By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Hatha Yoga teachers often teach their students about stress management techniques. Yet, how many teach their students how to be happy, successful, and how to apply these principles, in daily life, outside the Yoga class?

This is why we mention the word “practice” in a classroom setting - Your life outside the class, in work, commuting, in traffic, and at home, is “real life.” It is easy for me to teach you how to relax, in a Yoga session, but how will you react when you open the mail box or when you listen to the daily news?

We know it is easy to let stress take over your life. In good economic times, people worry about moving fast enough to keep up with the pace around them. In bad economic times, people worry about food, clothing, and shelter.

In truth, worrying is the problem. Many of us look for something to worry about the moment we wake up from bedtime. In this case, it is a matter of focusing the mind on what is truly important. Some people refer to this as envisioning a goal, an achievement, or success.

Some of my colleagues argue against teaching students about abundance and success. The general consensus is that Yoga students might abuse these techniques and become greedy. However, the world is in need of innovative and goal oriented people, right now.

My feeling is this world needs success more than ever. If we have enough people, who become prosperous, many of them will be charitable, as well. Here are a few ideas for envisioning your success in life. You can reflect on them, meditate on them, or visualize them, but you must act on them.

Be very specific about your goals. See yourself as successful. Feel what it will be like to give to others who need your help. Write your aspirations down and be clear about what you want to accomplish. There may be some “twists and turns” in life, but do not let it bother you.

Keep your “eyes on the prize.” Too many people get caught up in worrying about each hurdle in life. Let God take care of the details. Life is a big picture, not a brush stroke. If you make a mistake, do your best at repairing it and move forward.

Be ready to “turn on a dime.” If you visualize a path of success, be prepared for a “long and winding road.” Do not let the changes bother you, because you are navigating through unfamiliar territory. Imagine how Christopher Columbus felt when he saw “all that land.”

Lastly, look at an ethical example of success. If possible, do some research into how he or she made the achievements you desire. If you see a clear example of this, why should you have to “reinvent the wheel?” It is much easier to replicate success than to invent it from “scratch.”

Yoga teaches us many things, but Yogic principles must be applied to real life situations. In this way, each of us will experience optimum health and true happiness.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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