| Sometimes blaming others for our problems is | | | | example of this, look at the recoveries of |
| easier than finding solutions. Any of us can | | | | positive-thinking cancer patients. |
| blame our friends, parents, co-workers, | | | | |
| family, and significant other for "our lot in | | | | Sometimes, we are blamed for something we had |
| life." We can also blame "every driver on the | | | | no involvement in. Our reaction is to feel |
| road of life." | | | | bad about it, but we must develop "thicker |
| | | | skin" and avoid those who would make us the |
| Have you ever heard something similar to | | | | "scapegoat." When you are constantly harassed |
| this? "Everyone over there drives terribly, | | | | by someone; it is not good for your mental |
| but not me." What is the source of all this | | | | health to repeatedly expose yourself to |
| blame? It is an inherent discontent with | | | | anguish. |
| life. | | | | |
| | | | Another contributor to depression is the |
| Unfortunately, this usually occurs when we | | | | desire to control everything. There are so |
| quietly blame ourselves for everything on a | | | | many different possibilities in this life. As |
| regular basis. Yoga teaches us to accept our | | | | a result, life creates circumstances beyond |
| mistakes and to accept what we cannot change. | | | | our control. This does not give us the right |
| | | | to neglect everything, but we must learn to |
| Some people silently carry blame around with | | | | accept that we try our best, and that is all |
| them all of their lives. Others look at past | | | | we can do. If you do your best every day, |
| mistakes and agonize over them. Mindfulness | | | | forgive yourself for any mistakes. |
| is a universal practice, taught in Yoga | | | | |
| classes, that will help you live for now. | | | | At the same time we must forgive friends, |
| | | | family, and co-workers for being human. If |
| We cannot change the past, but we can learn | | | | you learn to accept imperfection, you will be |
| from it, and do our best to help those who we | | | | pleasantly surprised, when you see perfection |
| have hurt in the past. Mindfulness and Yoga | | | | as a rare jewel. |
| meditation techniques will help anyone | | | | |
| appreciate the present moment and the | | | | So, what did any of this have to do with |
| prospects of a brighter future. How is this | | | | Yoga? Yama and Niyama are the first two limbs |
| possible? | | | | of Yoga. The second Niyama is Santosha, also |
| | | | known as contentment. |
| Each style of Yoga works on the mental | | | | |
| aspects of health. Even the very physical | | | | A mind without contentment is also without |
| styles, of Yoga, work on the mental component | | | | peace. Do not confuse contentment with |
| of health. A healthy mind will contribute to | | | | riches. The rich can only be truly content, |
| your physical health exponentially. As an | | | | when they share. |