by Gary Halperin

I teach Kripalu yoga classes and lead meditation groups in Sarasota, Florida. Lately, I have participated in several versions of the following conversation:

"I really want to start yoga. Right now my life is so crazy though. When things calm down, I will come to a class."

"Really?" I reply. "May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"Giving yourself the gift of an hour a week of yoga class may be a help in calming your life down."

"That is a good point. Thank you. I will think about that."

And off the person goes. About 1in 5 of these people come to a class. I hope the rest find what they need elsewhere.

People often express to me that they will start yoga or learn to meditate when their life feels less stressed. What happens is that eventually their life will calm down, and then they think "Look at that. I did not need yoga or meditation after all. My life is in control."

Unfortunately (and fortunately), the roller coaster ride of life will continue. Yoga and/or meditation can help you balance out the peaks and valleys. If you have an inclination to try yoga or meditation, the time to start is now--however you are feeling in your life.

I have such respect for anyone who goes to a yoga or meditation class for the first time. In my opinion, these are special souls on the cutting edge of personal transformation in our society. To try a class, you must first have the thought that yoga or meditation may be good for you. Then you have to use will power and strength to overcome the understandable fear of trying something new with a group of people you don?t know.

My favorite yoga and meditation classes are those in which getting to class is the hardest part of the class. Once you arrive, you are invited to listen to your body, go at your own pace, and have your own private, personal experience. You are invited to practice trusting your intuition

I encourage you to trust your intuition right now. So if the voice inside is telling you to try yoga or meditation, get up and find a class. Now.