Strive for Fivers Hall of fame

How do you feel after accomplishing this goal? 

I feel a renewed appreciation for all of the instructors, their time and energy to create the this virtual space. And like I need to do it all over again ;) 

What did you learn about yourself through this challenge? 

This challenge started with the 108 sun salutations and wow was that humbling and heartening. My ‘word’ for that practice was intentionality. I think that I’m continuing to cultivate intention and realize what focusing on intention in immediate, short and long term can have on my mental and physical state. 

What advice would you give someone starting this challenge for the first time? 

Set your intention for the week, choose preferred classes for your schedule, and identify some to ‘fall back on’ if you have to be flexible with your time throughout the month. Use trying new classes with different instructors as an incentive to get in more classes. 

What is your favorite yoga pose at the moment? 

Down dog

Share a fun fact about yourself! 

I would rather run in the snow than run in the Midwest summer. 

How do you feel after accomplishing this goal?

I just started doing yoga in December and made an earnest commitment for January. I am amazed out how different I feel physically in such a short amount of time (stronger, more flexible, improved range of motion). But I've also learned a lot about breathing and I'm using those tools in other areas of my life as well.
What did you learn about yourself through this challenge?

I learned to be more receptive to possibilities. 
What advice would you give someone starting this challenge for the first time? 

Making a commitment and signing up for classes with someone else, even if virtually, is helpful. Two people can encourage one another and hold one another accountable. 
What is your favorite yoga pose at the moment?

Twisted Dancing Sun Bird. 
Share a fun fact about yourself! 

I have a bit of a crush on Sam Sifton (foodies may get the reference).

How do you feel after accomplishing this goal?

I loved doing this challenge! It was the first time I’ve done it since joining Ekah and I hope to do it again soon.

What did you learn about yourself through this challenge?

I learned that I really can make time for myself, even while being busy at work. It’s a great lesson and I hope to remember it as I head into my super busy season.

What advice would you give someone starting this challenge for the first time? 

I found it super helpful to do it with Tamera as we motivated each other to attend each class. If I had done it by myself, I probably would have missed a few classes. So I’d recommend that people buddy up to do it.

What is your favorite yoga pose at the moment?

Oddly, I really like boat poses!

Share a fun fact about yourself! 

I like dancing out on our deck in the snow. 

How do you feel after accomplishing this goal? 

I strive for five every month to stay healthy.  It's fun, though, to get the "reward" of knowing I made it!  And I like knowing there is a community of folks striving with me!

What did you learn about yourself through this challenge?  

That I'm pretty disciplined about making time for yoga class.

What advice would you give someone starting this challenge for the first time? 

Attend as many classes as you can -- you'll be glad you did!  And if you don't make it, don't beat yourself up.  You can try again next month.

What is your favorite yoga pose at the moment? 

Boat pose and high to low boat pose transition.  It feels AMAZING for my back.

Share a fun fact about yourself!  

I didn't learn to hula hoop until I was 50

"The Zoom classes have been such an anchor for me during all of the uncertainty as the world adapts. It has helped me keep a routine, as well as function as a transition period between work time and leisure time, since those lines have become even more blurred since I started working from home. I'm a family therapist, which means I have been providing emotional support for dozens of families. As expected, the emotional needs of my clients has increased drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Strive for Five has served as a mooring for me, keeping me accountable to my own holistic health. I have completed the Strive for Five challenge for both March and April. Part of what it has helped me understand is both when I need to push myself (mentally, physically, or emotionally), as well as when I need to give myself space and time away from practicing with a group. Without the Strive for Five, I may not have learned how to keep a finger on my pulse and adjust to my needs. Just like instructors say in class, take any needed modifications! Strive for Five helped me feel empowered to do just this. Thank you!"

How do you feel after accomplishing this goal?

I feel proud of myself and grateful to be alive in a body that can do such things, to tend to breath, with kindness and discipline and love. I feel more in tune with my body and I feel calmer and happier.

What did you learn about yourself through this challenge?

I learned I can manage my time well. I can make space for my exercise and mindfulness practices almost daily. Often times I will talk myself out of tending to those parts of me because of, well, you know, capitalism and its rewards systems often don't engender such slowing down of self, mostly.

What advice would you give someone starting this challenge for the first time?

You can do it! & if you cannot, that's okay too!

What is your favorite yoga pose at the moment?

BOAT 4 LIFE. Or dancer's pose. So beautiful.

Share a fun fact about yourself!

I am trans-nonbinary & a graduate student in poetry & I just got bangs & I feel super cute & I laid in the sun all afternoon & it was beautiful & it is February!!!!!

"Honestly, I was a little intimidated to start Strive for Five because I knew it meant branching out into classes that I thought were too advanced for me. Having a little team who I saw regularly, though, gave me a sense of accountability and I quickly found out that my body is capable of so much more than the limitations my mind wants to place on it. The worst thing that happened was that I found out that there is room for me to grow and become stronger which... turns out... not so bad. 

For those who may be wanting to complete the challenge I’d advise to commit and then honor your commitment. While planning your week (if that’s your thing... and if not, I’d advise that too), sign up for the classes you’d like to attend ahead of time and keep those appointments like you’d keep any other. Show up and roll out that mat!

My favorite yoga pose is anything that stretches out my hips and lower back. And, finally ummm.... fun fact: I have a slight obsession with The Princess Bride and have seen it no less than 3,456,987 times. “As you wish” is tattooed on my left forearm."

"This was such a fun challenge! I certainly feel stronger and more balanced after completing it. Advice to someone starting to strive for five would be to make a plan ahead of time by plugging all the classes you’d like to take into your calendar for the week and using that as a foundation for scheduling other activities around it as a priority. Practicing consistently made me realize how much of an impact it can have on managing stress, acting like a reset button throughout the week."

"I have been practicing yoga regularly since I came to Ekah in October, 2015.  At first, I regularly attended class four days per week.  After awhile, I realized that practicing more often would help me progress in yoga more quickly.  So I was attending five days per week anyway about the time the challenges were implemented.  I would like people to know that the more sessions you do, the quicker you will develop more strength and perfect your poses.

My favorite pose right now is warrior one, because of the strength needed to hold it and the beauty of the pose.

I am almost 68 years old and being strong and able to move around more or less gracefully and easily makes me feel good about myself."