Soul Fusion Yoga

Embrace the beauty and grace of the Dolphin.

2011-11-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

May we all embrace the beauty and grace of the Dolphin.

They teach us the importance of joyful play and compassion towards all others. As well, teaching us to work in harmony and attune to our environment ♥

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Daily Insights: Numbers & Their Meaning

2011-03-11T10:37:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a specific number or set of numbers keep re-appearing? As in, every time I look at the clock it's 11:11? Or, have you ever added up all your numbers in your birth date and wondered what does the number mean? Numbers like most things around us carry a vibrational energy, as well as significance and meaning in our lives. Are curious about the vibrational energy you carry with you in this life? I invite you to have some fun in discovering your vibrational energy with numerology of your birth date and name.

Discover the meaning of your Birth Date

To figure out the number simply add DAY + MONTH + YEAR = X

Example, if you were born today: March, 11, 2011

11 + 03 + 2011 = 9

What does the number 9 mean? Generally, 9 is the completion of a cycle, intellect, influence.

What is the number for your Name?

To add up the numbers for your name use this grid below:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z

Example, if your name was Anne Smith.

Anne = 1 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 16 (7)

Smith = 1 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 24 (6)

Total = 40 (4 + 0) = 4

What is the meaning of the number 4? Grounded, stable, logical and persistence.

Have some fun figuring out your number/s, below is a brief summary of what each number means:

1 - Beginning, New, Focused concentration, Goal-striving, Action, Independence, Originality, Courage, Invention, Leader, Self-reliant, Ambition, Pioneer, Will, Conscious Mind, Positive.

2 - Duality, Division, Polarity, Choice, Gestation, Cooperation, Service, Harmony, Support, Waiting, Diplomacy, Patience, Psychic, Intuition, Adaptable, Empathic, Partnership, Mediator, Comparison, Receptive, Helper, Collecting, Reproduction, Balancer of Opposites, Subconscious Memory, Positive and Negative.

3 - Trinity, Union of Divine plus Human, Manifestation, Positive, Negative and Neutral, Expression, Subconscious Mind/Imagination, Creative, Optimistic, Enthusiasm, Expressive, Charming, Humour, Fun, Attractive, Friendly.

4 - Practical, orderly, patient, logical, hard-working, loyal, builder, steadfast, frugal, responsible, earthy, planner, materially creative, green thumb, even tempered.

5 - Adventure, change, freedom, exploration, variety, sensuality, unattached, curious, experienced, periodicity, knowledge seeker, knowledge teacher, traveller, imagination, child-like, playful.

6 - Harmony, beauty, nurturing, love, marriage, family, responsibility, understanding, sympathy, healing, empathic, perfectionist, order, duty, comfort, service.

7 - Philosopher, sage, wisdom seeker, reserved, inventor, stoic, contemplative, aloof, deep-thinker, introspective, spiritual, faith, esoteric, exotic, unusual, hidden, seeking perfection, ethereal, other worldly, enigma.

8 - Achievement, abundance, executive, strength, self-disciplined, power, success, authority, psychology, entrepreneur, intensity, supervisor, provider, grandeur, material manifestor.

9 - Endings, completion, humanitarian, compassionate, romantic, selfless, generous, philanthropic, loving, wisdom, idealist, artistic, spiritual healer, all allowing, other worldly, blending.

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." ~ Robert Byrne

Enjoy.

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Happiness is About Attitude and Heart

2011-02-18T11:16:00.001-08:00

To be happy is a basic desire of our human nature. There are no wonder mixes, cures, totems, books or gurus that can make us happy. Happiness comes from within. To generate happiness in your life, you need to look at your attitude.

On a daily basis how is your attitude towards yourself and other? Are you compassionate and kind, or do you walk around with a sledge hammer thrown over your shoulder?

If we wake each day with a postive attitude and a willingness to live our lives with patience and compassion we can truly find that what our heart desires: happiness.

"It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come." ~ Dalai Lama

Happiness.

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Namasté

Daily Insights:Invite Venus to Rule Your Friday

2011-02-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Friday's are ruled by the planet Venus - which means it's time to let romance, love and compassion flow into your life today.

In Greek mythology Venus is Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Venus is feminine and rules our world of love and all desires - allowing the Venus energy to run free in your life with bring you great joy and love.

How can we introduce more of this Venus energy into our lives? Since it's Friday there is no time like the present. One of my favorite things to do on Friday's is to create a little altar for Venus - my intention is to allow love and compassion to flow freely into my life.

