Yoga as a Path of Life

What is happiness, and how can we find it?

For many of us, happiness would be ours if only we:

• lost some weight;
• were taller;
• were prettier or more handsome;
• made more money;
• were married or divorced;
• had a different spouse or significant other;
• had a better family life;
• had a better job or a different job;
• drove a really nice car;
• owned a bigger home;
• owned a second home; or
• owned a boat.

However, the path to true happiness is to find contentment inside your Self and not through attachment to physical objects.  The rich are no happier than the poor, and the beautiful people are no happier than the plain of face.  And that is because happiness lies within us. 

By acknowledging that we are perfect just as we are (with all our warts, flaws and defects) and by letting go of our desire for physical objects, or our attachment to the future or to the past, we become free to live in the present moment.  It is our wanting for more that creates unhappiness with what we already have.  I’m not saying you can’t work toward a better existence or better relationships — but I am saying that by dwelling on the desire to “get more” or to change who we are or our circumstances, then we are constantly living in unhappiness.  If we simply open to the perfection that already exists inside, then the past, future, and present will take care of themselves and contentment will become our way of life.

Blessings,

Barbara

The first thought that came to my mind, when someone suggested I use a neti pot for my allergies was: You want me to do what? And let’s face it, it’s not something we think of in regards to “fun” at first - after all, you have to shove a spout up your nostril and run water through your nasal passages!

But especially after my bout with this year’s flu (sinus gremlins), which I must have picked up in Tucson a few weeks back, I feel even more strongly about using it. Except for one round of Tylenol to lessen the initial sinus pressure headache, I was able to stay away from any medications. My daily routine included the following: get up, hot shower to loosen up the “stuff”, then a round of neti, some gargling, another gargle and if necessary a round of neti after lunch, a hot epsom salt bath at night, and another round of neti and gargling. (The salt I prefer, just because it smells like lavender, is the Aromatic Salt you can find in Desert Song’s Yotique)

When I’m not sick I use my neti pot every morning, it’s just a nice way to wake up. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a daily routine yet, you’ll still feel wonderful benefits if you neti once a week, or whenever you can. For me the first time was the hardest, just because it meant trying something new. So give it a try - your nose wants a bath too!

If you have any questions about using a neti pot (such as: How do I breathe while rinsing?), ask any of the Desert Song teachers or staff, or come find me before or after my Thursday 7pm class.
I have yet to try the gauze down the nasal breathing passage…but I guess that would deserve another post.

Happy rinsing!
Stefanie

Note: If you have a the flu and would like to try my routine, but you are running a fever, please stay away from the hot showers/baths, as that would only increase your fever. At that point you may want to consult your physician.