EASING INTO 2025: A GENTLE START TO THE NEW YEAR
Happy New Year! January comes with the pressure of setting lofty and ambitious goals. As an ambitious and entrepreneurial woman myself, I resonate! I want to offer you an opportunity to consider a different intention. When I teach yoga, I often encourage participants to meet themselves where they are. This January, I invite you to emphasize a gentle start with the intention of ease over immediate hustle.
I know this may not be the New Year’s resolution we are used to, but it is one I highly recommend. The new year is just a new day, which doesn’t absolve our experiences from 2024. The thought of jumping back into “go mode” may feel overwhelming. Let’s talk about how we ease into it together!
Set Gentle Intentions
Let’s take a moment to reflect. What do you want to cultivate this year? As you roll out your yoga mat, consider simple intentions that focus more on how you want to show up for yourself and care for your body. There are no right or wrong answers here! The purpose is to keep yourself at the forefront to ensure that you are taken care of while pursuing your 2025 goals. Write your intentions down and place them where you can see them regularly. Let them guide you on and off the mat.
Embrace Gentle Yoga Practices
Movement is essential, but it doesn’t have to be intense. Consider some of the recommendations from previous blog posts offered in 2024. Even just five to 10 minutes of gentle yoga can make a significant difference. Keep in mind that your practice may look different from day to day. Some days you may want more, and others less. There is room for both! Honor how you feel in each moment.
Incorporate Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness is a core principle of yoga that can enhance your daily life by helping you stay grounded in the present moment. This could be taking a few deep breaths at your desk, during stoplights, or in rush hour traffic. It can be as simple as actively observing your surroundings or practicing gratitude. Being more mindful truly helps reduce stress levels, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges and manage MS.
Nourish Yourself with Love and Compassion
Nutrition plays a critical role in how we feel. Embrace the idea of nourishing your body with love and intention in the food choices you make. Instead of striving for complex meals, explore new recipes that include whole, healthy foods. If you’ve never tried the concept of mindful eating, I highly recommend it. The next time you eat, take a moment to reflect on how the food makes you feel, both physically and emotionally.
Find Strength in Community
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Seek support among fellow Black women living with MS. Wellness Week(end), We Are ILL’s signature event, is a fantastic way to increase your support network! I’ve made lasting relationships from attending the past two years. In the meantime, consider joining a yoga class, a support group, or simply connecting online. Sharing experiences creates a sense of belonging and collective strength because we were never meant to live with MS alone!
I truly hope this offers a new perspective on “New Year, New You.” Embrace the journey without rushing or feeling pressured. Here’s to a year filled with grace, balance, and acceptance. We’re in this together, and with a gentle approach, I believe you’ve got this!
