To Make or Not To Make Resolutions

Who hasn’t made a resolution to ditch it a few weeks later. Resolutions don’t work, I think, because they’re declared in a moment of irritation, they’re not fun and they are not connected with values. 2010 is the year I resolved , that’s right resolved, to do something I’ve never done before every month. They are the only criteria: haven’t done it before and do it monthly. My January resolution came early.
The thermometer said 22 degrees. (That's enough to turn me back. I don't like cold.) The sky was clear, the sun shining brightly. It was my first resolution day - the day I was going to laughter yoga at Yogaville. I’d read about it and decided that would be fun since laughing is a favorite activity. I signed up for the full day package, including lunch and dinner. This first time I’m jumping in completely.
I’d heard about Yogaville for years. The two hour drive went quickly as I wondered what the day would be like, who’d be there, what the food was like. The temperature was 18 degrees as I pulled into the parking lot.
The friendly host in the Visitor Center greeted me with “Welcome. You’ve come a long way. You need a cup of tea.” “First I need the restroom.” I said hurriedly. “It’s down the hall there.” said a sock footed woman. Information had said to wear warm socks as shoes weren’t worn in the buildings. Note to self: wear slip on shoes next time.
Registration was in the building across the grass (make that snow) square. I took off my shoes the second of eight times, to be told the proper building was behind me. Finally I got to the right building. The sock footed woman was Renee, who told me what to expect.
Laughter is very therapeutic. It produces endorphins, T cells to fight infections, reduces stress and exercises muscles. It’s contagious. And it feels good. Just try to be with someone laughing and not giggle at the least.
Laughing makes you hungry, too. After a round of Yoga Laughter, excitedly I went to lunch, curious to experience it. And tt was an experience. The salad bar had the usual fare. The hot lunch was various veggies. Nowhere was there meat or white bread, my usual lunch sandwich. I ate at the table designated the silent table to see if I could eat in silence. That was easier than drinking hot tea without my customary spoonful of sugar. Lunch affirmed I am a carnivore.
After lunch I toured Yogaville, 800 plus acres bounded by the James River in Buckingham County, Va. It is mountainous, beautiful and well kept. Buildings are scattered around the property. Lotus is the focal point, a picturesque place of meditation, and geese feeding in surrounding ponds.
After I raided my car to find a sweet peppermint treat, another laughter yoga class rounded out the day. This time my voice was hoarse and my face hurt from laughing. A nap and diet coke would’ve been perfect.
Dinner was served at dusk. Again the salad bar was the usual fare. Very tired broccoli and shriveling baked potatoes rounded out the veggies. Both screamed out for butter, sour cream, cheese. None to be found. Don’t even think about sugar. And so went dinner. Note to self: bring candy.
After dinner for the last time I put on my shoes, laced them up and walked to my car. A resolution was complete as I left Yogaville. The temperature was 34 degrees.
Still yearning for meat and sugar, eight miles from Yogaville I stopped at the first convenience store and bought a Milky Way. It tasted soo good as I drove down the highway headed home. And the next day the lunchtime juicy hamburger on squishy white bread was the best food I’ve eaten in ages.
Who says resolutions are hard to keep?