yoga and company

Dear Lovely Yogi's,

Good company elevates your mind and spirit. You can't keep a sour mood in the presence of good company because their love and positive spirit catches you. Alternatively, bad company depresses you. No matter how lively you feel, the negativity smothers your happiness.

The two are like the difference between breathing in fresh, mountain air and thick, heavy smog. You will walk away from good company with deeper breath, brighter eyes, and an erect spine. A bounce might claim your shoes - it's a catchy feeling. On the contrary, bad company leaves you with heavier breath, slumped shoulders, and brows uniting at your nose. You might step as if your shoes are tied to rocks. How much energy do you have when you feel heavy and dour, verses when you feel light and enthusiastic? Do you see what I mean?

To state the obvious, surround yourself with those you aspire to become more like. By being uplifting company, you invite uplifting company. If you cannot be positive (even the best of us get catch the blues), then at least avoid being a cloud on others' sunshine. Make an effort to hold the company of those whom support, uplift, and refresh life and space all around them. Have compassion for the duds who drag others down - but don't become responsible for anyone else's feelings or behavior.

Remember, you are too amazing to not smile and share your talents. Keep your spirits up, and share with the world your beautiful ways.

I hope to share an uplifting yoga class with you this week, too! Treat a friend to a class, and uplift their space too!

Namaste,

Frances Arnold

www.tahoeyoga.com

Hit the Jackpot

You are more than your grades, your thoughts, your present experience. Retain your smile through all experiences, and you will be richer than the richest person alive.

My friends tell a story of an old man that lived his life begging from his townspeople. Shortly after his passing, the town folk sought to "purify" the land on which he'd spent his life. Almost as soon as the excavation began, they unearthed hidden treasures - gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds. It was all buried treasure, long since forgotten. Sadly, the beggar lived his life in poverty and struggle. If only he had known about the wealth upon which he'd spent all his years living in suffering . . .!

When we require compliments from a lover, a good grade on an exam, or approval from someone in order to feel good about ourselves, we are beggars. We are acting impoverished and must be enriched by external feedback in order to feel wealthy. This weakened state is not your nature, and arises due to ignorance of the riches inside of you. Let the challenges polish and refine you like gold and diamonds.