What you need for your altar:

1-2 Candles (preferably white, red or pink)

2 tumbled stones (1 large and 1 smaller) - if you have rose quartz that would be the best

Red, White or Pink flowers (you can sprinkle some of the petals around the candles and stones)

Anything that represents love to you such as hearts, photographs, and so on.

Light your candles with the intention to invite love, joy, beauty and compassion into your life.

If you single and seeking a partner - ask that you be guided towards the right partner or that the right partner become present in your life. If you are already in a relationship you can ask for love and compassion to embrace your relationship.

There are a few mantra's you can also say to yourself during the lighting of your candles and throughout the day.

"Om Klim Shum Shukraya Namah" - this mantra invokes the planetary deity and energizes the higher powers of Venus (the power of love, delight, contentment and fulfillment).

One last thing you can do to evoke the energy of Venus is to wear the colors of love on Friday's - red, pink and white.

Enjoy the energy of Venus. May we all be blessed with everlasting joyful love!

"The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed." ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti

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Namasté

Daily Insights: The Magic Energy of Words

2011-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced the "vibrational" power of the spoken word? Have you ever noticed how peoples words affect you energetically? Whether the words are spoken directly to you or to a group. Have you ever noticed a light of energy being released as, they speak each word and, how that light affects you physically, mentally or emotionally?

One of my most recent experiences was listening to someone read a poem from Rumi - as, the first couple of words left his mouth there was this intense release of light energy that awakened all my senses. I could feel the positive vibrations of those words lift my spirit - when you experience something like that as either for the first time or as a reminder of the power of words, it makes you heart smile!
We should all pay attention to the power within each spoken word. It is not just the words meaning that holds the power but, the vibrational energy it releases as the words are spoken.

Each sound has it's own unique magic or energy that vibrates as the word is spoken or sung. Both positive or negative words have their own unique signature of energy - each time you speak you are sending unseen vibrations of energy across to the other person or people around you.

Experiment with words, and see if you can pick up their vibrational energies. Try the following exercises to experience the magical powers within words:

1. Send out words of gratitude - such as please, thank you, it's a pleasure and so forth. See the expressions or receptivity of the other person receiving these words and how their attitude or energy changes towards you.

2. Say your prayers out aloud - allow the vibrational energy of each word be a positive force of energy in answering your prayers.

3. Fill a white or black board with positive words. Allow yourself to see these words each day. Allow these words that catch your attention - the words that catch your attention, say these out loud, and see if these words change your energy or attitude that day.

4. Use positive words as a mantra. If you are dealing with a situation use positive words to bring about calm, peace and balance by creating a powerful mantra for yourself.

5. Bless others with your words. Make it your daily ritual to show appreciation and love towards your family and friends. Tell them how much you appreciate them with kind and loving words.

Remember, what words come out your mouth will create the space of energy around you. So, be mindful of your words and the power each one holds.

"There is Some Kiss"

There is some kiss we want
with our whole lives,
the touch of Spirit on the body.

Seawater begs the pearl
to break its shell.

And the lily, how passionately
it needs some wild Darling!

At night, I open the window
and ask the moon to come
and press its face into mine.
Breathe into me.

Close the language-door,
and open the love-window.

The moon won't use the door,
only the window.

~ Rumi

Speak with love and compassion.

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Namasté

Building the Senses with Clairsentience

2011-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had an unearthing feeling when you picked up an object , or walked into a building and felt that you have been there or met someone for the first time that but, you feel that you have met them before? This is generally known as Clairsentience, an ability to sense energy from objects, places or people. The energies you feel could be smooth and light, or heavy and abrasive - it could come as a gut-wrenching feeling or a slight tingling sensation up the spine - each of us experience it in many different ways whether it is felt as heat, coolness, tingling sensations or even experienced as pain.

Today, challenge yourself to tap into your intuition. Try this simple exercise to develop your Clairsentient ability.
Ask a friend or a family member if you can "borrow" an item example their watch, something that they use frequently. All objects absorb energy from their owners. Hold the watch in your hand (which ever hand feels comfortable to you) for 1-2 minutes - close your eyes and see if you can sense any kind of energy whether it's positive or negative from the object. Just allow what ever comes into your mind guide you.

If you would like to continue developing your clairsentient abilities continue to practice this with other objects or by going to places (especially, older historic sites) and tap into the energies around you. Simply allow your senses to grow!
"Everyone has psychic abilities. It's just a matter of tapping into it." - Mettrie
Have fun!
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Namasté

Daily Insights: Let Love Be the Center of Your Life

2011-01-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

We are creature born out of the essence of love - this love vibrates at the center of every living cell within our bodies, as well in the hearts of all living things.

