Staying Calm even when you're Stressed-How do you do it?

I read an article in the current issue of Yoga Journal that really caught my eye on how to stay calm in the storm, which is sometimes hard to do when you are balancing all that we balance, wanting to create perfect children and be a perfect mommy, and as we all know, there is no such thing as perfection. In fact, someone told me they recently heard Anthony Robbins being interviewed and he said that his "aha moment" was realizing that most of us feel badly because we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and can't possibly meet them. Isn't it all about letting go of control and allowing life to flow more freely? Learning how to breathe properly is a gift that you can take with you into any situation. I love the healing breath that I have learnt in my Ashtanga classes and use that breath when I can't sleep, to relax and even when I have to go on television or give a speech and want to stay grounded. So the breath is a great place to start. I also love yoga, in spite of a funny article I just read in the Globe this week about yoga taking over and how we've Americanized yoga with our lululemon pants and chai lattes. But I have to say, whether it's pure, undiluted yoga, hot yoga, cold yoga, ashtanga, hatha, infant yoga, pregnancy yoga-I can't say enough good things about it. Because it is does bring more joy and less stress into our lives and as mothers, we all need as much calm to soothe our tired bodies, minds and souls after a day of homework and busyness. Take a breath right now, and breathe out for just a bit longer. Do it five times, inhale for the count of five, and exhale for five, and notice the calmer sensation you feel, as you begin to relax further and further. Being relaxed is a great way to start being grateful that you are a mom. And forgive yourself, when you lose it, or feel like losing it. Take another deep breath and find the yoga in you, whatever that may be. Check out Love Mommy: Writing Love Letters to your Baby, available in all major bookstores and on Amazon Books. com and Amazon Books. ca