2022 Tradition
Here we are in the midst of 2022. Now you may have noticed that I did not run any new year specials, or “new year new you” campaigns (even if I may have been a fan of such things in the past), or write any kind of blog post encouraging you to have a new year’s resolutions. Because the fact of the matter is resolutions don’t work. Linking a lifestyle change to a particular date is not effective, especially if you have not given yourself a strong support network that includes education and accountability.
Did you know that 95% of diets and workout routines fail? This is great for that industry because it means that people come back and try over and over and over again.
I am not in that business. I am in the business of changing lives. I don’t sign on every person that reaches out to me. I work with those that have drive and passion, individuals that are ready to look at themselves honestly and make change. That is when lifestyle shifts take hold, that is the work that makes the world a better place. That is what I am in the business of. And that happens throughout the whole year, not just on January first (or whatever date your culture celebrates as the new year).
It is statistically proven that fad diets, new year’s resolutions, and quick fix solutions (such as diet pills), do not work. So let’s delve deeper into what does create systemic change for an individual by looking at the Mindful Tradition approach to supporting students and clients in either a person-centered therapeutic consultation or a private yoga class.
1) Yoga - Now when I say yoga I do not mean tiny goat yoga, or a yoga and wine night. I mean yoga as a spiritual practice that includes breathwork and meditation that allows you to delve deeper into your own understanding of self. I will custom tailor a yoga practice to meet your specific needs and goals. This will enable you to authentically witness parts of yourself that you may have been subconsciously tucking away because they were to painful, or you were not ready to do the work.
2) Artistic Expression - We are brought into this world as creative being with a need to express that out in the world. Many of us had out unique creative skills over scrutinized and stunted from a young age. This hurts us on a soul level, and so I will gentle and lovingly encourage my students and clients to allow this part of self shine authentically without judgement. This could be writing, dancing, drawing, collaging, baking, anything and everything that makes your heart sing.
3) Education - I will take on teaching you new skills that are specific to you as an individuals and your goals. I will also explain the science behind why these things work and even make available to you books, articles or website that go into a deeper understanding if that would be useful to you.
4) Building Up Your Tool Kit - Now this is a very broad subject, because as mentioned before it is specific to you as an individual. Generally these are the tools you need to be successful in your everyday life, things to fall back of when you experience times of stress and hardship.
5) Accountability - With weekly check ins I will ask you how things are going and hold you accountable in a gentle way if you are falling behind. I believe that a loving and trusting foundation needs to be established so that you can feel safe in this process.
6) Referrals - I will not pretend that I am the be all ad end all of personal development. If I think that there are areas of your life that require specific expertise beyond my wealth of knowledge, I will recommend you to another professional who will be better suited to help you on your path.
7) Slow Business Model - I am committed to making sure these services are available to all peoples. As such I often partner with organization who then provide my classes for free to the public. My services are also covered under medicaid in the state I live in, so if you are or know someone with self directive service dollars they can have consultations with me and private classes free of charge. I also accept payment through flex spending in individuals health insurance plans. All of these are the ways in which I combat the aggressive capitalist model to serve you better. If you want to read more about the slow business model you can read more here.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of how and why the work I do has power and substance to it. And even how it may help you or a loved one find the support they need to create health and healing in their life. As always I am here to help you, in fact I want to help you. I believe this is how we create a better world on a micro level every single day. Is by doing the personal work that betters the life of every person we interact with and ripples out. Reach out if today is the day to find your own Mindful Tradition.
My wish for you on this day, and every day that follows, is peace of body, peace of heart, and peace of mind. Namaste.