In this day and age - where we are surrounded by so much busy-ness, technology, noise, as well as the negative strains of illusions, destruction and ego that come from such a high-tech world. It is essential even more so now to delve deep within ourselves to allow love to blossom. To allow the essence of love to help detach ourselves from the illusions and to rather allow us to connect with the eternal and unconditional nature of love.

Open your heart to the love within yourself, allow that basic essence of love to become the substance of your life. Without love nothing would grow or flourish and life itself would cease to exist. When we choose to live from a place of love untold treasures will begin to unfold.

Experience love in all things and share the essence of your love with all living creatures.

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahlil Gibran

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Living with a Full Cup of Self-Love

2011-01-06T09:20:00.001-08:00

Self-Love defined: Loving yourself completely and unconditionally for who you are.

Self-love is not filling yourself from the outside in - by finding another person to fill full you, or by having material objects to satisfy you or by filling the void with food or drink. Self-love is filling yourself from the inside, by genuinely finding compassion and love for yourself, finding that love that nourishes you and your Soul - so, that you are self-sustained.

So, how can you begin practicing Self-Love in your life?

Everyday find time to do something for yourself - whether you give yourself a hug or find a few minutes of quiet time to reflect on yourself and your needs.
When a decision comes your way - ask yourself whether you are centered and in making a decision what is your highest and best interest - be true to yourself.
If you receive a compliment - graciously accept the compliment with gratitude and humility - enjoy the feeling of someone give you a positive affirmation about yourself.
One of the most effective Self-love exercises you can do is facing yourself in the mirror - look at yourself in the eyes and really "see yourself", then begin to tell yourself how much you "love yourself", how proud you are of yourself, keep finding positive words to tell yourself - you will begin to notice that your eyes being to sparkle and brighten. Enjoy the feeling and practice this daily!

There are many self-love exercises to experiment with, find those exercises that allow the love for yourself to grow! And, please let me know what exercises work for you, I would love to share them with others.

Enjoy and love yourself!

"Self-love is the instrument of our preservation." ~ Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)

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Namasté

Laws of Attraction

2010-12-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

Laws of Attraction:
1. Decide on what you want in life, focus on your goals.
2. Use positive affirmations daily to penetrate the subconscious mind.
3. Visualize yourself already having or doing what you want in life. Always see yourself in the positive situation.
4. Be open to allow want you want to flow into your life.
5. Always show gratitude for everything that comes your way and what you have.
What power this is I cannot say. All that I know is that it exists. ~ Alexander Graham Bell

Believe.

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Get a Dose of Happiness!

2010-10-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Do you need a dose of happiness today?

Find something that will motivate and inspire you.

Elevate your spirits today by finding that special element that will give you a dose of happiness!

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx

Daily Insight: Take a Moment!

2010-10-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

How often in the day do you take a moment just to stop and appreciate what is around you and what you have?

Take a moment today just to stop, notice and appreciate what is happening - this is a revolutionary step in your own spiritual growth.

Take the moment!

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." ~ Eckhart Tolle

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Ignite the Imagination

2010-10-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

There are many things in this world that can ignite the imagination, but one of the most effective ways to get in touch with the imagination flowing is to play with is your inner child. Allowing your inner child to come out and play will allow you to really embrace the creativity within your Soul.

Just for today… do something totally out of the ordinary.

Grab a box of wax crayons, colored pencils or felt-tip pens (For the South Africans "Koki pens"), then start drawing - let the imagination and creativity flow. Don't feel like you have to draw perfect, artistic pictures - allow the hand to just flow with your imagination, give yourself full permission to "draw outside the lines". Draw a picture of you, your family, the house, the dogs and cats, the sun and moon…. anything that comes to mind.

Do you remember when last did you did that..? Most of us would probably say when we were 5 years old!

Find that creative artist within.. and start drawing, experiment with doodles if you are struggling to get in touch with you creativity but, no matter what give it a try. Think of things that inspire your mind and Soul. After a couple of drawings you will get into the swing of it and your imagination will be on fire!

Flow with your inner creativity!

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” ~ Albert Einstein

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Harvest Moon Blessing

2010-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

If you are feeling kind of experimental or just want to flow with the lunar energy of the Harvest Moon - try out this blessing to the Harvest Moon. The energy of moon will also bring you peace and balance to your heart and Soul.

