features November 30, 2011 > Over the Edge COMPASSION FOR TODAY; TOMORROW, AND THE DAYS AHEAD Dont Underestimate the Power that comes from Within LAURA BEVACQUA FEATURES EDITOR appy (almost) holidays everyone. I hope this holi- day season brings warmth, bliss and good health to you and your loved ones. While at yoga recently, my in- structor challenged the class to focus on giving our body’s some compas- sion. ‘Whatever that means,’ I thought to myself. While I directed my intent and energy into thanking and being tender to my feet, belly and hands, I couldn’t help but tinker with the no- tion of compassion and the ability to utilize it. Conscious or not, we routinely nominate our organs, cognitive mind and external body as recipients of un- healthy or damaging choices. Some- times, our bodies will bear the brunt of those activities that we enjoy or in other cases, we are pressured to put our health on the backburner while supporting an umbrella of academic, professional, or family-related obli- gations that often take precedence. During this holiday season, chal- lenge yourself to uproot and integrate WELCOMING 2012 New Year's Resolutions You Can Strive For LAURA BEVACQUA FEATURES EDITOR he end of each year generally tends to be an important time to reflect and commit to new goal oriented resolutions for the New Year. We continue to hold on to high hopes or make adjust- ments within our lives toward reshaping and enhancing our position in this world. Unfortu- elements of compassion to those who are perhaps less fortunate than you and I. Easier said than done. In some instances what may be intended as a sincere gesture of compassion, might be interpreted and received as an un- welcomed practice, or an unnecessary action. The challenges that present them- selves on a regular basis are enough to leave one feeling exhausted and agi- tated. Who has the time or effort to do a good deed these days? What about the tarnished belief that by yourself, nately many of the ambitions we set for ourselves become an unrealistic and challenging nuisance Manage time effectively comfortable financial balance. Want to set goals and manage your time effectively? Want to create ‘to do’ lists and successfully complete them? If so, maybe a calendar and red marker are the tools that will as- sist in the strategic and visual management of your affairs. Taking a moment to streamline import- ant deadlines using a calendar can be useful aid in seeing what has to be done by when. Crossing off your ‘to do’ list with a red marker is some- thing you can do when you have completed cer- tain tasks. It feels rewarding to see the red line through the completed tasks, however small or big they are. Give it up It is estimated that 250,000 people world- wide each year attempt to give up the bad habit of smoking. Instead of an attempt, make it a priority and ask yourself why this is important to you. Sometimes we need external reasons in order to accomplish those things that do not give us enough motivation from within. Maybe it’s a health issue, a cause, or a loved one that believes the dirty habit might be the end of an intimate relationship. It sure isn’t easy but find a reason and make it the incentive for you to abandon an ad- dictive relationship. Relieve debt Financial burdens are a source of stress. There are different types of debt, some good and some bad. Good debt is typically associated with school loans and bad debt is associated with high credit expenses because of the nature of items purchased. Seek guidance, alternatives and options that could assist you in effectively managing or pulling yourself out of deep-water debt. Cut costs where you can and head toward a found the right time to set aside. Try Learn something new Have you always wanted to learn how to skate on ice, drive a car, or do magic? Create a list of the new activities and make it a priority this year. You might be surprised to see how much you can actually accomplish when yow’re really interested. that you’ve always wanted to learn, but have never you do not possess the power or abil- ity to make a positive influence? I urge you to revaluate, reconsider and don’t underestimate the power that comes from within. Whether or not you are a believer in random acts of kindness, perhaps this holiday season could be the reason why you try. When you are shopping for kids, purchase an extra toy and do- nate it to a local drive for a child who would otherwise not receive a present from Santa Clause this year. Maybe you can donate a winter jacket that is Express the love buried away in the closet and rarely used, or take an afternoon and assist at a local food bank. Whatever compels you to do some- thing out of the ordinary in the name of compassion during this holiday season, may it be an organic start in assessing and contributing to those things that often go unnoticed. May your journey in embracing and freely giving compassion provide fulfill- ment, balance and a foundation to continue in the New Year. and often, for many different reasons, do not materialize. I say persevere, get back on the saddle and try again. Here are some New Year’s resolutions that you can consider as you welcome 2012 while striving to uphold and maintain a personal or professional intention throughout the New Year. If you are fortunate to have close family, friends, or a signifi- cant other, make an effort to tell them how much they mean to is better than the other. Give you. Avoid leaving expressions of sincerity only on special occa- sions. Send a text out of the blue or do something nice in the spur of the moment for someone who means a great deal. This could be expressed in many different ways and there is not one way that Head to the gym and eat well One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to make an ef- fort to visit the gym more often and scrap the intake of unhealthy dietary choices. Maybe you’ve tried leaning toward a healthy and balanced lifestyle but for whatever reason, it just doesn’t seem to be working. Do some research and see what could potentially work for you and coordinate with your schedule. In some instances, buying healthier food may come with a higher price tag. Keep an eye out for the week’s discounts and specials at the grocery store and volunteer or get in- volved by participating in something active that won’t burn your pocket. There are many booths at the UNBC Farmer’s Market that of- fer a selection of healthy food choices. The act of helping others has continued to dominate New Year’s resolution charts. Want to take on a volunteer, be a mentor, or have a leader- ship role with the purpose of helping others? Turn this objective into something tangible. Inquire with local organizations, industries or causes that could use an extra pair of hands.