Breathe easy into 2008

Kasey Cox

Too often, once the merriment and bustle of December has passed, the long winter months seem to loom before us. Instead of seeing New Year’s Resolutions as the grim tightening of the belt on pants that already feel too tight from holiday celebrating, I encourage all of us to see New Year “Resolutions” as a promise to ourselves: this is how I will take good care of myself and the people I love in the coming year. Think of it not as a deep breath so you can cinch in that belt, but, instead, a deep, cleansing breath. Like crisp winter air on a beautiful walk in the woods, or at the top of the ski run. Like the breath you take before you laugh. Like the breathing you practice in meditation or yoga.

To help you get started with this breath, I recommend “Babar’s Yoga for Elephants”. Whimsical and practical, Babar explains how yoga has helped him, as well as his wife, Queen Celeste, and all their citizens. There’s a pullout poster with 15 postures, all detailed further in the book, and instructions for breathing exercises. Hopefully we needn’t worry much about our trunks getting in the way. If yoga sounds too much like something only young, really bendy people can do, Babar will set you at ease – but long-time practitioners will enjoy it, too. For those considering yoga or wanting to learn more about it, I relate this tidbit to you: my sister (Hatha and Ashtanga-certified yoga teacher) gave my parents the “KISS Guide to Yoga” when she first began to get serious about her practice and her certification. More friendly than any “Dummies” or “Idiots” books – the last “S” stands for “series”, not “stupid”, as in the original mnemonic – this wonderful book introduces some of the history of yoga, its various forms, the meditation part, the nutrition guidelines suggested in yoga practices, and then focuses the majority of the book on wonderful poses, complete with color photos and explanations.

Now, if your breathing is becoming panicked every time you look at your bank statements, perhaps budgeting help will usher in slower, more regular breathing while you teach yourself slower, more regulated spending, saving, and bill paying. Include at least one of these books in your budget planning: “America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right On the Money”, by Steve and Annette Economides (yes, that is their real family name!). “Your Money or Your Life”, by Joe Dominiquez and Vicki Robin. “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Living on a Budget”, by Peter and Jennifer Sander. In each of these books, you’ll find certain suggestions that don’t fit for you, that seem extreme, hard-handed, or even downright wrong. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, though – overall, each of these books offers helpful advice, practical suggestions, a beneficial and perhaps very necessary change of perspective for the reader.

The Economides husband and wife team have been featured numerous times on TV and radio talk shows, most notably Good Morning, America. Woven through the book is their personal story of raising five children while still paying off a mortgage, taking family vacations, and eating healthy. The book itself is very efficiently and practically laid out, with chapters on groceries and meal planning, budgeting, saving, and big projects. The advice is gentle but firm, clearly written, humorous and inspirational. The best part is the options given at the end of each section, allowing you to choose just how frugal you will be. As an important contrast, “Your Money or Your Life” differs from “America’s Cheapest Family” in that Dominiquez and Robin encourage the reader to examine their money attitudes, not just their specific actions.


If you’re looking for motivation to get out in the crisp winter air, try Stackpole Books’ “Discover Nature in Winter: Things to Know and Things to Do”? Part of a fantastic series, including “Discover Nature in the Rocks” and “Discover Nature in the Garden”, these books give literally hundreds of suggestions for outdoor activities, as well as explanations for the things you may find. Although the books are short on color photos, they are perfect for families and for teachers. Supply or make your own “color views” on this one, just by being there, or by taking along your own notebook to draw, or camera to capture your findings.

So, grab a book, a New Year’s party hat, and take a deep breath. Welcome to 2008!

Respire or inspire? Hobo has the answers and wants to hear your opinions, at frommyshelf@epix.net. Get inspired by Hobo’s own stories, archived at http://frommyshelf.blogspot.com