Do Something that Scares You… #TakeTheLeap

The New Year often brings introspection for me. I know that we are now in February but I never shared some of my goals for the year. No, I am not talking running goals or blogging goals, like in years past. This year, I decided to take a good hard look at my priorities. Let’s face it, if you are like me, you feel as though there are not enough hours in the day and there is not enough of you to go around. My days are focused on my outer pursuits: relationships, my career as a social worker, my hobbies (like this blog) and exercise.  Often times, I find that these things are jockeying for priority placement in my life. Then, there are the internal pursuits that do not even make it into my daily routine. I’m talking about focusing on incorporating stress management, self-reflection, contemplation and means of personal growth into my life.

I honestly feel guilty for even having the thought of carving out time to pursue growth in this area. Yet, I know that if I take the time to incorporate some of these internal practices into my life, I will enrich my everyday being. I suspect that I ultimately have the desire to feel more centered, where the outer pursuits are not dominating my every move and pulling me in different directions.  If you are thinking this sounds like a bit of an existential crisis, you might be right. Yet, I think it is high time that I prioritize my pursuits and attempt to balance those desires with where I see myself in the future.

With this very struggle in mind, over the next thirty days, I am going to do something that scares me.  Today, I embark on a little adventure to delve into an internal pursuit that I often put on the back-burner.  I am joining the #Take TheLeap 30 Days of Yoga Challenge with prAna and FitApproach.  I applied to be a part of this challenge because I knew that it was in line with my goals for the year.  Yoga is the ultimate blend of my external (exercise) and internal (stress relief + self-reflection) pursuits.  I’m optimistic that this challenge will help hold me accountable in carving out the time for yoga.  If you find yourself having a similar struggle, I hope you will consider joining the challenge!

prAna yoga challenge

As I mentioned in my last post, here are some of the details:

Be sure to join the Instagram/Facebook/Twitter fun by following @lisarunsforcupcakes@fitapproach, & @prana.  From February 2 through March 8 use the hashtags #TakeTheLeap, #prana, and #sweatpink to share your journey!  Whether you take a class or find five minutes to yourself, use the hashtag #taketheleap so that my fellow bloggers and yogis can cheer you on!  And, if you need more inspiration join the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Facebook group and the Take the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink Event Page event.  Plus, one lucky participant will receive $500.00 in prAna gear + $500.00 in prAna gear for their best friend!  

For fun, FitApproach provided this mad lib:

When I think about yoga, the first thought that comes to mind is peace.  Yoga relaxes me and makes me feel centered.  That’s why I am SO thankful to participate in prAna’s Take The Leap 30 days of Yoga Challenge with Sweat Pink. I plan to warrior my way to a more balanced and focused 2015!  For me, the biggest challenge when it comes to yoga is setting aside time to practice. Taking the Leap with prAna and Sweat Pink is a great way for me to achieve personal growth.  My favorite place to yoga is at home because it is so comfortable.  Here’s a photo of my little one in her very best downward dog.

Cora's Yoga

I tag Mar @Mar on the Run and Colleen from @Live Free and Run.  I want these fabulous bloggers to share their very best yoga pose photos, this fun madlib and of course, I challenge them to join me on this fun 30 day yoga journey.  Come on y’all, Take the Leap with me!  Join prAna’s & Sweat Pink’s Take the Leap 30 Days of Yoga Challenge and be eligible to win $500 worth of prAna gear and / or be the lucky winner who gets to gift $500 worth of prAna gear to one lucky winner. They just launched their new spring collection so you best get on it!  If I win I would gift the $500 to one of my faithful readers and challenge participants because they are so faithful to my slice of the internet.

Plus, feel free to use this discount code ‘psps15LRFC’ to receive 15% off an entire prAna purchase!

Feel free to post your answers to the mad lib on Facebook, your blog or IG!  And, tag me so I can follow you as your #taketheleap!  So, are you in?!  What’s your favorite reason to yoga?  Favorite yoga resources?  Does anyone else have conflicts between internal and external pursuits?

