Whether it’s relationships, work, politics, or life in general, we seem to be surrounded by things and people that give us stress. We wake up with it, carry it around with us, and even take it to bed. We know we’re stressed because we experience the telltale symptoms—tension headaches, nervousness, exhaustion, high blood pressure, and lowered immunity. We may try to ignore these symptoms or even cover them up with medications, but over time, this can lead to even more serious medical problems. While it’s easy to blame outside forces, the truth is that within ourselves, we have the power to control, reduce, and even eliminate the stress we feel. For over thirty-five years Meera Patricia Kerr, best-selling author and gifted Yoga instructor, has taught thousands of men, women, and children how to overcome their anxiety and experience greater physical and emotional health. In her new book, Big Yoga for Less Stress , Meera provides a complete program of movements and exercises to combat all the stressors in our lives. Part One of Big Yoga for Less Stress begins with a clear explanation of what Yoga is, what benefits it offers, and how it can be used as an effective tool to reduce stress. The book goes on to provide practical information regarding clothing, mats, and suitable environments, and to emphasize the need to begin with care and avoid initial strains and pains. Part Two offers a wealth of Yoga postures and movements, breathing techniques, and meditations specifically designed to overcome tension and anxiety. In each case, the author explains the technique, details its advantages, and offers clear instructions for its use. Easy-to-follow photographs accompany every exercise, while boxed insets provide further insights into Yoga and explore its many fascinating aspects. If you’re tired of being affected by the pressures of everyday life—and if popping pills doesn’t seem to hold the answer—perhaps it’s time to consider an alternative approach. Used by millions of people around the world, Yoga is a safe and effective way to find the calm and tranquility that is within you. Meera Patricia Kerr  began her study of Yoga in the early 1970s under Sri Swami Satchidananda. After giving birth to her two children, Meera realized that nobody had adapted traditional Yoga poses for the more curvaceous body. As a result, she developed the Big Yoga program, showing people of all shapes and sizes how to enjoy this ancient practice. Meera continues to study and teach Yoga, and is the best-selling author of Big Yoga and Big Yoga for Less Stress. When I started studying Yoga, I was always the most “well-rounded” person in the room. My Yoga teachers were, without exception, slender, graceful, soft-spoken, and flexible. I, on the other hand, was beefy, athletic, and loud. Even though I was as flexible as everyone else, it was clear I was of a different body type. Surprisingly, though, it didn't bother me! The benefits of Yoga class far exceeded any embarrassment I may have had. I was used to being different. I grew up getting criticized for being fat by my mother, who never had a weight problem, and ridiculed by my brother, who liked to call me “Fattie Pattie”--the name of a pop song from the 1950's. My father was more understanding because my body fit the template of all his relatives, who were, in the words of the day, “heavy-set.” And I, for some mysterious reason, had a certain obliviousness to the negativity around my size, even as a child. It's not that it didn't hurt to be singled out, even taunted by people of normal weight, but I always had a feeling it was their problem, not mine. What a gifted mindset. And it really was a gift, a natural grace, rather than something I had to figure out or earn for myself. I just came that way. Similarly, I never had any fear of singing or performing in public, and was the unrivaled choice for star of the kindergarten musical. I still love getting up in front of people and sharing my passions. If I didn’t, I could never have allowed myself to be photographed for this book in revealing positions and outfits! I stopped going to the gym years ago because I felt so out of place, but I still wanted to stay fit. If you, like me, are a curvy-girl or a hefty-man, you may also be looking for an exercise program that allows you to accept your body as it is right now. It is possible to be fit and fat! In fact, research shows that a healthy person of size has a better chance at longevity than a thinner person who is out of shape. Big Yoga is a fitness program that offers adaptations to traditional Yoga poses, making them accessible to all people including those challenged by weight, stiffness, age, or disabilities. The simple act of breathing and stretching with mindful awareness--which you’ll learn about later--is the key. In fact, you can even get benefits from a Yoga video simply by watching it with full attention, so imagine how great you'll feel if you actually do it! Th