Inspiration sometimes comes a bit at a time.
About 4 or 5 years ago, I began to practice Yoga. I have been more consistent about Yoga than any other form of exercise in my life. But still somewhat spotty. Off and on for the past 5 years, I have made an effort to walk my beloved puppies. But also fairly inconsistent and weather driven.
About 4 months ago, I began a meditation practice.
Soon after that, I decided it would be a good practice to do a few minutes of Yoga pre-meditation. Then I decided at some point to add walking the pups back into my day. And in the past twoish months, I realized, I can manage to do each of these activities for about 15 minutes each. So I began getting out of bed, throwing on clothes, walking the grateful pups for 15 minutes, returning home, doing about 15 minutes of breath and heart guided yoga and then slowing into a 15-20 minute meditation, either guided or on my own.
It felt simple and good.
So I kept doing it. Now my dogs are accustomed to it, so they get up and prod me each morning.
Even when I was sick, I only missed one morning.
Pretty soon, I realized I was doing this every day.
After a while, I did the math and realized that I was getting a gentle work out about 3.5 hours per week.
It sneaked up on me, gently, slowly and with joy.
Yesterday I added a slight twist. First thing in the morning, I'm going to decide on an intention for my practice, like in Yoga class and carry it with me through the walk, the Yoga and the meditation. Maybe through the day...
Today, it was JOY.
