1. Set and schedule a daily Yoga routine. Most people start to give me resistance on this, but anything worth doing requires practice. Everyone has ten minutes per day, which can be spared for Yoga or meditation. Look at your day and make an appointment, with yourself, and without distractions.

If you go to bed late, practice gentle postures (asanas), pranayama, prayers, silent mantras, or meditation. If you find yourself practicing a bit longer, that's fine too. If you are an early riser, it should be easy to spare ten minutes in the morning. Early morning Yoga practice works for many of my students, as well.

One side effect, which you will notice within one week, is productivity. When you are on a schedule, you become much more productive in all areas of life. This is on top of the fact that you will feel tranquility and happiness.

2. Exercise each of the four planes of your existence. Mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, are the four aspects, which contribute to your inner peace and happiness.

I. Challenge your mind daily by reading, listening, and learning new skills. You can learn a new language, a new life skill, or anything, which will contribute to your mental growth.

II. Spend time with those who love you and challenge yourself to develop patience. Always work toward tolerance, patience, and inner strength. Humility is not surrender, but it is a choice to be peaceful.

III. Engage in prayer, mantra, japa, or positive affirmations. Religion was designed to end suffering, not to start wars and provoke conflicts. Your choice of which way to worship is yours to make. Never harm others for any reason, especially in the name of your religion.

IV. Make physical exercise a part of every day. Walk, practice asanas, play your favorite sport, and make sure you enjoy what you do.

3. Eat a clean diet. You have probably heard this over, and over, again, but whole, natural, organic, and raw vegetarian foods, will contribute to the length and quality of your life. In Yoga, this is called a Sattvic diet.

Wash your food well, eat moderate portions, try to enjoy the preparation process, do not over cook your food, and eat in a relaxed manner. If you have to eat chocolate, or ice cream, make sure that your portions are moderate and you enjoy every bite. Moderation is a key to longevity.

This is the foundation of Yoga's holistic approach to complete health. It is true that people will not always practice all of these steps each day. Just do your personal best, and you will find tranquility as you journey through life.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications