108 Salutations

I have changed.
I am strong.
I am gentle.
I am wise.
I am fragile.
I am radiant.
I belong.
I understand.
I collect.
I succeed.
I love.

This morning, I participated in and completed 108 sun salutations at my yoga studio. The number 108 is auspicious in the yoga world for a number of reasons...for example, it is said that there are 108 paths to enlightenment, 108 channels leading into the heart chakra, etc.

For me, this challenge symbolized my physical ability to complete this challenge, but more closely resembles what I can only describe as my annual reset button. After a year of change, challenge and growth, it seemed appropriate to honour and celebrate who I am now and test my strength for the coming year's trials. Every 10 salutations, I set a new intention, as above, and kept an internal mantra, along with steady breathing.

After 40-50 salutations, I came to realize I was only half finished, and I realized this was a tougher undertaking than I originally thought. Around 70, my arms started to give out, and coming down from plank into updog became quite the bicep and shoulder burner. Finally, the last 18 salutations left me feeling energized and powerful, with only the final 3 feeling like a struggle, like my arms might actually snap in two.

I am super proud of myself for having achieved this, and rewarded myself with a big breakfast quinoa scramble (black beans, quinoa, corn, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, cheese, lime yogurt and a poached egg. yummm!!), more coffee and now, a hot relaxing shower.

I want to wish everyone a fruitful, transformative new year, filled with every joy and lots of smiles :)

Shanti shanti shanti,

Namaste