This moment: your opportunity for change

I don't like to dwell in the past, however...Your body is a product of everything that you've done in the past to this point.  From the athletic pursuits to the couch surfing you've done in the last year.  Every cup of green tea to every mojito you had over the summer.  Your body right this very moment contains all the good and not so good things you've done up to this point in your life.Additionally, every cell in your body is constantly changing.  Each moment is an opportunity to change your future physical self.  Your decisions, moment to moment to moment, will affect how your body will feel, look, function 5, 10, 15, etc. years from now.So, if you're not too happy about your current physical self, let's change that. How? Most of you already know that I am a big fan of making change in small steps. Sure, it's great if you can overhaul your entire life and (if this applies to you) quit smoking, drinking, cut out sugar, start a daily hour long yoga practice, go from carnivore to vegan over night.  Instead, I like to focus on the small changes that, overtime lead to life-long healthy habits.Yoga and meditation are two very healthy habits you can incorporate into your life today.  Again, start small. No time to get to a yoga class? Do one sun salutation.  If it feels good, do another.  Maybe do three tomorrow.  Don't set yourself up for disappointment by promising yourself you'll do a whole hour every day. Start small and build on that. Make it a habit.One small, positive change you can make today is starting a meditation practice.  Big news: (thus the Bold font)...I am offering a free weekly meditation class, a dose of inspiration if you will, to help you get your feet wet with meditation and help you develop your own mindfulness meditation practice at home.  If you are interested, send me an email and I will send you a weekly email and video to get you started.In addition to a strong, flexible body and a calm, focused mind a yoga and meditation practice is a great way to cultivate awareness.  While you practice, just simply notice how your body is feeling (when was the last time you truly checked in with your lovely self?).  Just notice, without being critical or judgmental. If your mind is judging or criticizing your yoga or meditation practice, try using a little compassion, like a mother has for a child.A yoga and meditation practice isn't about reaching Nirvana, enlightenment or having a perfect practice.  It's a path.  Each moment is an opportunity to practice being present, being aware.  The more you practice awareness through a yoga or meditation practice, the more you will notice this awareness spilling into your everyday life.  So, when a difficult situation arises (as they do!), you will still be able to react, but with a focused and calm mind.  Dwelling in the past or worrying about the future will decrease, your relationship with yourself and others will improve and you will be more in tune with what your body truly needs (More sleep? More healthy food? More fun?) on a daily basis.Oh yeah, and the next time you need to reach down underneath the couch to pick up a sock (or doing any task that requires a bit of flexibility), your body will thank you.