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What is Yoga? Many students of Yoga will easily answer, "Yoga means union." "Union of what?" you may say. Whether you believe Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit, or the union of your soul (jiva) with God, Yoga is a life changing method, which has improved peoples lives for thousands of years.

When seeking a Yoga teacher, people are confused about the qualifications. This is understandable, but some of the top qualifications a Yoga teacher should have are tolerance, integrity, and compassion. These are not physical qualities, but would you choose to spend your time learning Yoga from someone who is an unethical brute?

Many of us have heard, or read, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. If you are unfamiliar with it, you can refer to Luke 10:25-37 from the New Testament. When the man asks Jesus how to obtain eternal life, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Basically, Jesus explains that it is essential for us to help those in need who are around us. It reminds me of the saying, Cant see the forest for the trees. The path toward God is filled with challenges. Even though we may have our eyes on God, people around us need help, and helping others is the path to eternal life.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is scripture worth reading because people often forget who their neighbors are. While we are on this earth, we are all neighbors. Tolerance, integrity, and compassion are your guides toward union.

John 15:12 quotes Jesus as saying: This is my commandment to you, to love one another as I have loved you.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

have you ever thought about getting a gym membership but thought "I don't have time"? Don't worry. You're not alone. What some of us don't think about, is that when you work out at the gym on a regular basis, your energy level goes up, stress is reduced, thought process is refined, sleep pattern is regulated and you have more confidence.

In the long run, this will create more time in the day by allowing you to think faster, be more efficient, relaxed and happy, and trust that you are a together person.

Now, we know that your probably still going to put off going to the gym, but what if a similar effect could be achieved at home in a more relaxing atmosphere? Try this one:

Grab a yoga or Thai Chi tape and watch enough to learn three movements. Once you know these movements by heart, run a nice hot bath, take off your makeup and make a cup of tea. Light some candles around the tub (fresh flowers are a nice touch too) and put on some soothing music.

Repeat your three movements for five to ten minutes, making sure to concentrate on your breathing. Hop in the tub with your cup of tea and add your favourite smelly bath treat. Lie back in the bath and concentrate on your breathing again. Let the world melt from your mind for as long as you can.

Go to bed right after you get out and have a wonderful sleep. Wake up refreshed and ready to take on the world! You'll be amazed at the difference.

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.