Traffic and Joy

Traffic and Joy

Traffic and Joy

by Melody Mayes

Shermaggedon.  That one word can create so many emotions.  Prior to that traffic event several years ago, I had no idea one word could cause so much drama in my daily life.  Once bridge construction was complete, life returned to a semi-normal routine with occasional road delays and traffic jams. Fast forward a few years to the present day and the addition of a new bridge and the three years of construction that has come along with it.

The daily anxiety returned.  Commutes that once took 15 minutes started taking 45.  I did what any good yogi would do.  I left earlier for work; didn’t help.  I came in later; also didn’t help.  I meditated at lunch which while it did help it was immediately negated once I was stuck in traffic on my way home.  I began leaving for work early and not returning until time for bed.  Even still I would leave 502PY to head home and would immediately hit standstill traffic.  My body became disconnected with my home.  And most sad of all my Puggle, Eddie, took up residence with my boyfriend in Middletown.

I would love to tell you this blog ends with a pearl of wisdom on gaining zen when in difficult life situations.  Alas, it does not which is what made it so difficult to write.  Truthfully I was at a loss of what could help my daily anxiety, frustration and downright anger towards my daily commute.  However, I did realize a few things from this painful process.

  •  My commute simply put was making me miserable.  I loved my job and my co-workers, but it had become difficult to enjoy. Through inquiry from within I made a very difficult choice to seek employment elsewhere.  With that search I applied for positions I would have thought out of my realm.  They seemed out of reach for this girl that had not yet broken into Corporate America because nonprofit world was too comfortable.  The search and growth was not easy. Routinely I planned and canceled interviews out of fear.
  • I found courage from my yoga community that I am worthy of a job I want and I am capable of anything (including that tripod headstand I’m working on).
  • I obtained a position once thought out of my reach.  The commute? It is as long as it takes me to get from my bedroom to my home office. My puppy, Eddie? He has moved back home and we are both pretty thrilled.

The process of looking within regardless of how painful it can be in the moment saved me from further frustration.  Faith in myself got me to the position.

The only feel good advice I could give is if you are struggling with hard decisions try on asking some internal questions, have faith in yourself because only you know what is best for you, and if you are failing to find faith in yourself lean on those around you that do believe in your awesomeness!

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Four Reasons Millennials Need  Yoga

Four Reasons Millennials Need Yoga

4 Reasons Millennials Need Yoga

by Becca Washer As part of my job, I do a lot of research around generations and target marketing. Millennials (ages 18-34) are a unique group of people due mostly to growing up surrounded by technology. (We also like to call ourselves millennials.)  Over the last year I have come to know a new way of life that begins on my mat and follows me into every aspect of my life. Taking these new traits into my work-life has opened my eyes to four reasons my fellow millennials should take up a regular yoga practice.

1. Unplug

We live constantly connected. One of my favorite things about practicing at 502PY and probably one of the things that secured my first couple return visits was having to leave my phone in the lobby. An hour or more without an update, tag, like, or email is pure bliss.

2. Learn Humility

I will speak purely from personal experience here; I love to be the best. In yoga, there is not best–there just is. While I was thinking about writing this post, my ego got the best of me and humility smacked me right back down…literally. After a Saturday morning practice at the studio, I decided to show off to my brother at home with some handstands in the hallway. In true show-off fashion, I flung the lower half of my body over my head and descended as quickly as I went up. I slammed my knee on a door frame so heavily I heard the wood crunch and fell to the floor. And as if all of that wasn’t enough, I got to enjoy a 17-year-old boy laughing at me. Yoga keeps me in check.

3. We like Yoga pants

Let’s be serious, we’re going to wear them anyways. If we all agree to do yoga, no one can naysay the yoga pants.

4. Tangible Goals

Millennials want to change the world. It is awesome to be a part of a generation so intent on being up to something bigger than them. I love to set huge goals and set my sights on the stars. One of the greatest things yoga has given me is the gift of small goals. There is always room for growth, one thing leads into another, chaturanga>crow>tripod headstand. I set small goals like holding one more wheel pose even when it feels like I just can’t anymore. There are so many great things about this generation, and while I believe yoga is for everyone, millennials have so many reasons to try it out. We hold so much power in the “real world”, we create trends, we communicate more than anyone else, and we really can change the world. Let’s create a world where self-care is as important as a 401K. Turn-off your phone, be okay with falling, wear your yoga pants, and set your goal to make it to a class this week!     image from: Time Management Ninja