July 16 Intention: To Remember Very Important People (read the poem, then see notes and thoughts below)
download a pdf copy here.

Very Important People
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions.Just read the quiz straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
 
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.  These are no second-rate achievers.  They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
They are the ones that care.

Notes and Thoughts 
Mr Schultz pretty much says it all. A few things I would like to add:
1. Before taking the second quiz (the one about your teachers, friends, etc), sit in comfortable position, close your eyes, and slow yourself down with full abdominal breathing. Then, as you ask yourself these questions, take the time to visualize the answers - notice the warm feelings that come to you as you remember these very important people.

2. At the close of your yoga practice set the intention to be that VIP to  one person this week. Choose someone that can really benefit from your efforts. Perhaps a friend, family member, aquaintance, even a stranger.

3. Remember to appreciate the people in your community who are important, in the truest sense.

A little story: I have an aunt who worked as a 'cafeteria lady' for years. Some might think that because her job was not of high status, that her job was somehow less important - that she was somehow less important. They would be sorely mistaken. My aunt is one of the kindest, most loving, most important people I know. She has touched so many lives with her generous spirit. In her role as a 'cafeteria lady', she has given self esteem to low income children by offering them work in the cafeteria (and in the process given them extra food, clothes, books), helped the 'dorky' or 'sad' kid get through the day by giving them a dose of love in an otherwise painful existance, and provided highly nutrutious meals to thousands of children. 

In her personal life she has done even more.  When I was younger and life was tough, she provided me the love and support that I needed to grow as a person. I could fill an entire book with testimonials from people whose lives she has touched. My aunt, is a VIP.  She is not rich, famous or powerful in the worldly sense, but she has lived a full and beautiful life of which she can be proud. 

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Monique Danielle wants you to live a long and prosperous life. You have great gifts to share with the world. She can help you uncover these gifts through simple, natural concepts based upon yoga, meditaiton and holistic health.  You may Download this intention and print or save to your computer, then pass it on to a friend. 

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Monique Danielle wants you to live a long and happy life. You have great gifts to share with the world. She can help you uncover these gifts through simple, natural concepts.  To learn more about how you can benefit from yoga, meditation and holistic concepts, visit easyflowmeditaiton.com and moniquedanielle.com.