The changes that we decided to commit yesterday make who we are today.

There will be no change if you cannot commit. I will like to add, the changes we commit today will shape our future. Commit to change, shed yourself of those limiting believes.

How good your decision is depends on how far into the future you can anticipate the consequences of your actions.

At times we choose to look the other way and opt to handle the consequences. We make bad decisions. That is why it is always bad to make our decision based on facts, figures and third party references.

Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise; risking more than others think is safe; dreaming more than others think is practical; and expecting more than others think is possible.

It is all about going the extra mile and accomplish more that what is expected of you. Achieving and exceeding all exceptions! Attention to detail; taking accpetable risks; dare to dream; and achieving the impossible.

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During this weekend, I went through two days of intensive yoga sessions with my wife, Evangeline. This weekend was called Astaunga Yoga weekend. In one of the days we were introduced to the first two folds of Astaunga Yoga, Yama and Niyama.

A brief introduction of Astaunga Yoga. Astaunga yoga, or eight-limbed yoga comes in eight parts and its goal is union (yoga) with the Cosmic Consciousness, or complete happiness, through full development of mind and body.

Yama and Niyama the first two folds is also known as the user guide to human moral development. For a better world, human moral development should be greatly improved. Read on and you will understand what I mean.

First fold, Yama

Yama has five parts. They are as follows.

1. Ahimsa - means to refrain from harming others with your thoughts, words or actions.
   The English definition of this Sanskrit word is non injury or non-harming. We should not do anything to harm others or block their physical, mental or spiritual progress.
2. Sayta - is generally referred to as truthfulness.
   The good definition of this Sanskrit word is discriminating truthfulness. Mean to tell the truth, but if the exact truth will create harm to someone, then we have to choose our words carefully.
3. Asteya - means non-stealing.
   We should not take something that is not ours or not meant to be ours. We should also not deprive others of what they are due.
4. Aparigraha - is defined as non-accumulation of physical objects that are superfluous to our needs.
   We should only acquire what you need to live your life and not accumulate luxuries that go beyond your real needs.
5. Brahmacarya - means to “remain attached to Brahma (the Supreme Consciousness).
   The idea is to treat every living and non-living entity as a representation of the divine.

Second fold, Niyama

Niyama composed of five principles. These principles are practiced to achieve inner harmony. Briefly, they are as follows:

1. Shaoca (pronounced: Sha-o-cha) - means cleanliness and purity.
   Keep your environment tidy and clean, and your thoughts pure.
2. Santosha - is contentment of mind.
   Work hard, give your 100% and then remain contented with what you have.
3. Tapah - signifies the practice of penance to reach the goal.
   It means to help others in need. Take on some of the burdens of others and you will not only help society but your own inner self will be purified.
4. Svadhyaya - is the study and true understanding of uplifting literature.
   It means to seek out the company of spiritually minded people whenever possible. Books written by enlightened teachers is a good alternative source.
5. Iishvara Pranidhana - literally means to move closer to the supreme.
   It is practiced through daily meditation on the ultimate goal of life. That is the unification with that divine

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