Holding onto the Zen

Cali Coast taken by Anuj Malhotra

With a view like this it is easy to find zen and remain peaceful.  You almost feel silly not being mindful, aware and present.

Sadly, the second you are back in line at the airport - the shoulders start tensing, the breathing shallows and well serenity has checked-out.

So how do you remain zen as a modern day yogi?

1. Find time - the day is long and even longer when we are stressed.  We may not always have 60-90minutes for a yoga class - but we do have 5 minutes to enjoy a cup of tea in silence or 3 minutes in the car for Kapal Baati breathing.  Traffic jams or commuting time can sometimes provide the best times for breathing and simple stretches.
2. Journal - we hear it often but journaling has a great way to bring back presence to what is really important and ways to clear the clutter.  Reinforce positive affirmations each entry.  We often get stuck in labels - being someone's spouse, friend, employee.  Go back to basics - what makes you at your core unique, beautiful and worthy.
3. Diet - you are what you eat, right?  Swap the coffee for a simple green juice or the chocolate for some fruit.  Make one conscious change to empower your health.
4. Laugh - life does not have to be so serious - and nor do the lessons of life be a somber task.  Often our best lessons are our "mistakes" and our ability to laugh at ourselves.

As modern-day yogis, we balance many stresses in one day.  Recognize that finding serenity is not a one off occurrence  just on a vacation or a retreat but that each day many opportunities for tranquility arise.  Begin to avail the resources and opportunities for happiness around you and begin to shift the vision of your day.