Recently, there have been some objections to using words like empowerment, abundance, success, and achievement, within Yoga writings. However, it would be much more difficult to open the doors of my wellness center, in North Providence, if I were homeless. Imagine the number of children, teens, adults, and seniors, who could not reap the benefits of Yoga, if every Yoga teacher took a vow of poverty.

The fifth Yama: Aparigraha (Non-gathering) is clear to Yoga practitioners, but it would be difficult to contribute to charities, research Yoga, write, teach under-privileged people, or make a contribution to mankind, if you are starving in the back alleys of New England, or anywhere else. If you have nothing to give, you can give nothing; therefore, you must acquire and give to others to help mankind.

You should not abandon the concept of empowerment to help yourself, in order that you can help others - in turn. This is not about hoarding material, but accumulating, and re-distributing, to those in need. You only have a temporary hold on any material wealth in this life, so why not help people, while you have it? This is a principle of Karma Yoga: Union by selfless service.

Where do you start with training, or re-training, your mind for empowerment and success? It is within the basic programming of your mind that you must start. You must learn to