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Life pulls at us in so many ways. There’s not only the daily responsibility of living our routines, but we’re constantly being reminded of larger issues…the financial, social and political issues of our times, not to mention even bigger issues of global warming, wars and the instability of our global economics. Sometimes it’s difficult to sort out the issues and to know where to focus our energies.

Many of us are concerned with the larger-than-life issues and want to participate in creating a world that is a safer, greener and simpler place to live, but that goal may have a way of eluding us and taking a back seat to the daily issues at hand. So how do we control where we focus our energies and how do we address the larger issues if we feel swamped by the smaller ones?

When taking an airline flight, the announcement we’re familiar with includes the instruction, “Should there be a drop in cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from the panel above your seat. Place the mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. Put your own mask on before assisting others.”

Good advice for living as well as dealing with a drop in aircraft cabin pressure. When the stress level of life increases, what do you consider to be your “oxygen mask”? How can you continue to breathe normally so that you have the clarity you need to deal with your challenges?

There are many ways to calm and stabilize ourselves in emergencies, and in the face of the stresses of daily life. I would, of course, recommend yoga. Not only is it available anytime, anywhere, but it is a powerful practice in keeping ourselves “breathing normally”.

There’s peace and calm available to us through our yoga practice and our breath…and we can then be of assistance to others. As a stressed out or panicked passenger on this planet we can’t be of value to anyone…not even to ourselves. By breathing, staying centered, peaceful and rational in times of pressure, we can be helpful, calming and supportive to those who need us.

Life comes at us fast and furiously at times. We’re faced with minor challenges…or, perhaps major catastrophes. How can we be of value in those times? How can we “keep a level head” so that we can think clearly and help others to put on their oxygen masks? Simple…take care of yourself. Do yoga, breathe, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and keep a positive attitude. Easy words, simple instructions…and sometimes difficult to follow. Taking care of yourself is not selfish…it allows you to be available to be of service. We all need each other at some time or other, so being available means being calm, capable, healthy and breathing normally in the face of challenges. Remember, “Put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others.”

©2009 Susan Winter Ward / Yoga for the Young at Heart / yogaheart.com
Licensed to Boomer-Living.com by terms of Agreement

Tags: global economics, good advice, peace, stress level, yoga practice

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