What is Yoga to you?  To me, Yoga is an ancient tradition, a movement that is not only based on Physical alignment of your body but also based on energy movement in the ancient tradition of the “Sutras” or in other words, psychology of a good life lived, or sought after, or a philosophy on life.  Why you say?  Well the physicality of yoga is connected to the spirituality or energy of your physical makeup.

In an incredibly simplified version, the physical movements of yoga are supposed to help us move towards the attainment of who we really are, the person behind the person.  It strips away the layers of our ego, like peeling an onion.  Simply, the subtle effects that yoga can have on you can change the way you react to life.   Although not immediately apparent, when you walk out of a great yoga class, you should somehow feel lighter and clear headed.  We do this through aligning the body physically in a particular sequenced order so that energy can move through the body, and out, so that new revitalizing energy can move in.  The addition of breath work with the physical movements supports this process and is essential to a good practice.

Stress is moved out of the body, and new energy will revitalize how we feel.   My belief is that Yoga, in ancient times, was a daily routine, like drinking coffee, as it evolved as the benefits of this movement were recognized early on.

I do not believe Yoga is a substitute for a good cardio work out; in fact I feel that it supports it.   A yoga class is not meant to strain you; in fact just the opposite.  It brings you right before your edge and teaches you that the more movement you do, the more flexible you are in ways that you never understood.  And yes, this then becomes a metaphor for your mind.    The sequencing is so incredibly important to this practice which is why I prefer a Yoga studio over a health club.  Finding a good yoga studio is like finding a great therapist.

In yoga, we have the opportunity to shut down the outside world, and focus internally.  The internal chatting becomes lowered, which allows you to be with your body, and breath.  When the attention is focused on caring for the movements of my body, it then in turn cares for you.

I became hooked on my first true yoga teacher in the 90’s and my love for the sport did not dim.  At times, it can relieve stress better than a good massage.  It clears my head and my direction.  But we all go through phases and for me there are times that yoga is much more important to my routine then others.  It is my hope that I am able to maintain my yoga routine throughout my life, as it brings me a level of peace to my life that helps me to enjoy life to the fullest.

What is the activity that helps you to focus inward, and supports you in your day to day stress?

The time is now to enjoy, for You to enjoy and move into the life you are meant to live.  Yes, You should read into this. Time and time again, I see women who are ready for babies, and believe it is their responsibility to be married before they bring a child into this world.  They must find a suitable mate, and marry him, and start the baby making process, in that order, and for some it only to ends up in divorce.  But in recent years a new trend has started.  Educated, fully employed women have been having babies, just out of wedlock. Why you say?  Because they are educated and smart women who are not going to get married Now and/or do not feel the obligation to be married.  So this brings us back to our Now.  It is our responsibility to enjoy every moment. Don’t let anything hold you back to your own happiness.  Granted we all need to think about the responsibility it takes to be a parent, the time, the love to share, and the money.  If you are ready to walk into parenthood in a responsible and mature way, you are much further ahead than many of the folks that are married and having children.

There are many ways to go about this.  Artificial insemination,  or a boyfriend, it doesn’t matter.  If you are approaching it in a responsible way and raising a child that will be a productive, informed adult someday, as far as I am concerned, you are much further evolved than most of the young folks today.    I noticed this is a trend, and it may be a much healthier way to have babies then to get married.  Many women get married these days so that they can have babies, and a reason like that is a recipe for divorce.  When children grow up in a culture they have already known since birth, it precipitates a healthy emotional life.   All of our culture in households is different, even in our married families, and so children should grow up just as healthy if bringing a child into this world is approached in a mature manner.   There is definitely a benefit to have 2 parents at home, even if there is no marriage.   We all know that.  Fathers can be involved when they are aware and approve of children coming into this world, even as much as married fathers, and if they don’t live there, it is not a recipe for a bad upbringing, just adjustments in lifestyles.  Role models in that child’s life are just as important as the mother and father figure.    Remember the saying, “It takes a village…”

You don’t have to look far to see what an issue this is.  Pregnancy happens out of wedlock “by mistake” and then all of the sudden there is a wedding in the making.  This behavior is typically associated with the poor, the people who don’t know any better.

I say that the educated  people who have money do have the resources to bring a child into this life without being married.  And for them it could be a better choice for their children then to step into a marriage that will go sour and raise children.  Let’s face it, it is so important to have children for most people, and so they are now realizing that they can overlook the social norms of marriage and still enjoy parenthood.     This can create a more healthy and happy life in my opinion for those parents that would otherwise be unhappy in their marriage.

Would you have a child out of wedlock if you were not married to the spouse of your dreams?

Interview with Tanisha Day on going back to the workforce.

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Factors to consider before going back.