Collect the following items:

1 white candle

1 green candle

1 orange candle

An object that represents the harvest moon such as a small pumpkin, apple, etc.

Stick of incense preferably Cinnamon

Aromatherapy oil either Orange or Cinnamon

A sprig of fresh herb such as lavender or rosemary or even a cinnamon stick

Once you have gathered all the candles, pumpkins/apples, oils and herbs together - create a sacred space where you can layout all the items and burn the candles and incense safely.

Before you begin take a cleansing bath - you can add 2-drops of the aromatherapy oils to the bath - if you do add the oils to your bath - be sure to take some long, deep inhalations of the aroma from the oils to ignite your senses.

After the bath, light the incense and candles. If you would like you can say a little prayer for protection and to invite in the Goddess moon energy to bless your life with love and compassion.

Now begin the invocation to the Harvest Moon:

I call upon the guardians of the North, East, South and West to come to me.

Earth, life giving Mother Earth

I bless you for all your life giving fruitfulness.

Bless me with your Divine Presence.

Air, our life force

I bless every breath you give me and the inspiration of the Goddess.

Be here with me.

Fire, by your passion and energy

I light the flame and spark the power within me.

Water, the essence that flows through my veins and nourishes my Soul.

I bless you for the fluidity you bring to my life and the power of your emotions,

May I continue to be strong and humble.

Goddess Moon, I thank you for the passing of another cycle.

I thank the Summer for it's warmth and the beauty that Mother Earth offers as she blooms.

As Autumn arrives and new cycles begin, I thank you for the bountiful harvest that Mother Earth gifts to us.

By the power of the Elements and the Goddess energy,

I thank you for these blessings.

I thank each of the Elemental Guardians and the Goddess for their presence.

The circle is open but not broken.

So mote it be!

You can continue to burn the candles and incense throughout the evening - allow yourself to bask is the glowing amber light of the candles and to soak in the aroma of the incense and oils.

Do remember, to take a peek at the moon tonight as you will not see another Harvest Moon until 2029 ;)

May we all be blessed with fruitfulness and abundance.

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Namasté

Daily Insights: True Friendship!

2010-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

True friends are a blessings - they are gems that find a little place in your heart! It does not matter when you last you saw them, or how often you speak to them - they will always be a true friend.

A true friend is someone that brings you happiness. There is a feeling of shared interconnectedness. A true friend is a helper, they will protect us, and bring us refuge when we are afraid. They are also someone that is constant in our time of happiness and in our times of sadness. They will keep our secrets safe, as well as be completely open and honest to us.

There is no way to measure a friendship, nor should it be necessary to measure a friendship - if you feel the desire to grab the ruler, scale or measuring tape to measure any friendship - then, you should possibly consider that it not a friendship but, rather an obsession.

True friendship is not based on the amount of time spent together, nor the amount of conversations you have in a day, week or year.

True friendships do not have an expiry date. It does not matter whether 10-years have past and not a word has been mutter.

In a true friendship there should be no expectations nor demands. Only total understanding.

To know how to be a true friend - is knowing how to be a friend to yourself and as well as to others.

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful, a meaningful friend, or a meaningful day." ~ Dalai Lama

To all my true friends!

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Soul Smudging!

2010-09-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

Have you ever used a lint roller? Only after a few passes over your clothes, and you pick up small to large pieces of debris. Well, our energy fields are just like lint rollers - whenever you go venture outside of your sacred space - you immediately being to pick up energetic debris that can leave us feeling a little unbalanced. Smudging is a great way to clear your energy fields or space from this debris.

What is smudging?

Traditionally smudging was practiced by Shamans using a bundle of smoldering dried herbs (typically sage) - the smoke from the smoldering herbs is used to clear the space or persons aura.

How to Smudge:

1. Create a safe place - open a windows or do it in your garden.

2. Set an intention and say a pray for protection.

3. Light a candle.

4. Then light the bundle of dried herbs (you can combine other herbs into the sage, such as lavender, rosemary, cedar) - let it burn for just a few seconds before blowing out the flame.

5. Hold the smoldering bundle in one hand, and with the other hand wave the smoke over yourself.

6. When you have completed smudging your entire aura/space - safely dispose of the herbs and blow out the candle. Then seal the ritual with a closing prayer of protection.

Take note of how you feel before you begin the smudging practice and then, how you feel after.

It is recommended to practice smudging regularly and most definitely when you feel that your energy is drained or you are experiencing something that seems unusual for your character.

