I used to be a schoolteacher. If you ask my former students, I would imagine they would tell you that during that time I was disciplined, intense, creative, and that I expected  100% from each of them.

I was also incredibly stressed out.

I came to realize that the best thing I, personally, could do to support this world I find myself in is to increase relaxation and lessen the amount of stress around me.

If you are feeling stressed out, it will benefit you to do what you can to lessen the stress. I would encourage you to take up one particular practice to increase the amount of times you feel free of stress.

Pranayama is a beautiful practice which can almost immediately lower your level of stress. In fact, you can take your blood pressure before and after a full two-minute session of just breathing, and I would just about guarantee that you would see a difference in the readings. If you do not, repeat!

Today: The practice is simple yogic breathing.

Remember, as with all yoga practices, we do not push or strain to practice. If you feel uneasiness or have a block in your breathing (blocked nasal passages, or emotional discomfort) when you attempt to practice, just relax and breathe normally for a little while. You can return to try the practice again later.

Yoga Practice of the Day: Yogic Breath. See a description of a relaxing practice here.

Yogic Concept of the Day: It is good to relax. Relaxation will increase the benefits I receive from my yoga practice.