If I am saying no, please don't blackmail me with my birth control.

Relief for the weary, patient person who just wants to get home at the end of a long day. The minute one get's into the seat and can settle down into that nice comfortable slump, while the driver bears the burden of the drive is just such a relief. The reason for this isn't just the fact that you are finally out of the office and on your way home. The fact is that although Yoga always teaches us to sit with the spine straight so that the Pranic energy can travel to the top of your head, the opposite fact is that sitting all day with your spine straight up against the back of a chair is downright unhealthy for it. The true Yoga for the spine is for it to be in it's natural "S" curve regularly in order for it to be healthy. You can save straightening it for meditation, but during the day, in order to allow it to return back to it's natural position for optimum health, it is essential for you to slide down in your seat, into a bit of a slump. Now we know why we were scolded by the school teacher, telling us to sit up straight as children, as we naturally assumed that comforting and realigning position unconsciously. As adults we get engrained to sit up straight as arrows when not hovering over a computer. It will be easy for you to remember to do the "Rickshaw Slump" if you simply picture yourself relaxing into the seat of any of the comfortable conveyances in India. The classic Rickshaw, slowly fading from the scene, the three-wheeled motorized rickshaw or the Ambassador. Slumping a bit during a long wait at the airport is a good idea also. It may not look very pleasing but you'll be doing your back a favor in the long run.

Here's how we do "The Rickshaw Slump". Take a deep breath, exhale, then slide into a slump, breathe deeply a few times while you picture the powerful Kundalini-serpent energy being freed in your spine. Take a finishing deep breath and pull yourself back up into your chair. You'll also be helping to strengthen your core. It doesn't hurt to imagine that you can slip into the greatest seat of all, the golden Chariot of Surya, the Sun-God, to help you feel golden and on top of the world. Yoga works!

Sending you a little Yoga Bling,

Visit www.yourstrulyyogatv.vpweb.com
or http://totyoga.com
Author of "Finding Shangri La: Seven Yoga
Principles for Creating Success & Happiness
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www.twitter.com/yogacelebrity

In the Mahabharata, the greatest and timeless epic of India, there is the story of Draupadi. Draupadi was very wise and somehow managed being a wife to not one, but five husbands. She was cherished, however, Draupadi was the victim of a gambling debt owed by her husband Yudisthara, who was himself, a victim of sorcery. Draupadi was to loose her dignity by having her sari unraveled. In her dark moment, deeply focused, she called for Divine assistance. Try as they could, those who had cheated at the game of dice, could not unravel her sari, though they pulled and pulled and pulled. The sari continued until they were simply wore out. The moral of the story isn't to never take a gamble, the moral of the story is to know how to get to and stay in your center when all around you are pulling at your from all sides and the difficulties at hand are such that they could unravel your very nerves! In tribute to venerable Draupadi, here is:

Draupadi's Centering and Strengthening Technique: Whether you are standing or sitting, place your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Inhale while making tight fists and tensing your whole body. (This is what helps to muster up your courage and strength while it will help to dissipate nervous tension). Hold your breath for about 3 counts while visualizing the most powerful image you can think of in your mind. For a moment, think of yourself as disappearing from view while you go within. Then, exhale, release all muscle tension. Repeat one or two times to re-enforce the idea that you are gaining your inner power, remaining steadfast and holding your own unraveled dignity. Yoga works!

Sending you a little Yoga Bling,

Visit www.yourstrulyyogatv.vpweb.com
or http://totyoga.com
Author of "Finding Shangri La: Seven Yoga
Principles for Creating Success & Happiness
www.publishamerica.com
www.twitter.com/yogacelebrity 

Pani Wallas, those colorful water-bearers selling refreshing water to weary, dusty travelers arriving at the railway stations were always a welcome site. For a few Paisas, relief from thirst was guaranteed until a cup of tea elsewhere could restore ones faith in light at the end of the tunnel. And so it goes during a long commute or dry day in front of the computer or in conference. Just the site of someone bringing bottles of chilled water into a stuffy conference room or office elicits a response of hope that springs eternal and the sight of the end of the tunnel-like day is near. The next time you feel frantic or you see that a co-worker looks as if they are about to become unhinged, run to the water cooler and become the Pani Walla yourself by helping them re-group with a clarifying, refreshing drink of water. This re hydration process will help to invigorate your brain, making tasks more easy, but it will also ground you when you feel as if you are reeling from any work overload. Some water carefully poured onto a sturdy paper towel and pressed over the face or placed on the back of the neck for a few moments will provide almost instant relief from fatigue, jet lag from long flights or airport stays. I have found that breathing in through a paper towel dampened with cold water will even help to alleviate that terrible stuffy feeling in the head. These techniques seem almost as simple as water itself.

When you add a simple water meditation, easy to do, since you already have the glass of water or bottle of it nearby, you will start to align yourself with the old Yoga masters who taught to flow along like the water on a calm river.

Simple Water Meditation To Do Anywhere: Holding onto your glass or bottle of water, simply breathe as easily as possible until the breath becomes even. Do this while staring into the water so that the water and the breath are in the same moment. You may move the glass a tiny bit to move the water so you can see how it flows easily in the associated direction. Think in your mind, 'the water moves easily, it is clear, it is calm, I move easily, I am clear I am calm'. Thank the water and then drink it. You'll feel better and you're tunnel vision will clear. Yoga Works!

Sending you a little Yoga Bling,

Acharya Sri Khadi Madama

Recipient of the Jewel Of India Award
TV Host of Yours Truly, Yoga Media Content & Choreography
732-341-1657
Visit www.yourstrulyyogatv.vpweb.com
or http://totyoga.com

Author of "Finding Shangri La: Seven Yoga
Principles for Creating Success & Happiness

www.publishamerica.com
www.twitter.com/yogacelebrity