This is the second sutra from "The Yoga Sutras" which, when loosely translated from sanskrit to english, means "yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations/noise of the mind."

Put simply, when we are able to quiet the mind, we are then practicing yoga. It seems so simple, but very profound.

Quieting the mind can be a challenge for many, but the rewards and benefits from it are bountiful!

Shanti.

The sense of smell is said to be the strongest of the five human senses, connecting us with our strongest, most vivid long-term memories. The other day while walking down the street, I smelled the scent of an aromatic oil that immediately flashed me back to a scent that my mother wore when I was younger; I could see myself as a 10-year old girl in my mother's bedroom, which was bathed in that scent. The experience was quite remarkable for me.

Aromatherapy is an ayurvedic science that uses careful balances of essentials oils to help bring balance to the body. Smells are proven to affect the brain and body; certain smells, like lavender and ylang ylang are calming while others like lemon and rosemary can invigorate.

We need look no further than the tip of our noses to stimulate the body.

Namaste.

Introspection and calm are two qualities that seem to be resonating with me on the eve of this new year. And forward-bending poses, even as simple as bowing the head, allow us to access both of these experiences. When we bend forward we stretch the back of the body. Forward bends are also naturally relaxing and assist us in drawing the senses inward.

Exhale forward with peace, love and tranquility, into the new year!

Om Shanti.

"Letting go" is sometimes one of the hardest things to do. Holding onto a painful past experience might inform the way we deal with future incidents and we might even consider that painful experience to be a good lesson. Alternately, holding onto a future aspiration or desire may feel good today, but might lead to great disappointment down the road.

When I realize that I am holding onto a painful memory or clinging to a future aspiration, I try to take a healthy step back and examine how it is affecting me in the present. Am I stuck in a thought pattern that is impeding my growth? Or is this leading me further down my own path of discovery in a positive direction?

Sometimes it's hard to make a differentiation between the two, but some would say that learning the difference is what the journey is all about.

Shanti.