As a freelance writer, I often look to write articles on important topics that are making the news, things people want to read about, topics that help people grow, change, learn something new, empowering, affect change or just make someone feel something or thing in a positive way.

I write for various freelance writing sites, and one of those sites allows other writers to write content for things they too think are hot topics. I enjoy reading and perusing this site, hearing what other people have to say, so one day, during a short break from writing, I stumbled across an article written by a woman who apparently has distaste for fat people she says that obesity is an epidemic, about which I cannot argue, but she goes so far as to state that fat people are a threat to national security and should be shunned by society.

She offers no solutions to the problem, but rather only rants about how she personally feels about the obesity epidemic in America today.

So I decided to do a bit of research about obesity in America and I discovered that her numbers were accurate in what was reported and the conclusion is: obesity and overweight are increasing in America, and around the globe, and it is affecting peoples health and lives.

However, to go so far as to blame all overweight or obese people for every problem that exists in America today, to say they should be shunned, or somehow insinuate that overweight people should be outcasts is just absurd and does nothing to help fix the problem of obesity and overweight issues in America.

obesity is on the rise for numerous reasons, including but not limited to: lifestyles we work more now than before, mostly office jobs, and there is not a lot of time left over for physical activity; overeating yes, some people are overweight because they eat too much; convenience and fast foods these have more starch, sugar, salt and fat than home made prepared foods; hormones cattle and poultry are raised on steroids and hormones, which when we consume meats we consume these too, and this is relatively new; better health care yes, some diseases that used to kill us now are treatable, but obesity is a potential side effect as well as new medications that werent on the market 15 years ago that cause weight gain as a side effect; and more.

If you are truly interested in battling the bulge obesity is causing in America, I invite you all to quit pointing the finger and laying the blame and saying, Bad fat people! and actually learn about why obesity is an epidemic and what we can do about it.

Michelle L Devon is a freelance writer and editor who frequently writes on the topic of obesity, overweight issues, dieting hints and tips, and provides articles on how to lose weight. To read one of her articles about the growing trend of obesity in America and the causes for it, an in depth view to the causes of obesity in America today, please visit: http://www.accentuateservices.com/obesity.html

The eight limbs of yoga, as described by Maharishi Patanjali, in the yoga Sutras, are a system of steps toward absolute bliss or enlightenment. The first four limbs (steps) are primarily concerned with ethical guidelines, developing awareness of the energy body, and physical mastery.

The last four limbs are concerned with development of consciousness through meditation. The physical body is a capsule for the soul (Jiva). The physical body has basic functional demands, and sensory demands, for pleasure. Transcending awareness beyond the physical senses grants us peace with ourselves.

If the general population of this planet would follow ethical guidelines, and transcend their awareness beyond the physical barrier of the body, we would have world peace. Just to listen, observe, and act, guided by our empathic sense is a good start toward helping others.

When you contemplate the first two limbs of yoga (Yama and Niyama), you will notice they flow in harmony with every moral code in existence. The principles of Yama and Niyama are universal laws for mankind.

You may have noticed that ten is a common number for moral codes. The Ten Commandments are another example of ethical guidelines. With ten fingers on our two hands, it makes it easy for humans to remember. Hence, we have five Yamas and five Niyamas, for a total of ten.

Yama are restraints, but are sometimes called Thou Shall Nots by western yoga teachers. It is not enough to observe them. It is much more important to live by them in our actions, words, and thoughts.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html