By Diana Dalton
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April 12, 2025
Everything in life changes, we are in a constant state of flux. You've heard the joke? Don't worry, nothing is under control!? Kidding aside, when we resist the inevitable changes in life, we suffer. A consistent yoga practice helps us to see the impermanent nature of the world and practice our non attachment skills. This means we learn how to go with the flow and ride the wave of life. Lots of changes for many of us so far this year. I hope you will come and find me at the Yoga Expo (see below) or in one of my classes around town. But most importantly, I hope you will keep practicing yoga (see my last blog for tips on practicing at home ). Yoga can take many forms, not just postures. Anything you do to center yourself and quiet the turnings of the mind is yoga. Any time you spend connecting with yourself through breathing, meditation, contemplation of sacred texts, or any task done mindfully, you are practicing yoga. This is how we center ourselves, regulate our nervous systems, and keep returning to our hearts. This is how we live our best life, despite how lifey it might get! “Yoga allows you to find inner piece that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.” BKS Iyengar Sutra 1:33 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali A clear and tranquil mind results from: friendliness towards the happy compassion for those who suffer joy towards the virtuous impartiality tow ards wrong doers This has always been my favorite sutra because it is so practical (enough philosophy, tell me what to DO!). Here, Patanjali is giving us tools to deal with other people and stay centered. Couldn't we all use this good advice? Instead of comparing yourself to someone thinner, younger, richer, etc. - be happy for their success. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be happy for them and you maintain your calm, tranquil mind. Maybe even let their success inspire you? Instead of getting all upset and angry about those people, practice indifference. It's not that you don't care, it's that you are choosing peace in your own mind over rehashing the same negative story about those people and all their wrong doings. Choose peace. This is how we keep our minds quiet and in a satvic, luminous state. Namaste, Di