More on Yoga and Weight Loss

Why do some people seem to make the decision to lose weight and just do it while other people spend their life wanting to lose weight and can't get it done?   Then there are all those people somewhere in between losing some weight, gaining back, and starting over.  

Some obesity researchers say that 77 percent of Americans are trying to lose weight or avoid gaining weight yet nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.  Discouraging and time for a deep, deep breath.   May they all be happy, may they all be well, may they all find peace.

I see and deal with so many people, including myself, who set their intention to eat healthy today and then by evening are devouring a box of cereal.   Is it true that we just have limits to our will power and it is shot by the end of the day?   However, some people can eat healthy throughout the day so it is possible.

If we look at 12 Step programs and people successful in limiting consumption, we have to admit that we can't do it alone and need a Higher Power.  We need the help of the nonjudgemental, never wavering, observer of our experience within us to help us make the decision.

Yoga, with all its craziness, is my path to my Higher Power.  For me it is through yoga that I fully enter into a spiritual relationship with my body. Yoga asks me to breathe into my body and simply observe.   Taking this moment of observation into the rest of my day is the challenge and real joy of my practice.   The more I stay with it, staying conscious of my breath, the more "will power" I seem to have and the joy of doing what is right for me. 

Making the decision to stay with MY body--through my yoga practice, with my breath, with my food choices, with my Higher Power, is both my goal and the process.

Namaste,

Dean