In the month of March I will be interviewing Beth Shaw, Founder of Yogafit.com, the largest yoga training organization in the United States. Be sure to hear her explain on my radio show (http://bit.ly/85N8SL) why yoga is an excellent source of physical exercise. But what about other benefits? Personally, yoga has benefitted me spiritually. Although this form of exercise originated in the East, and has Buddhist and Hindu ties, other faiths can benefit from the tranquility and peace it offers. Instead of uttering a Buddhist mantra in Sanskrit, why not use a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim prayer. That’s what I do. Yoga is the only form of exercise I have experienced that improves my strength, balance, flexibility, and it also calms my soul.

Ignorance is the curse of God,
Knowledge the wing,
wherewith we fly to heaven
  – William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Henry VI, I, 2:3-4

Just because you’re out of school doesn’t mean learning should stop. If you’re not interested in taking formal classes to better your education, may I suggest some of the following:

Meet with a group that is either like-minded so you can enhance your knowledge in a certain subject, or better, join a group with the opposite leaning to understand why they think they way they do. I belong to a group called the Glass Onion. We are a diverse group of believers ranging from Strong Christians to Atheists, with all the other religions in the middle of the spectrum. We gather to discuss issues of the day, stem cell research, adoption, the power of meditation or prayer, etc...and the list is endless. I enjoying hearing everyone’s views for two reasons: 1) sometimes I learn a new fact or thought that helps shape or evolve my own opinion, and 2) sometimes it’s important for me to understand how the other side thinks in order to sharpen my debating skills. I try to participate with the first purpose in mind. It’s always important to be open-minded.

There are a variety of groups to participate. Look for them on Facebook, Craig’s List or your local paper.

Make it a goal to read a minimum of one book a month, regardless of the subject. It doesn’t matter if it’s a romance novel or a text book on a subject you never got to study in school, but you are still curious. Who knows, you might learn a few new vocabulary words or better understand certain theories. For some good examples, check out my recommended reading list for 2010 (blog dated 1/11/10)

Traveling is one of the BEST educators. Remember all those things you were supposed to learn in high school? Now they can come to life. I understand more facts and tidbits about the Civil War because I’ve toured some of the battle fields. I have a better understanding of the issues developing countries are facing because I’ve now seen first hand what the problems are.

Women are the worst at making time for themselves (I don’t have the stats to prove it, but ladies, you know it). I say this repeatedly because it deserves repeating: “We are no good to others if we do not take care of ourselves first!”

One of the ways we can recharge our batteries and be the most productive and useful to our life’s mission (work, family, etc...) is to take time out for a hobby. It doesn’t matter what the hobby is: needle point or watching NASCAR! The benefits are tremendous! Below are just a few:

• It can release stress and tension: Even if only for an hour a week, a hobby allows you to forget the stresses in your life. If your mind is taken away from these stresses, your body will also benefit.
• Hobbies allow you to meeting like-minded people: What better way to meet and make new friends, perhaps vendors and business partners, and even loved ones.
• If you have a hobby you do with your spouse/partner, it could enhance the relationship:I know several couples who have improved their marriages through golf and ballroom dancing
• You NEVER knows what it might turn into: It could be your future fame and fortune. :)