Today is Monday....give and receive

Class begins this Thursday in Montgomery....4 - 5:30 pm

Are you a people pleaser? Are you the person in the family who is schlepping kids, running errands and going to the grocery? Are you the person who works all day and comes home and keeps it going until you crash into your bed? Chances are, you are driving your energy body into an early grave. That's because you are giving, giving, giving and not receiving. It's bound to make you feel angry, irritable and resentful. It doesn't feel fair because quite frankly, it isn't.

There must be energetic balance between you, your job, your relationships and the world. That means that you must receive. Monday's law honors the harmony between giving and receiving. During yoga we honor that each breath in is a gift and each breath out is a gift. It's true. What if you are not born with only so many years, but with only so many breaths. Each breath becomes precious.

Honoring your breath is easy. That's simple focus. Not so easy is the balance of work, love and life. Take an inventory of your time. Are you spending too much time at work? If you are and you love it, great! If you are feeling taken advantage of, its time to put the breaks on. What about love? Oddly, you have to give more of what you want to get. If you want hugs, give hugs. If you want kisses, give kisses. If you want to talk more, listen. It's a one way practice for just a little while and then the other person catches on. Is life getting to you? Take an inventory of the chaos in your life and simplify. Give some stuff away. Declutter. Say no with loving kindness.

Below is the practice for today. Use your mantra throughout the day to replace your thoughts.

Mantra in Sanskrit		Om Vardhanam Namah
Mantra in English		I am the nourisher of the universe and the universe nourishes me This law resonates with your Heart Chakra. Today's color is green.

The Law of Giving and Receiving states that the universe operates through dynamic exchange. You are constantly giving and receiving. Every breath in is a gift from the universe and every breath out is a gift to the universe. Incorporate this law off your mat daily:

	Maintain breathing awareness		If you feel resistance during the day, go back to your breath until you calm yourself.
	Practice Gratitude		Wake up each morning and give thanks for the beautiful life you have as well as for your beautiful body. Nourish your body this week with good food and lots of rest.
	Give a gift to everyone you meet		... a hug, eye contact, a smile. Cook a nice meal for a loved one. Accept the gifts given to you by others.

"OM" work

	Consider a meditation practice or simply sit in silence for 10 minutes each day. Just close your eyes and smile.
	Make a list of all the things in your life that you are grateful for.
	Practice 2 rounds of sun salutations each day.