The Law of Least Effort

In the midst of our Holiday Season, celebrations & stressors, consider the 4TH LAW OF YOGA:

The Law of least Effort (based on the Chopra Center's 21 Days of Inspiration) and the book by David Simon and Deepak Chopra:

At a deep level, everything is always unfolding perfectly. You don't have to struggle or force situations to go your way. Whe you become still & listen to the voice of your inner intellegence, fears, and insecurities will dissipate & you will flow with grace.

"Balance is the perfect state of still water. Let that be our model. It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface." ~ Confucious

Balance is our ability to be flexible in the face of constant change, it isn't about struggling to impose a sense of order in our life or getting organizied "once and for all", for that implies the pursuit of a static state that can actually lead to distress or illness.

Working hard to achieve balance is counterproductive because we all possess a natural impulse to row that automatically keeps us in balance. We can, however, hinder or block this impulse by making choices that create a lot of resistance or stress in our lives. If we live out of harmony long enough, we're likely to develop various illness or disorders.

Ayurveda teaches that the path to perfect health is learning to maintain balance, in the mind and soul as well as in the body. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become severely out of balance if we don't pay attention to what we're feeling, and what we need. Fortunately, there are many wonderful tools for developing balance, including meditation, yoga, a nurturing diet, and a restful sleep routine.

Take a few minutes today to consider where you're out of balance and how you can restore your natural equilibrium.

Om shanti, om peace, om love, this holy season...Lee Ann

The Law of Karma (or Cause & Effect)

• The 3rd Spiritual Law of Yoga, based upon Deepak Chopra's and David Simon's book:

  The Law of Karma (or Cause & Effect)

  Our future is created from choices we make in every moment. The more we make choices from the level of conscious awareness, the more we will make spontaneous choices that are beneficial for ourselves and everyone around us.

  The legend of the magical phoenix is about a beautiful, mythical bird that rises from the ashes, purified and rejuvenated from the fire, ready to begin life with a fresh perspective.

  What does this mean to us? Perhaps that rejuvenation begins with a willingness to metaphorically step into the fire and shed the old - to purify routines that no longer serve our best interests and adopt the new.

  As creatures of habit, we may find change difficult. However, the rewards for jumping into the fire of purification are many. If we begin with small steps, we will find that we can build on each success as we add others.
  
  Begin by choosing just one practice, and then commit to incorporating it into daily living. If we don't meditate on a regular basis, we may want to choose meditation, for example. Or yoga....Slowly take other positive steps: pick a week to commit to a simplified cleansing diet, treat yourself to a monthly massage or a regular yoga practice.
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  As Ayurveda teaches, when we quiet our minds and listen to the wisdom of the body, it will tell us what we need to know. Tune into your innate knowing today and let it guide you.

  (Info gathered from the Chopra Center's 21 Days of Inspiration)

  om shanti, om peace, om healing journey,

  Lee Ann

  
  

A LITTLE "SIDE-TRIP" as we WHEEL on down LIFE'S PATH: "WHAT'S YOUR DOSHA?"

• According to ayurveda, the five master elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth make up everthing in the universe, including our bodies. Biological systems weave the elements into three primary patterns known as doshas. Doshas are mind-body principles that create our mental and physical characteristics.
  
  Vata dosha, woven from the elements of space and air, regulates movement and change in our minds and bodies. Pitta dosha, comprised of fire and water, governs digestion and metabolism. Kapha dosha, made from earth and water, maintains and protects the integrity of our mind and body. While we each have all three doshas, most people have one predominant dosha. 
  Understanding our dosha type gives us invaluable insight into the specific steps we can take to nurture our physical health and emotional well-being.
  
  TAKE THE QUIZ ONLINE AT http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/
  
  VATA: We tend to be thin, light and quick in our thoughts and actions. Change is a constant part of our lives.
  When balanced, we are creative, enthusiastic and lively.
  When imbalanced, we may develop anxiety, insomnia or irregular digestion.
  
  PITTA: We tend to be muscular, smart and determined.
  When balanced, we are warm, intelligent and good leaders.
  When imbalanced, we can become critical, irritable and aggressive.
  
  KAPHA: We tend to have a heavier frame, think and move more leisurely and are stable.
  When balanced, we are calm, sweet and loyal.
  When imbalanced, we can gain weight, become congested and are resistant to healthy change.
  
  

  What's your dosha? And, as you continue to delve more deeply into learning more about yourself, how might you bring more health, more healing, more balance into your life at this time?
  If you'd like to discuss this topic further, just let me know...I love sharing this information...as 'WE ROLL ALONG OUR RESPECTIVE PATHS IN THIS LIFE'!
  Until we cross paths again, om shanti, om peace! 
• http://CHOPRA.COM/DOSHAQUIZ

  www.chopra.com