Image by Bishnu Sarangi, licensed under Creative Commons.

Like everybody else, I, too, was caught up trying to be productive and perfect in multiple areas of my life. I very quickly realized that trying to change the parameters of my external life was too demanding because new challenges kept cropping up every day.

In one of my earlier blogs, I mentioned that living in a fast-paced, technologically advanced world can be overwhelming. By the same token, the modern conveniences give us unprecedented opportunities to simplify our lives, both at work and at home. This, subsequently, should mean more time for relaxation.  Unfortunately, the extra time we should be enjoying more often than not gets redirected, or should I say, misdirected. Living in a modern world with appliances and machines to assist us in all area of our life can have both positive and negative consequences.

I found that making changes in our external lives is important, but it can be extremely exhausting, simply because of the dynamic, ever evolving nature of our lives. You may begin with good intentions to make changes and bring balance into your life, but trying to deal with a variety of challenges all at once can be overwhelming. When you are not successful, you may start to feel like a failure, abandon your good intentions for change, and continue living your life as you always have.

In my journey, I found that changing from within is the key for lasting change to manifest in life. Once you practice all aspects of yoga you will notice your life will magically change, and the daunting, external challenges you once faced regularly will become less frequent. This does not mean  you will no longer be subject to life’s changes, but you will notice that your indomitable spirit will give you strength and resourcefulness when you are faced with challenges. Your powerful mind will focus on positive, life enriching thoughts of good health, meaningful relationships, peace, and abundance, rather than on a barrage of negative self-defeating thoughts.

This is because the practice of yoga is a system of self-development that encourages the body, mind and spirit to act as one unit by harmoniously integrating all aspects of your being.