Get away from being self-centered: There is no reason to isolate ourselves; we are interconnected with all things, people, nature, the universe, and God. We need to be in harmony with our life and everything we come into contact with.

Accomplish what you can in a day and sleep on the rest. The universe will still keep running after our lives are up, so let the universe worry about it. Stop thinking in terms of "I" and you will have much less burdens to carry around.

Set Goals: Life would not mean much without goals, so write them down and go after them. These should be "heart felt" goals that are morally sound and yield gratification. This one solution stops many Yoga practitioners from feeling depression most of the time.

Appreciate the little things: Look at what you already have and do not worry about what you don't have. A rich man who worries about what he does not have is living in self-created poverty. His wealth could be put to something useful, but he dwells on protecting his assets and worries about acquisitions.

What a shame this is, but it is not an isolated case. The rich struggle to find love, real friends, and rewarding relationships. So, "be careful what you wish for."

Food: The irony is that food sustains life and can also cause death. One of my teachers pointed this fact out to me, when I was about nine years of age. My reaction was amazement, at first, but then reality settled in. Most people are in denial about food, and this is obvious by the obesity around us. Our waistline has to be monitored, constantly, throughout adulthood.

To keep it simple, Yoga students should adhere to a sattvic diet. Put limits on caffeine, alcohol, and sugars. There are times when most of us fall short, but still maintain awareness about what you eat and drink.

Of course, water should be consumed in fair quantities at all times. Eight glasses per day of quality water will aid your skin, digestion, elimination, muscles, vital organs and more. Water consumption will also give your skin a youthful appearance. Isn't this also why we practice Yoga?

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications