My favourite day of the year. And New Year's Day 2010 was a good one! I have never cared much for New Year's Eve (I was in bed by 11pm last night) but I do love the first day of the new year. Bit of a cliche I suppose but I love the idea of starting over, new beginnings, new hopes and dreams. Not so much new expectations as new possibilities.
Despite no running for over a week it felt great to start the day/year with a run around the lakes - thanks Paula for the invite! 9 miles in 1 degree weather. Little wind thankfully and even some warm-ish sunshine. Body felt like it had not run in a while. And it certainly felt like it had taken in waay too much crap food recently. But good all the same...
Then it was off to yoga at noon for 108 Sun Salutations. Why 108? The number 108 is considered sacred in many near and far eastern religions. From http://www.sunfloweryogastudio.com/:
The Hindu prayer necklaces contain 108 beads, each one representing an individual mantra or prayer. Chinese Buddhists and Taoists also use a 108 bead mala. In yoga, it is believed that our heart center is where the soul resides. From the heart center 108 channels, called Nadis, radiate out to all parts of the subtle body. By changing a mantra 108 times, the energy of the mantra enters each of those channels so that it reaches all parts of the body.
It was fun, if a little tough going by the ninetieth chaturanga... my arms will be s o r e tomorrow! The instructor closed with a quote within a quote that I thought was pretty neat. The 14th century poet Hafiz: “Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’” Expanded upon by one Dr. Wayne Dyer*... “Just think of what a love like that can do. It lights up the whole world.”
To finish off the day I spent some time at my favourite place. A hike on the snow covered trails as the sun was setting. Perfect.
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What would a New Year's Day post be without a few resolutions...
1. Run more
2. Run faster
3. Eat healthier
4. Volunteer more
5. Rediscover job satisfaction
Here's to a wonderful 2010! Happy New Year everyone.
* I haven't read anything further but I expect plenty more inspiration can be found at Dyer's website.
7 comments:
I love it! Great post! I'm so envious you were in bed by 11 on New Year's Eve. Sounds like were similar in that way. Happy New Year!
108 Sun Salutations? I might get there by May (and the sun may return by then). That "run more, run faster" may be needed to beat me at Superior, though.
I agree, great post! I was very envious to hear you made it out to Afton. One of my favorite spots as well.
Thank you for the quote as well.
Congratulations on a great year, Helen. I like your resolutions and I'm sure 2010 will be good to you. Thanks for all of your inspiration and kind words.
Steve - am I beating you at the Spring 50K or the Fall 50M?? Or both? ;) ahhh a little competition to spice things up!
I'm thinking I can work up to running 4:30 for the 50K by April. The big one is the 50 Mile; there's no chance of your beating me there.
Right on Steve - thanks for giving me another 2010 goal!! - since Nic will be busy being a new Daddy for much of the year I need a bit of male competition :)
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