yoga changed my entire outlook on life. I’m here to teach you techniques on your mat to change your body, your mind and your life."
I'll be keen to know if you give this a try.
Namaste Kapiti Yogis
Jeannie x