Money Can Buy Happiness

I'm constantly surprised when my friends refer to me as calm, collected and laid back. While I have strived to be this person for years, I still can't forget how I acted in my teenage years. (That would be the opposite of calm!) In reflecting on what has helped me make this transition from teenager into adult, I keep coming back to the yogic principles I have been subconsciously following for years.

image: Michelle Meiklejohn/FreeDigitalPhotos.netUsing the techniques that I have learned in the studio, on a daily basis I am able to be more accepting of people, conscious of my place in the world and less immediately reactive to those around me. This comes in handy in New York City when riding the subway! Breath work and meditation has enhanced my abilities and calmed my inner being which people seem to have noticed on the outside. Recently I returned from being away on a business trip and my husband commented on how much calmer our dogs are when I am around. It's fascinating that even animals can pick up on the energy we emit.

Image what my teenage years would have been like had I had some of these skills when I was in high school. While I don't want to add up all the dollars I've spent on yoga classes over the years, it almost doesn't matter as the happiness factor out weighs the cost. - L.S.

I'm cool, you're cool, we're cool - my Saturday with Rusty Wells

I didn't think there was such a thing as a yoga groupie, but if anyone has them, Rusty Wells does. As snow was threatening to fall outside, I was welcomed into a warm room at OmFactory, where Rusty Wells was hosting a 2 1/2 hour Bhakti Flow class. The class was billed as a "dynamic session designed to take the seasoned practitioner to a new level" and it did not disappoint. 

As the room full of women sat rapt, Mr. Wells opened the session by talking about loving yourself and letting every day be an expression of letting go. We repeated his mantra, I'm cool, you're cool, we're cool, until he was sure we meant it. This led into a chanting session where I found myself grooving along to the sound of all our voices. Then into a great two hour, sweaty practice where the music is loud and Rusty sings along. You can't help but be drawn into the uplifting vibe which makes you want to push yourself farther than you have before.

Two hours flew by and I found myself wanting more. At the end of the class, Mr. Wells reminded us that Yoga is a community practice and encouraged us to meet our fellow practitioners, which hailed from as far away as Chicago. I now totally understand Rusty Wells' appeal and while I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a groupie, I definitely am a fan. - L.S.