Celebrating Small Wins

by Noemi Nagy-Bhavsar

I don't know about you, but every year around Halloween and the season of fireworks (or perhaps because it’s also the time of my birthday), the anticipation of the year's end starts sinking in, and I feel like I am running out of time. I am sure I am not alone in these thoughts.

As we get ready for another exciting winter holiday season filled with friends and family, travel and present shopping, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Personally, I am beginning to feel like I am a juggling clown! What makes it all the worse is that most of the time, I don't even realise I'm stressed and living in my future plans.

We are programmed to be in a constant state of constructing the past or the future in the mind, and tend to leave present awareness for emergencies. But if we take time to notice the present we realise that the contentedness we seek is right here! When I move during my self- practice and when I teach (and I hope you feel the same when you take part in classes) I find myself enjoying the moment I’m in.

One of the most wonderful benefits of regular mindful exercise is that the observations we make on the mat, apply to our lives off the mat. How many of us can honestly say they have never felt frustrated with their progress? Most likely all people at some time wonder if they will ever be able to attain a goal/ posture/perform a particular exercise comfortably.

But with persistence and humility we do improve. Here is a reminder to focus on ‘the real’. True positive transformation is made up of small wins that consistently rack up and lead to big change over the course of many months and even years. Worrying, negative self-talk and stressing probably has never improved any situation, on or off the mat. However, when I feel balanced and centred everything is manageable. I think it comes down making time to acknowledge and celebrate our small wins, because if you don’t, you’ll feel like you’re never making any progress. If we celebrate the journey it makes the destination all the more sweeter. Which brings us neatly to the Beyond Move Xmas Party on November 25. Come along and celebrate how far you’ve come!

Do you have any great suggestions of any fun adult party games you’d like to play? Click here and let us know!