Thought For Today - 9/4/09

I believe many students of Yoga that attend classes I teach only see me as a warm, loving and gentle teacher. I am that and more. However, I am not immune to conflict. I don't know of anyone who has not had to deal with it from time to time. But, no matter what the circumstance, I must handle them all with grace, consciousness and the love of God.

The conflict can involve students suffering from anxiety and panic attacks regarding taking class. The other day a student came to one of the classes I taught. But, he left without taking the class due to the back row of the room was already taken. He didn't want to be on the front row. He actually began to panic and I saw the anxiety in his face.

I asked a fellow students if they would make room for him to place his mat on the back row. At that moment of me asking – discord came on the scene immediately. I am a warm, loving and gentle teacher and one of my responsibilities is to help student address egos, anxiety, and conflicts just to name a few along with its symptoms and root causes.

As a teacher, I desire to help in the healing of student's nervous system by giving them one of the most important tool to cultivate peace on and off their Yoga mat – the love of God!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/2/09

You've had an energizing and exalting Yoga practice which your mind was totally focused on your body and your breath. By the time you're done, you have a deep sense of peace and relaxation that seems to penetrate every cell of your body. You feel centered, balanced, in touch with yourself. You pledge not to let this feeling slip away as the day progresses.

But halfway through the work day, you're overtaken by the press of urgent emails, texting and invasive deadlines. You have completely lost the connection and composure you had. Even more disturbing, you have no idea how to get it back.

The door seems to have closed on your place of balance and peace, and you can't seem to find it again. By the end of the day, you're fatigue and stressed out, and you can't wait to get home to your Yoga mat.

You have also had an refreshing and inspiring private time with God and your mind was totally focused on your love relationship with Him. By the time you're done, you have a deep sense of peace and relaxation that seems to permeate every cell. You feel focused, fresh, so in touch with God. You vow not to let this feeling slip away as the day progresses.

But halfway through the work day, you're overwhelmed by the press of pressing meeting and over-demanding managers, and you have wholly lost the connection and calmness you had.

Even more disturbing, you have no idea how to get it back. It's as if a door has closed. You no longer have peace and just not sure how it got away and how to get it back at the moment. By the end of the day, you are exhausted and you can't wait to get home to your alter to fellowship with God.

To many people, there seems to be an inner conflict between being in the present and accomplishing everything that needs to get done. They lose sight on what is important when on or off their Yoga mat or reading the Word or putting it in your heart and taking it with you.

As you rush home - you do not have to choose between your housework/chores and fellowship with God. Taking the time to fellowship with God and the housework/chores will be taken care of.

Much love,
Joseph

Thougth For Today - 9/1/09

Today is the first day of me practicing Yoga 25 days at one of my Yoga teacher's studio (http://yogaisland.com/wordpress/). This month of September 2009 is also the first of several months that I am being led by the Spirit of God to move to another or higher level (spiritually, mentally, physically).

Most Yoga teachers that I personally know have a naturally deep desire to help, support and uplift people. My calling for the past several years has been just that - helping, supporting and uplifting individuals that attend the Yoga classes I teach.

I love to help people who could have a life-changing experience through Yoga. However, the next stage that is in God's Master Plan for my life is so important (I really believe this) I have to prepare myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

During the next several months God will show me what I am going into. I am seeking His Master Plan for the next stage(s) of my life.

To often students of Yoga feel light, clear and unattached from the world around them after leaving class. Yet, they seem to lose their blissfulness, whether from stress in life, such as work, relationships, etc. within a day or two.

I see part of my next phase in life is showing students how to draw happiness from their inner being, rather than outer. I see the next phase in my life showing students how to incorporate every unremarkable aspect of their daily life into their Yoga practice (spiritually & physically).

As I am putting the Word of God first place by giving it my time and attention will keep my heart focused on Jesus. By doing this - it causes Him to become the most precious thing in my life and your life!

Much love,
Joseph