Thoughts on Yoga

In my work these past few weeks I am seeing many people who are deeply worried, anxious and stressed to the point that their doctors are prescribing a yoga class.  I have watched most folks become more contracted and grim.  I haven't seen this level of fear before in the 16 years I have been teaching yoga.
           As a business owner I have to keep my feet on the ground and my eyes wide open.  I am acutely aware of  challenging economic forces that are generating real problems for our entire global community.  
           I have always relied on my yoga practice to support me emotionally and physically.  It has given me the strength to persist in business throughout many hard times.  I know from long experience that challenging economic conditions call for a committed yoga practice.
       One reason yoga is so crucial for people right now is that it calms the nervous racing mind and body.         
       Never underestimate the power of your calmness.  Consider the opposite of calm:  worry and anxiety.  Whatever you worry about increases in your experience.  If you dwell on the “bad economy” you will be looking out for signs that the economy is bad.  You will unconsciously act in ways that will reaffirm your belief that you don’t or won’t have enough money. 
        Even when the whole country holds thoughts of scarcity and lack, you can affirm “right now I have enough, I have always had enough, and I will continue to allow what I need to flow to me.”  
        So everyone seeme to agree the economy is “bad.” What can you do to strengthen your personal sense of security and abundance?  Take your focus off the externals, and put the focus on the basics of well-being: mind, body, and breath.
        Do yoga to establish calm equanimity of mind, a relaxed body and nourishing breathing.  These three factors form a true sense of abundance within.
        Practice hard to conquer your mental worry habits.  Learn to become quiet and receive guidance and inspiration.  That way you will meet any difficulties with all your faculties intact. 

Anxiety and worry result in lower intelligence and fewer inner resources, which lead to bad decisions and lower self-confidence.  That lack of confidence blocks your ability to act effectively.
       Practice yoga to create abundant peace and well-being in yourself.  This is the real basis of that unshakable self-confidence that will attract true wealth to you.
       Thoughts, feelings and actions can either spiral up or spiral down.  If everyone would approach "the economy" with calm equanimity, things would turn around in an instant. 
Alas, we can only control our own little spiral.  Which way will spiral go?