1. Integrity—Your yoga teacher can’t tell if you’re pressing each knuckle firmly into the mat and suctioning the center of your palm upward. You’re doing this action to protect your wrists and to keep your body in alignment. Likewise, in life, no one has a monitor (some metaphoric angel/devil combo on their shoulder, your boss, your mom) who makes sure you’re living the life you desire with the ethics you support. 
    
2. Protecting yourself allows you to reach out—In yoga, we always engage our muscles inward before we stretch outward. This protects the joints and prevents injury. Likewise, in life, before you go rushing to give help (first aid, advice, any sort of help!) it’s important to first make sure you are safe...

With everything going on in the news, it can be difficult to remain open hearted and optimistic. Many yogis are turning to their practices to transform negative emotions into positive energy; encourage positive reactions to all circumstances; and remain flexible yet grounded.