Sweetening the Atmosphere!

"Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general sweetness of the atmosphere." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Patanjali (Father of Yoga and compiler of the Yoga Sutras) wrote 196 sutra's - which outlines the art and science of Yoga meditation for Self-Realization. Most of the sutras are dedicated to the mind and breathe - though, there is one that he wrote about Asana. We could also apply this sutra into our daily life, as well as our Yoga asana practice.

"Sthira Sukham Asanam"

What does this mean?

sthira - means steady, stable, motionless

sukham - like 'sucrose' the sweetness, comfortable, ease filled

asanam - meditation posture (ie. sitting)

In Yoga it makes sense as how this should be applied - finding a steady, stable state while within a posture, but also allowing it to be comfortable so, that you are not 'straining'.

So, how can we apply this into our daily lives?

Take a moment, to reflect about your day: how do you move through your daily life? Is it filled with pushing, pursuing, striving, dealing, juggling, rushing, stressing? Most of these activities leaving you feeling uncomfortable and filled with anxious thoughts.

So, if you found a path of 'less resistance' - a path filled with steadiness and stability - do you think you would be experiencing the sweet feeling of comfort and ease, and a mind filled with happy thoughts?

Maybe it takes a few minutes a day to meditate on what is important and what will allow for a steady path. So, life becomes less of an 'anxious-stressing-juggling-pushing-pursuing-stressful mess' but rather a more meditative and comfortable path for us to meander down.

Reflect on what is important - find that path of less resistance and apply it to your day. Wouldn't you prefer to experience the happy path and a sweetened atmosphere around you?

Namaste!

Daily Insights: Healing Your Temple

Our body is our temple, but sometimes there is a shortage of fluidity or stability in our temple that may result in illness or pain. Do you have chronic or acute pain? Are you experiencing a pain or illness that impedes your daily life and activities? Are you experiencing something in your body that is creating disharmony in your life?

Take a moment to scan your body - look into that area where you are holding that pain or illness.

Close your eyes and focus in on that area/s in your body that is holding pain, discomfort or illness - allow your mind to investigate the area - how does it feel? How does it make you feel? What color do you see when you focus into that area? What thoughts come to mind? Become fully aware of any feelings, images or colors - hold them in your mind, then slowly start to send love and light to that area, to the thoughts, the images, the color. Do this for a few minutes until these feelings, images and color begin to fade away.

Then, begin to focus on your breath - allow your breath to guide you to send love and healing to this area of discomfort, pain or illness. With the in-breath allow light to filter into the area, surround the area with with a soft-pink light of love, feel the love flowing from your heart center towards the area of pain and discomfort - allow the light to envelope the entire area. As, you exhale - see the pain release out of your body, along with any negative thought, image or color. Continue to repeat this until you feel a warm, glow of energy flowing into that area.

Then, scan the rest of your body - feel how strong and healthy your body feels - allow this strength to flow through your entire body. Take in a long deep, in-breath and affirm your ability to heal your body, and as your exhale let your body relax and rest. Take a few moments to rest after this short meditation and allow the energy to settle into your body.

Practice this for a week and take note of how your pain or discomfort feels as you continue to practice this meditation - do you find a release or discover any changes in feeling and thoughts around this area? Does a new awareness begin to unfold? Explore the journey of self-healing.

"You have it in your power to make your days on Earth a path of flowers, instead of a path of thorns.” ~ Sai Baba

Practice and breathe!

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Namasté