On Being Brave and Setting Your Intention for the Season
Originally Posted: The Sweat Life, September 14, 2015
Q&A with Kathryn Budig
Kathryn Budig is both noted yoga teacher and author, touting self-acceptance, honesty and balance in spades. She travels around the country to teach classes both on the mat and off, and encourages her posse to “Aim True.” Kathryn also writes for Women’s Health and Yoga Journal regularly, and is a sponsored athlete by Under Armour. We asked Kathryn for some advice on setting our intention with the new season, and always being brave.
Your motto is famously “Aim True.” What does that mean to you?
Aim True was inspired by my love of the Greek goddess Artemis, and it evolved into a full blown way of living. For me, aiming true means I wake up every day embracing my talents and passions, without attachment to the expectations of others or falling victim to fear. When I live this way, I always hit my mark.
What is the first step for someone to begin the process of aiming true?
The first step is the desire for positive change. You have to have a spark, and from there it’s easy to light the flame.
Many of us meditate and set an intention for the day. Do you also see benefit in setting intention for the new season?
For sure! I believe in daily intentions coupled with broader intentions that can span over a season, a year, or even longer. It’s great to have overall goals paired with daily projects to tackle.
How do you remind yourself to be brave?
By challenging myself DAILY. It can come in the form of being vulnerable in front of a large group when I teach, sharing an honest social media post, or being the only woman amongst a group of big, strong men walking into a Jiu Jitsu class. I won’t allow myself to be labeled or limited. I owe this to myself and the people who look up to me. I don’t take being a role model lightly, and I want to inspire women everywhere to be brave.
You talk about taking a simple task and elevating it. What does that mean & how can we apply it to our lives?
People often think they need to achieve lofty goals for something to really matter. That’s not true at all. Look at your daily tasks – caring for your family, taking a yoga or martial arts class, listening to a friend in need. All of these ‘tasks’ can turn into bits of empowering magic if you apply your intention full-heartedly.
How important is leading with goals and positive thinking?
Crucial. That being said, goals can be tricky. I believe in goals without marking your calendar with due dates. If you say, “I need to be able to do this pose, or lose this amount of weight by X date,” you’re potentially setting yourself up for disappointment even if you’re working at full capacity. Set goals, absolutely believe in yourself (‘no’ is a complete death sentence), but respect your body and life as you make them. Do your best daily, but know when it’s time to take a break and relax. Goals are reached when you have a true understanding of balance in life.
What are your intentions for the changing season?
My intention is to keep the vibrant energy of summer alive in my body and actions as the seasons change. Oh, and cooking some amazing seasonal recipes!
What is the best piece of wisdom you’ve picked up along the way?
Keep an open heart, work hard, stay humble and help anyone who asks for it -especially the people who intimidate you.
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