New Attitude

As we near the end of another year, we are once again faced with coming up with a list of new year's resolutions. Checking last year's list could reveal how diligent we had been fulfilling the resolutions. We can repeat the list, or, just don't make any list at all. I have not made any resolutions list in years even though I am normally a to-do-list maker. Every year I make mental notes to myself on things and projects I would like to accomplish. This year my big project is to increase bone density, after my doctor informed me to do so in order to avoid osteoporosis. This project will be on-going from now on. What will be your new year's resolutions?

One thing I notice is every time we get together with friends, we all moan and groan about how busy we are. It seems we are constantly adding more things to do, be it fun sports; community services; health related activities; family responsibilities; travel; self-improvement studies; pleasure readings; work; etc. etc. Our days are packed to the gills with barely enough time to sleep. We don't want to miss anything.

We suffer from the "more is better" syndrome of living. This is true in restaurants, especially in the States, where the servings are huge. People are getting more huge as well. Nearly 30% of the population in the U.S. is considered obese. Of course obesity involves not just over-weight, but also all the accompanying health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, to name just a very few. It is also true that the mentality of "more is better" even extends to activities to improve our health. We workout more and harder, to the point of exhaustion. We push ourselves beyond reasonable endurance in order to feel the high and a sense of accomplishment.

We can even go beyond our limits in yoga practice if we are not mindful and aware of our own body's capability. More is not always better. This coming year, let us take a few moments to reflect on exactly what we have been doing; what we would like to do to modify our lifestyle; how we can do just the right things, the right amount, and with the right motivation.

And, during this holiday season, as we face with numerous parties and tremendous amount of food and drinks, let us practice moderation, and start the new year on the right footing. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The first wealth is health." And Eknath Easwaran comments, "If you want to live life at its fullest, you will want to do everything possible to keep your body in vibrant health in order to give back to life a little of what it has given you."

Namaste,
Clarie