I believe in karma. I believe in the philosophy do unto others as you would have others do unto you. But believing in the golden rule isn’t the same as living the golden rule.

Especially at this time of year, when it seems the whole world is rushing to conclude business, finish shopping, get home or get to a vacation destination, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy and adopt a me-first attitude.

I’ve been practicing yoga, on and off, for about 15 years. It’s “on” when I find an instructor who can effectively incorporate both mind and body elements. It’s “off” when the only classes I can find involve hot rooms, pain and sweating. About a year ago, I found an almost perfect fit when I wandered in to a class at my local health club and discovered Elyse.

Occasionally, I’d like Elyse to push the physical poses just a bit more, but I never walk away from a class without feeling more connected or enlightened. That’s because she always takes a moment mid-class, when we’re in an open pose, to impart a bit of wisdom, not from “on high” but from her heart.

A month or so ago, Elyse suggested we consider wishing good will to anyone who annoys us. I took that instruction to heart, and I have tried to make it part of my daily life. Whether it’s a shopper who sashays through the express line with a full order or a nudge who cuts me off without a warning on the expressway, I try to control my first reactive impulse and, instead, say a silent prayer: I wish you all good things and all God’s blessings.

Sometimes it’s easy, but more often it takes several attempts before I can say the words honestly and let go of the situation. I’m still practicing, but what I have learned during this process is that great peace comes with releasing negative feelings, even when they are justified.

I wish you peace, happiness, love and prosperity in the coming year.

— Lisa Matte, editor in chief