Lisa

Comments

  1. That's awesome! I'm doing a mini version of that myself in focusing on being more positive. Lately I've noticed I've been bogged down in so much negativity and I really don't like it… Maybe taking some time to do some yoga is a great way to reinforce a positive dialogue with myself. 🙂

    • Agreed! I'm so stressed out lately so I really, quite desperately, am seeking balance. Hopefully this will put me on the right path. And, I agree that we could all use a little more positive self talk in our lives! Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Cutest ever yogi! I'm looking forward to following you during this 30day yoga challenge! I love yoga and have been doing it almost as long as I've been running. Which is just about forever!
    My recent post Take the Leap!

  3. So excited for this challenge! 5 minutes a day is doable no matter what. I'm hoping to feel more centered and balanced by the end of these next 30 days.
    My recent post Weekly Wrap-Up {January 26-February 1}

  4. ok, ok twist my arm! I'm heading to yoga tonight. I need to destress after being sick!
    My recent post Shamrock Half Training Week 6

    • I'm in the sick boat now :/
      I will certainly be going to yoga this weekend in an attempt to make up for all the quality time I am having with my pillow. Hope you are feeling better my friend!

  5. I'm trying to make sure yoga is in my weekly schedule instead of sporadically making its way into what I do. I've set Mondays aside for it since I can easily do 30 minutes and I do feel better after completing a routine.
    My recent post Monday Musings 2/2

    • I like the idea of building it into a schedule. I too have done the sporadic yoga thing. Although, I do a series of yoga movements to help with my hips. I just consider it stretching but I suppose it too is yoga, even if it is only for ten to fifteen minutes. I just have it set in my mind that you need a mat and a solid hour for yoga but that so isn't true!

  6. I don't have much experience with yoga other than a class taken here or there but do believe it would be great for centering the mind and relieving stress. Maybe I'll have to make a point of taking a class this month 🙂
    My recent post Diet Lately

  7. This sounds amazing! I love yoga although don't get to focus on it "in-season" as much as I would like. Excited to follow your journey.
    My recent post My First Masters Swim Meet

  8. dancingtorunning says:

    Good luck with the challenge this month! When I first saw the e-mail about it, I was quite excited, but I know that I'm not in a place to take on more challenges right now. But kudos to you and the other bloggers for leading this yoga challenge. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
    My recent post Shamrock Half Marathon Training Log – Week 11

  9. Good luck! Such an adorable picture!
    My recent post Shamrock Half Training – 1/26-2/1 – Week 2

  10. mainegirl2runs says:

    Well, my favorite reason for yoga is to find strength and balance in my life. Yoga helps me dig deep for physical and mental balance. I love that yoga doesn't require much space, time or equipment!
    My recent post The Stories Behind Each Race

  11. stacysteinmeyer says:

    That's great! You are so right about the struggle to fit everything in, let alone giving yourself time to focus on…yourself! I'm so happy for you that you are doing this! I can't wait to see your journey!

  12. Salt tagged me, guess I have to do it now 🙂 It is SO hard to fit everything in but somehow we manage to do it. I have a hard time being nice to myself sometimes. It's a big challenge for sure!
    My recent post Skinny Confidential Book Review & Giveaway

  13. runawaybridalplanner says:

    Definitely cutest yoga pose ever!!!!
    I wish Yoga was my thing, but so far it is not:) But I envy those who are flexible and strong enough to do it! I'm always afraid I will hold something too long and stretch too much to injury:) I know it's all in my head, LOL
    I think everyone struggles to fit it all in. Giving myself "me time" is definitely something I am good at, sounds weird, but I just need a little bit of it every day!!!

  14. runsaltrun says:

    Yoga has changed my life. I started 7 years ago as a way to manage my anxiety without a prescription and never looked back. That is the cutest little yogi I've ever seen!
    My recent post Kick Asana Yoga Instructor #1: Karen

  15. Jen@jpabstfitness says:

    Awww- cute little yogi in training 🙂

  16. Erica @ erica finds says:

    Balance is so tough – no pun intended. I have been traveling this week and still did my exercise, but haven't been doing the challenge. Thanks for the motivation to get on board! Have a great weekend!

  17. onenightbookstandblog says:

    What a fun challenge! And your little girl is adorable! 🙂

  18. Keep us informed about your progress in the challenge. I always connect yoga with meditation and spirituality, and as a bottom line: self-realization. The exercise comes as a bonus.
    My recent post Five Stylish Bike Helmets for Women

Trackbacks

  1. […] Monday my good buddy Lisa tagged me to Take the Leap with prAna and SweatPink’s 30 days of yoga challenge. As someone […]

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