Yoga in Practice: From Worrier to Warrior I

Is worry like a "monkey on your back," or is it aYoga creates a state of tranquility and harmony. In
monkey in the mind? Are you in a state of perpetualcontrast, worrying creates a state of restlessness,
worry? Is all this worrying affecting your sleepanxiety, and mindlessness.
patterns? Can Yoga help you to calm down? BelowTherefore, Yoga creates the exact opposite frame of
are some Yogic solutions for worrying.mind. Can you get the same effect from a Yoga
Many Yoga teachers talk about "living in the moment."tape? Sorry to say, Yoga tapes and DVD's gather
The chronic worrier needs to live for now and put thedust very well. You might watch one a few times, but
past behind him or her. The past cannot be changed,the cat jumps on you, the kids are hungry, or
but any one of us can change the present and future.somebody is calling you on the telephone.
Any past mistakes should be learned from. MistakesLife is full of distractions. You can be a slave to
are hidden treasures that shape us for the best, whendistraction, uneasiness, worry, and less sleep, or you
we learn from them.can take action by participating in your Yoga class.
This concept, which is also called "mindfulness," isWhen you do not take time out for yourself, your
taught by Yoga teachers, but it is a universal principle.health will suffer.
Mindfulness might also be taught by a Buddhist monk,Consider your Yoga class to be "me time." This is time
but what exactly is mindfulness?you need to improve your well-being. There is no
Mindfulness is awareness, awakening, and appreciation"short cut" to good holistic health. Many have tried to
of the present moment. Why wait until you have moredesign a pill for the illusion of good health, but so far, all
money to enjoy your life? Why look at the next bigthe public gets are the side effects.
problem as the end of all problems?You can take positive action against worrying - by
Life is a journey and you might as well "enjoy the ride."practicing Yoga. The practice of Yoga is a method
When you are in a Yoga class, focus on the lesson atused for thousands of years as a counter to aging,
hand. Do your personal best, and use your breath as asuffering, and stress. Take action for yourself and
tool for the connection between mind and body.attend a Yoga class.