Personal Power Hour: Yoga Off the Mat Most people know of the physical aspects of yoga, but few realize that yoga is rich in philosophies that guide individuals to happier and healthier lives. From reducing stress, to becoming more efficient, to improving personal and professional relationships, there is a place for yoga philosophy at both home and work. This intriguing "off the mat" session will demonstrate how to incorporate yoga principles into an everyday routine to create a healthier work place for all!

Speaker Bio: Debbie has had a career in the hospitality industry her entire life & now works as a group sales manager for Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. One of her greatest hobbies is Yoga. For the last 10 years she has become a trained yoga teacher taking Levels 1 through 5 (out of 5), YogaKids & YogaMoms with YogaFit.

During her studies, both guided & self, she has learned the the philosophies of yoga can be helpful, no only while on the mat, but also in our daily lives, specifically in our professional lives.

Debbie has taught a "Yoga off the Mat" session for associations & corporations in hopes of helping people to find happier & healthier work places.

A few Goals & Objectives:  To learn how meditation is effective in reducing stress and increasing organization skills  To learn simple meditations & chair yoga postures that can be done at your desk  To become aware of basic yoga philosophies that can help the participant to maintain a positive attitude towards their job & their colleagues

Meditation: Meditation is simply practicing a concentrated focus on a sound, object and eliminating outside thoughts. Meditation can be done in as little as one minute or as long as an hour.

By focusing for a few moments, we help ourselves to reduce stress, promote relaxation, have clearer minds and have better decision making ability.

Additional information can be found by googling “The Importance of Stillness”. Many great articles can be found

Chair Poses: Seated Cat/Cow, Seated forward fold, forward fold w twist, side bends, seated pigeon, seated eagle, seated twist, tree pose.

These simple practices can help with the following: mood, stress reduction, anxiety, concentration, memory, attention, calmness, acceptance, motivation.

Philosophy: Yoga is more than a physical discipline. Yoga is a path that is rich in philosophy. The Yamas & Niyamas are ten good common sense guidelines for leading a happier & healthier life – bringing mind body awareness into a social context. These yamas & niyamas help us to lead a conscious life by balancing your inner energy & outer restraint.

Yamas – Guidelines for how we interact with the outer world. These are social disciplines to guide us in our relationships with the outer world & in our relationships with others.  Non violence, kindness, no harm in actions or thoughts. Awareness of being gentle in action, thought & speech. Advocating compassion, love, patience, understanding. (Ahimsa)  Truthfulness of speech, thought & deed. No harm in words, letting go of judgement. Advocating honesty, constructive feedback, owning feelings. (Satya)  Not stealing, not coveting, not being jealous, letting go of false value. Advocating self sufficiency, confidence, completeness. (Asteya)  No overindulgence of the mind, intellect, speech or body. Moderation of sensual pleasures food, sex, television, internet. Advocating self containment, moderating the extremes & not wanting too much. (Brahmacharya)  Fulfilling needs rather than wants. Consume less, live more. Non accumulation of wordly objects. Advocating non‐attachment to possessions, abstaining from accumulating more than you need. (Aparigraha)

Niyamas – Guidelines for how we interact with our own personal & internal world. Self regulation to help us maintain a positive environment for which to grow.  Purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits, clear & orderly environment. (Saucha)  Contentment. Accepting what is. Making the best out of everything. Practice gratitude, joyfulness, maintaining calm in success or failure. (Santosha)  Austerity. Commitment. The willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline. Making sacrafices as necessary. Practice of both mental & physical discipline. (Tapas)  Self education. Self study. Developing self awareness through text. Keeping company with others who may help you learn & grow. Expanding knowledge through reading, contemplating. (Svadhyaya)  Faith, Devotion, Dedication, Connection. Having a relationship with something higher than yourself. Divine, Religion. (Ishwara Pranidhana)

Six Perfections – By practicing these, you will have a happier & healthier life  Loving  Kindness/Ethics/morality – self discipline, integrity, honor, harmlessness  Patience – tolerance, acceptance. Facing challenges without losing composure & tranquility  Generosity – The will to dedicate body, possessions, merit to others. Charity.  Stillness/Meditation – keeping the mind from distractions & restlessness. Clear the clutter of the mind  Wisdom – Gaining & Giving

Four Keys – Use these keys with individuals of these character to help maintain your healthy mind & heart  Happy people with the Friendliness Key  Unhappy people with the Compassion Key  Virtuous people with the Delight Key  Wicked people with the Disregard Key Mantras

Affirmations

Resources: Yoga Journal – magazine or online 1001 Pearls of Wisdom Yoga Sutra Bhagavad Gita Tibetan Book of Meditation The Chakra Bible