It’s Tiki, the Yoga Dog, here to wish you a very happy 2010! I’m so excited to be back in the swing of things after a very fun and restful holiday season, and now I’m looking forward to a great year of yoga with all of you.

One thing I’ve learned from my own doggie yoga experience is how to sit back and enjoy watching the wonders of life unfold, without trying to force things into place. When I’m practicing my yoga, I find it to be a much more pleasant experience when I just enjoy my Downward Dog without trying to force my little heels to the floor or force myself into how the pose is “supposed” to look. And when my practice is a pleasant experience for me, I can feel my little Chihuahua body letting go of some tension, which allows me to move more effortlessly through my poses. By letting go of that stress and tension, I’m allowing the wonders of my yoga practice to unfold, and I sometimes even surprise myself with what I can do.

From what I’ve observed, this doesn’t occur only in yoga either. I know when I try to control things and use every trick in my repertoire to coerce my mommy into giving me more treats, it feels like a constant battle. But this battle becomes really tiring, so inevitably I end up giving up the treat-fight and just go snuggle with my mommy on the sofa. Almost every time, I’m so happy to be snuggling with her that I totally forget about the treat (and the other times she gives me one anyway!).

So, at the beginning of the year, it’s always really exciting for me to think about all the great stuff that’s heading my way this year. And it’s also so comforting to remember that I don’t have to force it to come to me; I just get to relax and enjoy watching it all unfold. I look forward to a great year with all of you, and I’m watching with anticipation to see the wonders that unfold for each of us!

Namaste,
Tiki