“May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God's blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you may your heart be strong. May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.” ~ Irish blessing

Smudge with care!

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Namasté

Sweetening the Atmosphere!

2010-08-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-08-03T11:05:00.001-07:00

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

Learning the Law of Abundance

2010-07-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that you live in a world filled with love, joy, creativity, compassion and goodwill? Hopefully, your answer is yes! We are indeed surrounded by the energy of all these things, it fills both the space within us and well as around us. This is the Law of Abundance - all these things are equally available to us all.

Aligning ourselves with the Law of Abundance will allow us to become one with it's energy - the only limiting factor is yourself - your mindset! If you free yourself of limiting thoughts and beliefs you will be free to enjoy abundance on all levels.

Abundance is not only material or monetary items - it is love, joy, happiness, peace, compassion and much more!

So, how do you align yourself with the the Law of Abundance?

Identify areas in your life where abundance already flows - such as a happy relationship, or the joy you feel with you dance, sing, paint, garden, etc.? Something that you love doing - that just flows freely and easily in your life.

Once, you have identified this in your life - note how easy it is to receive and experience the joy of receiving abundance in this area. There are no restrictions, no limitations - it just flows. Tune into this feeling and allow it to expand into other areas in your life.

Practice releasing the need to grasp - the old chinese proverb "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was." - this proverb highlights the importance of letting go verse continually pushing to getting something. The harder you push the further away it seems to flutter!

Allow your mind to focus on the positive attributes in your life, rather than trying to control or manipulate things that you do not have - as soon, as we let go we feel an immediate sense of relief. As soon as we experience releasing things, everything begins to flow more easily. Example: when you are in love and enjoying a positive and healthy relationship, everything seems to just fall in place.

Once, you feel that you are able to identify the feelings where your life allows abundance to flow and practice releasing the need to grasp - allow yourself to practice receiving with gratitude.

Choose an area of your life that you would like to practice receiving - possibly chooses something that is easy. Then release the need grasp at it, find the joy of allowing the energy to flow freely - do not set expectations or limitations. Just allow your mind to visualize the joy of receiving. Once the energy of abundance starts to flow - give gratitude to yourself and the Universe.

"In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself." - Krishnamurti

Enjoy.

Leaving Work at Work!

2010-07-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

How many of us come home after work, and bring the stress or worries of work into your home? There is a reason why we only work for a certain amount of hours a day, then come home to relax before the next day. So, why not enjoy the time you have to recuperate and relax by yourself or with your family?

For the next week, when you come home - leave work at work! Once you walk out the building - leave that energy there it will be waiting for you when you arrive back the next day. And, maybe if you really take the time to enjoy your home and family, you will come back to work feeling more energized and willing to tackle those challenges.

When you get home - take time to eat, have a cup of tea, read a book, relax, spend time with you family and go to bed early - remember, the old adage "early to bed, early to rise - makes a man (or woman) healthy, wealthy and wise."

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddhist Quote

Enjoy and relax.

Selfless vs. Selfish

2010-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a quote from the great Dalai Lama - "It’s very important not to misunderstand what is meant by the idea of overcoming our self-cherishing attitudes. We are not saying that a spiritual practitioner should completely ignore or abandon the goal of self-fulfillment, rather we are advising him or her to overcome that small-minded selfishness that makes us oblivious to the wellbeing of others and to the impact our actions can have on them."

If you have ever read translations of some ancient scripture or book on spirituality - they talk about being selfless and possibly show a picture of a Swami living in a small tent, and wrapped in cloth. And, you immediately think to become more spiritual is to give up everything and live off the love and compassion of mother earth.

Well, that may be true -- that maybe the right path for some of us. But, there is a possibility that you do not have to give up everything, there is a slight chance that you will still be able to enjoy your life with some of your comforts. This selfless path is to enjoy those comforts in a modest way, instead of succumbing to the selfish path of having having more makes me better, or having the best and newest material possessions makes me more powerful.

So, we can still enjoy our clean home and comfortable bed - but, to enjoy it modestly and know that "having more, or having the best" is not important -- is that I could live without any of that if that time came to give it up. What is the most important part of developing and nurturing your spiritual growth is to live a life without being selfish.

Now, ask yourself the question - how can I be less selfish?

