Not Another Resolution

We aren't designed to suffer, to feel less than or to just survive our days. We were made to dance through this life. To feel a song in our hearts and musical notes of joy in the feet. 

January is a time when we are asked, "what will you choose to improve, what will you give up, what is there to fix or fill, can you give more? What pain to gain? Resolutions lining up like little soldiers ready to fire.

Rather than setting a resolution this year, set a devotion. Devoting your actions, words and thoughts of 2026. What is it that brings you joy? A person, place, a value, a dream, a memory? Can you start devoting your life to that which encompasses joy for you? Dedicating the year ahead to a higher power of joy. 

Yoga devoted to a higher power is a beautiful ancient path. In many traditions it’s known as Bhakti Yoga — the yoga of devotion. According to Yoga Journal, yoga scholar David Frawley labels bhakti yoga "consists of concentrating one's mind, emotions, and senses on the Divine."

Personally, when I come up against a hard ask I find it easier to be able to fully engage when dedicating and devoting the task to my joy "vessel". I remind myself that I am not doing the task or the ask for the effort or the rating of performance but as a devotion.  Being held by something greater than my effort.

Bhakti yoga can very much be woven gently into any physical practice, process or action without being religious or dogmatic. Bhakti is not limited to the mat or a culture idea of divine. Bhakti can be seen in parenting, cooking, working and even resting. Showing up and being present to fully experience with undivided attention to the act to the entity is bhakti too, fully dedicated and devoted in that moment. 

Make 2026 a year of dedication, a year of devotion. To what? To your joy, whatever form, big or small THAT joy takes on. Listen to your heart ... what brings you joy? That is your 2026, devote every action, every word, every thought, every interaction to that joy. Even if it's washing the dishes or taking out the trash. Even if it's saving money on coffee or taking a nap on a Sunday. Dedicate your heart fully to the joy of your heart. 

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Written by Brooke Halperin

Caged Byrd Yoga & Pilates