As I mentioned in the past few months - this year's calendar will be a yoking together of all of my daily practices - that of yoga..photography and writing. Each month will include one of my yogi photos and an accompanying yoga sutra.

'The practice of yoga is the practice of stilling the fluctuations of the mind'

Quieting the mind is perhaps the most basic..and yet the most challenging of all of the yoga teachings. It is at the heart and soul and core of this practice. Some may interpret it as the cessation of all thought..but really - it's about embracing those thoughts as they enter the conscious mind and then exit. It's about allowing those thoughts to pass through without attachment or judgement. It's about listening deeply to our inner selves.

Mostly - this 'stilling the fluctuations of the mind' - is achieved through the practice of meditation. But because it is often too difficult a place from which to begin...we begin with the physical 'asana' practice which acts as a meditation in motion. Through the connection to the physical sensations in the body...to the breath...to the sound of the heart beating - we begin to uncover our true voices and selves.

It's not an easy practice....but it's a simple one. And - I can attest to it being one that is always worthwhile.

Namaste'.