by Janet Perry

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The fresh mountain air fills my lungs, making my head rush with its cold vibrancy. I stretch and look over to the Continental Divide to see if there's snow on her peaks. The wind starts to kick up sending a shiver up my spine and I slip back inside to get warm and lay out my yoga mat...

I start each day with my yoga practice. The center room of my house has been cleared of all distractions. The hardwood floor calls for our dance, and when in the flow, that's what yoga can feel like, even when still... even when prone...

Yoga is a wonderfully beneficial, peaceful practice that offers bountiful rewards. May I first say that it is ever so important to choose your first yoga instructor(s) carefully. Ask around to find out who teaches a good beginning class. Once you have adjusted your practice to fit your body and its needs, then you can more confidently embrace yoga. As I learned how to enter the different positions with my body's limitations, I was surprised at how many of these limitations disappeared. The blood that is pumped through my organs with my yoga practice feels absolutely necessary on a daily basis. The peace that envelopes me during the Asanas keeps me feeling a 'flow' throughout my day.

There are a lot of things that I do on a daily basis to maintain a level of balance. To me, that means peacefulness, happiness and being present.

I like to focus on healthy food choices, because that can make all the difference in how I feel. I find for me, eating foods as close to their original state as possible is the way to go. This means cooking whole grains instead of pasta... several times a day... and lovely vegetables; salads, soups and baked squashes and roots are my favorites, and fresh fruit, several times a day. I love freshly laid eggs, with their firm shells and bright orange yolks. A garden, fruit trees and chickens; these please me and help bring balance to my life.

I have also found herbal allies to be powerful both physically and energetically. They help us to remain at ease. Look for a local healer who is adept at flower essences and energy work, such as Reiki. If they can make tinctures, teas and work with essential oils, you have what you need to energetically move to a more perfect vibration. I am a 'doubting Thomas', my mind questions everything. I simply have experienced first-hand the benefits that herbs can provide.

To be happy it is important to get out and 'breathe sunshine' every day. This was a phrase coined by a friend of mine in college. He loved being outdoors, on mountain trails and described the euphoric feel of it as 'breathing sunshine'. I love the thought of sunshine entering my physical being and filling me with light. Best of all are the lingering benefits that I feel for days after a good hike.

My hammock brings me peace. Especially with a nice cup of herbal tea and a good book. A table near-by is essential, so that you have a place to set your tea-cup as you drift off to sleep!

A bath, with essential oils, bubbles and lots of candles. This melts away any remaining stresses from the day. This is most importantly taken at a time when I can actually relax and enjoy it. I think a bath without essential oils in it is wasted. We are like giant sponges, and essential oils are wonderful for us. This always
leaves me feeling a little more at peace.

The laughter of family and friends is important to our health and happiness. Laughter ringing through my home is my favorite sound. It relieves stress and melts away all but the important. It touches deeply all who feel its vibrations.

These are things that I have found that help me feel grounded, energized, peaceful and happy. Balanced. Only your own inner-voice will know what is perfect for you. Namaste'.

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