Stay in the Game

Watching my daughter play basketball last night was a moment in time that I will keep forever. Seeing her run up and down the court with intensity, enthusiasm and determination brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. She was living the moment. Focused and relaxed she was doing something she loved and doing it well. She fell a few times, missed some baskets and even received an elbow shot to her mouth, nevertheless her enthusiasm and smile never wavered as she stayed in the game.

Her enthusiasm and smile reminded me of how easy it is for us to drop out of our game. We have all fallen down, missed baskets and suffered injuries. Sometimes all at the same time. It happens so often that some of us drop out of our"game." My little girl's attitude inspired me to stay in my game. To stay the course with enthusiasm and joy.

What is your game? What do you love to do? What do you do well? Once you find your game, stay in it.....stay in it with enthusiasm and joy. Sure there will be setbacks, but that is part of the game.

The ball is in your court.

Namaste,

Isauro

Early to Rise

I recently listened to a podcast from Robin Sharma, author of The Monk who sold his Ferrarri where he spoke of ways to develop a Will of Iron. He listed four steps: Step 1: Get up at 5:00am, Step 2: Finish what you start, Step 3: Do what makes you uncomfortable and Step 4: Celebrate the small victories.

Except for Step 1, this short list seemed like a reasonable guide to personal success. Getting up at 5:00am however was not something I was used to nor was it something I wanted to do. Nevertheless I decided to go for it. The first morning was challenging, but I was able to get up and begin my day with some tea, readings, a morning meditation and some journal writing. Letting go of my pillow on the second day was tougher than the first day, nevertheless, I did manage to get up and again begin my day with some tea, readings, a morning meditation and some journal writing.

I know that by waking earlier you do find time to work on yourself. I also know that I will not get up at 5:00 am every day. I believe the key is to get up earlier than you already do. Whatever that time is for you. Getting up alittle earlier so you can meditate for 10 minutes, write in your journal or read 15 minutes from an inspirational source. Finding stillness and setting your tone for the day is a great way to manage and harness your ki, your life force.

By being compassionate with yourself and simultaneously finding the discipline to follow through in creating a new early morning habit, you will find your days filled with more focus and personal power.

Namaste,

Isauro

Experience the Magic

Having been away from the practice of yoga during the holidays, my body was craving the opportunity to move and sweat in an all out, full contact, hot power vinyasa class. The studio where I normally practice was closed for the holidays so I decided to go to a local studio where I had never taken a class. The class said hot vinyasa...I signed up and set up my mat. I was ready for an intense asana flow.

What followed instead was a gentle 90 minute vinyasa flow. During the first few minutes of the class my ego was busy trying to convince me that this was not what I had signed up for.

Fortunately, I didn't listen. This wonderful teacher guided me back to my breath and back to my yoga. This class restored and healed my holiday-worn body and mind. It transformed my body leaving me loose, relaxed and still.

This had been exactly what I had signed up for.....my ego just didn't know this fact: Yoga gives you everything you need....when you need it.........you just need to get out of the way long enough to experience the magic.

To a New Year filled with magic,

Isauro