Many of us have to carry a bag, briefcase or purse (weight-bearing items) on a daily basis. And we often tend to carry or hold them on one side of the body over and over again.

Over time these items can throw our posture out of alignment, cause muscle tension, and sometimes lead to more serious medical problems for the body. Carrying bags is often unavoidable, but we can reduce some of the negatives effects associated with it.

Be sure to switch the side of body or hand that you carry your items to balance the burden, most people favor one side of the body. A backpack or wheeled bag is also a smart solution for heavy items. Lastly, stretch out the body with some yoga poses and be kind to your body for the sake of your long-term posture health.

shanti.

Standing poses are effective tools for strengthening the lower body. Many standing poses work to strengthen the upper body as well.

Warrior II is a full-body pose that strengthens the legs and opens the hips, while also working the arms. It's a simple yet challenging pose (especially when held for longer periods of time) so if it feels uncomfortable, take a break in between poses.

Enjoy the benefits of your Warrior II pose.

Shanti.

Challenging, stressful and sometimes painful predicaments are normal parts of life. And sometimes despite the best efforts and mechanisms we might have in place to help us cope, situations can arise that really throw us for a loop.

When we encounter these situations, there is probably someone in our life (past or present) that we turn to for support or guidance. I consider these people to be my foundation people; special people or forces in my life that I turn to when I am feeling as if I have reached a breaking point.

Although I serve as a foundation and support for many people at times, I honor and cherish those in my life (past, present and future) who have served as my foundation during my life's most challenging moments.

namaste