Rolling with the changes in 2021

We've made it to 2021.

Last year was memorable for everyone, globally, and many will want to put it behind them.

The start of this new year is a chance to appreciate that each day is a fresh start. I've finally had a moment to reflect on what I'm hopeful to continue from last year, what I want to leave behind, and what to adopt going forwards.  

My 2020

2020 was a year like no other. It was completely unexpected and included things I never thought I would do in my life. 

• Unimagined: discover what life during a pandemic is like (many fearful and tragic times but also the wonders of our neighbours and communities coming together and the opportunities to re-imagine daily life)
• Inconceivable: homeschool two tweenage boys (and then survive the family crisis that ensued) 
• Unexpected: recover from Covid-19 (smell and taste gradually returning)
• Unimagined: teach yoga via Zoom 
• Unexpected: launch a yoga home practice 6-month course (by post) 
• Expected: turn 50 (weekend surfing without the kids was a brilliant celebration)
• Unexpected: have my first mammogram
• Welcome: take up running (Couch to 5K app - highly recommend)
• Unexpected: start drinking red wine
• Unexpected: talk to my dad every day on the phone
• Unexpected: become slightly addicted to checking the news on phone (one to leave behind - in fact today is a phone free day)
• Welcome: prioritise meditation over other yoga practices

An incredible year

Given all the limits and constraints of the year, I found it incredible in many ways. Some things of course I'm hoping we move on from. But I've learned so much, and continue to learn from all that has been thrown at us. 

My meditation practice allows me a welcome space to sit with the tragedy of the year, and the heightened visibility of inequality and privilege demonstrated through the virus's progression through different communities and countries and the BLM movements. A clear re-evaluation of life and what to do with the privilege that I have is an ongoing project. 

Perhaps we've all come to value our health and way of life more than ever before. We can more easily recognise the gifts of our health and our privilege and ensure we use these gifts well in our daily lives. 

Top tips

Start small, for achievable and sustainable progress. From how we make ourselves more resilient in our own health, through our lifestyle and dietary choices, to how we interact with others and treat our neighbours and engage with our local communities. ​

​My top tips for every day:

• avoid refined sugars
• eat more vegetables and whole foods (frozen veg are less expensive)
• get plenty of protein and vitamin D (dried beans are brilliant)
• get outside everyday and look up in wonderment
• breath and move consciously every day
• develop a meditation practice  
• optimise sleep
• try a cold shower (!)
• be kind to yourself and those around you
• act helpfully in whatever ways possible
• be generous with your resources and your attitude to others

There are lessons for each of us from 2020. If any positives are to come of last year, let's find them and take them to heart.