“Many people are alive but don’t touch the miracle of being alive.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

"We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see." ~ Taoist Proverb

“There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind.”

“Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.”

“Whatever you are doing, love yourself for doing it. Whatever you are feeling, love yourself for feeling it.”

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

“Your task is not to seek for Love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi

"When you own your breath, no one can steal your peace"

“I don't trust people who don't love themselves and tell me, 'I love you.' ... There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.” - Maya Angelou

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” - Maya Angelou

“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.” - Maya Angelou

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela

“I never lose. I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” – Nelson Mandela

“A bird does not sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.” - Maya Angelou

“A good rule of thumb is that any environment that consistently leaves you feeling bad about who you are is the wrong environment.” ~Laurie Helgoe

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” ~Karen Kaiser Clark

“Striving for excellence motivates you, striving for perfection demoralizes you.”

“If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.” ~Wayne Dyer

"Don't be afraid of the dark, for that is when the light within you shines the brightest." David Scott

"At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks - but homeless because of rejection." ~Mother Teresa

Knowledge comes can goes, but wisdom lingers. “True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.” – Socrates

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” - Saint Basil

“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.” – Anna Taylor

“Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror.” – Byron Katie

“Falling in love with yourself first doesn’t make you vain or selfish – it makes you indestructible.”

“Demonstrate love by giving it, unconditionally, to yourself. And as you do, you will attract others into your life who will love you without conditions.”

“Love yourself. Enough to take the actions required for your happiness. Enough to cut yourself loose from the drama-filled past. Enough to set a high standard for relationships. Enough to feed your mind and body in a healthy manner. Enough to forgive yourself. Enough to move on.” – Steve Maraboli

Yama #4

4. Brahmacharya is a form of energetic restraint or moderation. Brahmacharya is the practice of remaining celibate (sexually abstinent) when unmarried, and maintaining fidelity when married.

Practicing brahmacharya has taught me to put myself as a priority. I can now understand why celibacy is professed among different religious teachings. In a sense you are giving away energy that you could be using towards yourself for personal growth such as reading, practicing yoga, meditating, or just walking around.

On the mat, being truthful to this principle, has taught me to love myself. It has helped me channel my energy into things that are really important for me in life, and that is reflected in my practice.

Off the mat, it has made me focus attention on doing things that make me grow. Before, I would like the rush of talking to someone that would validate that I wasn’t ugly, that I wasn’t fat, or that I wasn’t a complete failure. In reality, I was using dopamine to give me a quick dose of ‘feeling good,’ but of course, that rush would fade away. When I finally realized it, I started working on creating my own source of happiness.