Namaste (pronounced Na-mas-stay) is a Sanskrit word which means 'I respect the divinity within you that is also within me'.

I hear many people doing something new this year for themselves. Eating well, beginning a work-out program and I am thrilled especially since they are all my friends. Our lives are spent in this one body and it is easier to accomplish things when you are rested, well fed with healthy food and in good health.

I've always done some sort of work-out program. At one point in my life, I struggled with my weight. I was hiding out really and covering myself so I wouldn't be noticed. I felt ugly and unloved for a long time. I was not happy and had so many things to work through but refused to do any of it so I substituted the necessary work with a protective covering. Early in my Air Force career I had to fight to maintain a suitable weight and those in charge were not incredibly encouraging. Thankfully during this time I began to shed my skin, literally. I uncovered buried hurts in myself and let go of things in my life that were unnecessary. Over the past 20 years I have learned even more about taking care of my body, my health, what works for me and my lifestyle. It has been incorporated into everything in my life and my family shares my love of healthy, fresh food and sufficient exercise.

Now at 40 and very in tune with myself and my spirituality, it only seems natural that I have turned to yoga. I use DVD's for my work-out and purchase them from www.acaciacatalog.com. They are very affordable, easy for beginners and those who have back or knee pain. I have talked to many people who say "I'm too out of shape for yoga" but really, you're not. It is at it's basic level only stretching. It is so simple, so invigorating of a practice for not only body but your mind. It is calming, detoxifying, and quite magical. I'm not nearly where the instructors are with flexibility but I can notice a huge difference in my posture, the lessened pain in my knees and rotator cuff. It is amazing and healing. I hope you have already decided to look toward something new physically this year for yourself and perhaps you will seek out yoga also.

Namaste.