5 Tips For Creating More Generosity and the Best Relationships Through Principles of Yoga

Ahimsa - Create as much positive good as you canenthusiastic and heart-felt 'thanks' - remembering to
for others.thank for the intention, the generosity and caring in the
Simple things, like telling people you love and appreciategiving, more so than the actual item itself.
them, work wonders. Particularly those who help youBramacharya - Moving toward God.
on a regular basis. A sincere and genuine thank you toThe literal meaning of this oft confused word has to
these friends (gardeners, mail handlers, recycling folk,do with moving toward God. Or, if other words work
newspaper deliverers) can have powerfully positivebetter for you, moving toward nature or the divine. It
effects.can be easy to see in yoga classes that many
Satya - Being truthful AND appreciative.become swept up in the commercialism and
Angst can come from wanting to receive otherconsumerism. Simply by taking a moment on a regular
people's kindness and gifts, though feeling obligated orbasis to step back and ask the question of how the
not always feeling in alignment with what's beingyoga experience and the rituals we create can move
offered. In this instance, enter the power of the wordus closer to our pure nature, we immediately find a
'and.' 'And' is a word that connects two thoughts, whichbigger perspective and breathe into simple answers.
though they may seem to be in conflict, ultimately are 
in harmony. Such as: 'thank you for the offer of theAparigraha - How can we share more of what we
chocolate muffin, and no thank you.' 'I appreciate yourhave.
kindness and generosity, and I choose to not eatEvery person I've met who has dedicated some of
twenty more processed, sugar-ridden cookies andtheir energy, whether it be their time, work or money,
cake.' 'Thank you for the invitation to stay longer pastto the upliftment of others, has raved about the
5:30pm, and I'm going home now.' The point is, though,rewards they received from doing so. Regardless of
that we can keep true to our values while still'how much' we have, sharing with others will make us
expressing appreciation. For most of us, the spirit ofricher.
togetherness has more to do with being with theSome of these tips are general, and require some of
people we care about than what we give/receive oryour own imagination and initiative to implement. You
what we consume.can start creating generosity and the optimal
 relationship experience for yourself and your loved
Asteya - Non-stealing or giving more.ones by simply asking the question 'how.' How can I
While we readily agree on the adage of 'it's better toshow my family friends my love and appreciation?
give than receive,' we can take this to the next levelHow can I reach those in need around me? How do
by giving more upon receiving. We can all give more towe make this relationship the best one yet?
those who gift us by offering in returning an