Yoga, Baby!

When I was younger I was amazingly flexible. I had a pretty mean split and high kick on my high school Drill Team/Dance Line. I even used to amaze my children and my neices by putting at least one leg behind my head while seated. I know ... hard to believe, huh?

Talk about flexible! This picture of Malli makes me laugh out loud!Although I didn't capture it on camera, she actually had at least five of her toes in her mouth at one point this morning. Too funny!

I really enjoy Yoga (when I go). Studies show that regular practice boosts energy, increases flexibility, decreases aches and pains, all of which leads to feeling—and even looking—younger and more vital. In addition, research is showing that a regular practice offers tangible health benefits. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol; help keep weight gain and depression at bay; and ease chronic conditions like back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. In short, doing yoga defends against some major killers—heart disease, stroke, and diabetes—and the aches that make aging a real pain.

Being flexible is a good thing. Think of a limb or a twig that is lifeless and dead. It will break easily. But a twig that is living and green will not break under pressure. When life is difficult, when storms threaten to take us down we are a lot like twigs ...we either bend or snap.

Anyone for Yoga class?