“Passions are like breadcrumbs leading you onto the path of discovering your destiny.”

As yoga practitioners, one of the most gratifying experiences we can have is sharing the practice with those that we love. It doesn’t have to be forceful and it doesn’t have to be immediate. But over time we can explain the benefits that exist and the reasons for practicing.

When I first came back from a transformative yoga retreat in Thailand two years ago, I insisted that all of my family members start practicing because of the amazing physical and mental benefits. I realize now that this was a flawed approach. We can suggest that our loved ones practice but to push something on someone is counterproductive.

In the beginning, the person you suggest yoga to might not be ready. Remember that, when the time is right, they will find the practice.

Nowadays, I don’t usually outwardly recommend that someone start practicing unless I’m asked. Sometimes people ask me, “Why are you so calm all the time?” or “Don’t you ever get angry?” and it’s at this point that they’ve given me a perfect segway to recommend the practice.

It’s important to anticipate your friend or acquaintance’s response when you recommend the practice. Keep in mind the misconceptions of yoga in the West and consider your friend’s probable perception. Often times, it’s questions like, “Do you do the hot yoga?” or “Can I do the video I bought from Walmart?” Be prepared and know how you’re going to respond to these questions.

Recently, I was able to recommend yoga to two of my friends. Two drastically different people (one woman in her 60s, one woman in her 20s) separately asked me about the practice and I gladly referred them to read certain books and visit select teachers and studios in the area. In the ensuing weeks, my two friends have been so grateful for the physical and mental benefits or the practice — and I’ve been so grateful to have the opportunity to do my small part in guiding them down the path.

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Stay lucid ~

Sprinters Falsify the Deliberate Practice Model of Expertise.

From Michael Lombardo’s and Robert Deaners abstract of You Can’t Teach Speed:

Most scientists agree that expertise requires both innate talent and proper training. Nevertheless, the highly influential deliberate practice model (DPM) of expertise holds that either talent does not exist, or that its contribution to performance differences is negligible. It predicts that initial performance will be unrelated to achieving expertise and that a long period of deliberate practice — at least 10 years or 10,000 hours — is necessary and sufficient for achieving expertise. We tested these predictions in the domain of sprinting. Study 1 reviewed the biographies of 15 Olympic sprint champions. Study 2 reviewed the biographies of the 20 fastest male sprinters in U.S. history. In all documented cases, sprinters were exceptional prior to or coincident with their initiation of formal training. Furthermore, most reached world class status rapidly (Study 1 median = 3 years; Study 2 median = 7.5). Study 3 surveyed U.S. national collegiate championships qualifiers in sprints and throws. Sprinters recalled being faster as youths than did throwers, whereas throwers recalled greater strength and overhand throwing ability. Sprinters’ best performances in their first season of high school, generally the onset of formal training, were consistently faster than 95-99% of their peers. Collectively, these results falsify the DPM for sprinting. Because speed is foundational for many sports, they challenge the DPM generally.

Underlying discontent and unhappiness are often experienced when you’re not living in alignment with your priorities or God’s design for your life. For example, if you value spirituality and inner peace, but spend five minutes a day meditating and two hours watching TV, then you are not in alignment. Or if your relationship with your husband ranks in your top three but the time and effort you spend on him are substantially lower, then something needs to change. You might need to make sacrifices and rearrange a few things in your life to create more time for the things that really bring you deep satisfaction and joy.

Take a moment to think about what the following items mean to you and rank them in order of importance. Then, evaluate your reality and how you actually spend your time:

Career climbing
Time with children
Clean and orderly house
Exercising
Financial security
Relationship with spouse
Relationships with friends
Relationships with family
Spirituality/inner peace/meditation
Creative endeavors
Eating healthy
Watching TV

Do you spend your time in alignment with your priorities and your life’s purpose? See how you can create and arrange your life so that you are spending your time and energy where you genuinely want to.

Some people believe that life is drudgery, and they just try to “get through” each day. These people aren’t putting their energy into what truly matters to them. We are here to live and experience feeling, meaning, and joy to the fullest. If your life is not bringing you that joy, then see that as an indicator that something is off. Slight shifts in your daily behavior and how you spend your time can be positively life altering.

A heart in love with beauty never grows old. ~Turkish Proverb

Sound is energy. Music changes us. We respond to the sound waves and vibrations of music. Music can uplift us and give us positive energy — if we listen to the right kind.

“Classical music is boring.” Is that what you’re thinking? Up until two years ago, I would have agreed with you.  In this post, I’ll explain how you can escape the “boring” aspect and come to appreciate the music.

But first, here’s a look at the health benefits of classical music:

• Increased Tranquility and Focus (many surgeons listen to classical music while performing surgery)
• Positive Energy (London government played classical music in dangerous neighborhoods and robberies decreased 33%, assaults decreased 25%, and vandalism decreased 37%) read more in Malcom Gladwell’s fantastic book: Outliers
• Increase in vitality and well being (in a 1973 experiment, plants grew towards and intertwined themselves around speakers playing Hayden, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert. But, in a similar experiment where violent music was played, the plants died)
• Better Sleep (Hungarian researchers showed listening to 45 minutes of classical music before bedtime helped students from 19 to 28, who had problems falling asleep)
• Increased Intelligence through improved information processing and memory (studies show heightened IQ scores)

But here’s the best part: Classical music doesn’t have to be boring! If it’s foreign concept to you, start by listening a blend of classical and new age music by 2Cellos.  Connect by recognizing the familiar song and by appreciating the beauty of the art of music. I shared this link with friends and they loved it and can’t stop listening!! After enjoying 2Cellos for a couple weeks, you’ll naturally be expanding to beautiful pieces by Yo-Yo Ma, Bach, Brahams, etc. in no time !!

Stay lucid ~