Look in the mirror and what do you see? If it's a glass mirror, you see your own image through your own eyes. If it's the mirror of relationship, you see your ability to relate, connect, cooperate, communicate and love. Relationships are our most fertile ground for learning and growth. Through them, we see our fears, prejudices and conditioning reflected back to us. Each relationship is an opportunity to express ourselves and connect in new ways, and connection is one of the most important elements in healing. Conflicts, challenges and painful times all teach us about our habits and patterns, offering us a chance to free ourselves from ways of relating that no longer serve us. We learn to open ourselves more fully, share ourselves more deeply, and experience more completely all that life has to offer.

There's a saying that goes, "As it is in the body, so it is in the mind." With Hatha Yoga, we use the body as a starting point to work with ourselves in a complete way. We expand the ways in which our bodies breathe and move, increasing our range of possibilities. Gradually we erase the edges of tightness, constriction and dis-ease, replacing them with greater strength and flexibility, lightness, and space through which the life force can flow. More life energy means greater vitality, and more vitality can create tremendous healing potential for both body and mind. We begin to understand that we are much more powerful and profound than just the sum of our physical parts. We also learn to accept ourselves as we are, foregoing self-judgment and criticism in favor of compassion and self-love.

Meditation is more than sitting. It's more than breathing, reciting mantras, or any of the many meditation techniques that abound. Through these practices, you begin to understand how your mind works and learn that although you have thoughts, you do not need to be defined by your thoughts. However, meditation is much more than anything you do. It is an experience that can happen anytime and anyplace as a result of being ready. Think of the rigorous training of the ballet dancer giving way to the essence of the dance; or the practice of scales and exercises on the instrument allowing the magic of music to awaken and flow. Whatever techniques of meditation we choose, ultimately we are preparing ourselves to experience the vast creativity, beauty and infinite mystery of the universe, of which we ourselves are a unique expression.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we have an opportunity to practice Yoga. All we need to do is ask ourselves is whether or not the choices we're making - what we eat or buy, what we say, how we act, or even how we choose to think - bring us into a deeper, more harmonious connection with ourselves, each other and the planet. Every moment is an opportunity to choose consciously. Our world is so fast-paced and technology-driven that we can easily lose touch with a sense of organic, natural flow. We may become so disconnected that we neglect our health and well-being to the point of not even being able to feel what is really right for us. Yoga teaches us to slow down, become still and quiet, and listen to our innermost voice. As we tune in and re-sensitize ourselves, we can make the choices that lead us to a fuller, more authentic expression of who we really are and all our lives can be.