I often write about virtues as it relates to yoga philosophy; mindsets and actions that can help lead toward a more peaceful existence (of course this is tempered by my own personal experience and values.) But the reality of life is that we can't always follow these virtues in all facets of our living, as it can lead to problematic and/or undesired outcomes.

It can be a challenge to make decisions in personal and professional relationships in which we have to measure the impact it may have on ourselves and others. (i.e. A colleague invites me to a pricey ticket birthday event that they're having. Do I attend, be supportive, perhaps have a good time, but spend money outside of my budget and feel a bit resentful? Or do I not attend, get some well needed personal downtime on my weekend, but risk that my colleague might feel that I'm not supporting them?)

When I feel conflicted on a matter, I consider the entire situation with myself as one of the many components. If my decision can leave me with a certain level of contentedness, that's my barometer for how I can move forward to action, yet still maintain a personal sense of peace.

namaste

A "koan" is the name for a story, concept or question that would be given to a student, of Zen Buddhist tradition, for the student to ponder and find the correct answer. The koan could have more than one answer and would be given to help focus a student in meditation or free a student from a traditional or rigid thought pattern. It could take a student weeks or even years to find their answer or understand the meaning.

I first read about koans years ago and I recently thought about how it relates to my practical, daily life. I thought of how often I seek answers to difficult problems and how, eventually, I figure out that I possess the knowledge and understanding to resolve it. Depending on the issue, it may take months, or years to realize it, but ultimately the power to tap into the knowledge to answer the question always comes from within.

namaste.

Meditation, a one-pointed focus while attempting to let go of the thoughts, can be a powerful tool for the mind and body. Meditation has also been proven to lower blood pressure and elicit a calming response from the body.

Finding a comfortable seated position (whether a crossed-legged seated position on a floor or just sitting in a chair) you can begin the meditation process by closing yours eyes and focusing on your breath while trying to let go of your thoughts. Using your breath as a guide is just one technique that can help to quiet the mind.

om shanti!