Practicing "The Yamas" (the way of "right living" or ethical rules) will assist us in living a selfless life :

Non-violence (abhimsa) - this covers not only physical violence, but also mental and emotional violence. Clear your mind of negative thoughts to yourself and others. Instead, of hoping someone to not succeed in their job, rather wish them well.
Non-stealing (astray) - covers many areas, applied to our modern day lives think of things such as time, objects, energy, etc. So, don't be late when meeting a friend for coffee or don't take the extra 5 minutes break at work.
Moderation (bramacharya) - anything we do in life should be done in moderation. Do you over-work, how much time do you spend with your family? Do you over-exercise? Over-indulge in food or drink? Find the right balance in your life.
Non-Possessiveness or Non-attachment (aparagraha) - how attached are you to your possessions? Or, how attached are you to the idea of being the most powerful person in your business arena? If you are able to let go of your possessions or of an idea, it will open up more room within your life and your heart for new experiences - maybe, that experience is living a life free of stress and worry, being more peaceful within.

I have only presented 4 of "The Yamas" - as, Swami Sri Kripalvanandaji said: "Practice the yamas and niyamas ... When you pick one petal from the garland of yamas and niyamas the entire garland will follow."

Live your life selflessly.

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Rise Up and Touch the Sky

2010-07-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

What is your morning ritual? Falling out of bed and sleep-walking yourself to the basin? Jumping out of bed and running straight to the coffee machine? Or does the screech of the alarm clock yank you out of your deep slumber? Then, for the rest of the day you zombie-walk through work or your regular routine feeling un-energized and un-motivated while counting the seconds till your head will hit the pillow again?

If this sounds like your typical morning ritual followed by a "groggy day" - maybe it's time to try something a little different? Something that will ease you into your day, awaken you from your soles to your crown, and hopefully add that extra bounce in your step throughout the day.

Once you have taken a few moments to orient yourself from your deep slumber - take a few moments to take in some deep breathes - each breath should act as a cleansing breath to revitalize the body from the core.

Now, that you are awake - it's time to reach for the sky and flow through some easy Sun Salutations, follow this easy routine:

Inhale - raise your arms towards the sky - allow yourself to stretch up and create length throughout your entire body.
Exhale - fold-forward, bringing your hands towards the floor - do not force it allow your body to ease into the flow, with each salutation your body and muscles will being to warm up and move deeper.
Inhale - move your right leg backward, keep your hands resting on the floor and lift your head and heart towards the sky - pause for a moment to finish your breath.
Move your left leg back, keeping your arms straight as if you were going to do a push-up.
Exhale - as you slowly lower yourself towards the ground.
Inhale - raise your head and expand your heart and gently arch your back (cobra or upward facing dog), your hips can rest on the ground.
Exhale - as you raise your hips towards the sky - creating a pyramid shape with your body (Downward facing dog), let your head hang towards the earth. Take a few breathes in Downward facing dog.
Inhale - as you step your right foot forward, again raise your head and heart toward the sky. Exhale as you step your left leg forward beside your right leg. Let your body fold forward and keep your hands resting on the floor or on your shins. Let your head hang as you bring your forehead towards your knees.
Inhale - as your rise up lifting your arms towards the sky - stretching through your arms and legs to create length in your body.
Exhale - as you bring your hands down towards your heart center.

Repeat 6-10 times alternating your legs.

Try do this each morning for a week - take note of your energy levels. In Ayurvedic medicine Sun Salutations are recommended for lifting ones energy.

Rise up. Enjoy boundless energy!

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” ~ B.K.S Iyengar

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Namasté

Daily Insights: What's Your Daily Mantra?

2010-07-07T12:36:00.001-07:00

Do you have a daily mantra? Something you repeat to yourself daily - something that makes you feel confident and positive? A mantra does not necessarily have to be a sanskrit mantra, it could be a positive affirmation, a quote or even a positive word.

The importance of the mantra is that it is positive and it encourages a peaceful and happy attitude within yourself. If you have not chosen a daily mantra - take a moment to think about what positive emotion and attitude you want in your life.

Example: If you want to be happy - try "Everyday in every way, I am happier and happier!" or, if you are working on opening yourself up to spiritual energy and enlightenment you could repeat "Om" - it is a very powerful mantra, the root of all mantra.

Make the Most of Your Mantra

Repeat it will feeling either out aloud or silently to yourself.
Write your mantra on sticky notes and paste them all over the place - next to your bed, in the book you are reading, in the refrigerator, at the front door.
If your daily work requires that you sit at a computer - change the screensaver or desktop to reflect your daily mantra.
Repetition is key.

“The mantra becomes one's staff of life and carries one through every ordeal. Each repetition has a new meaning, carrying you nearer and nearer to God.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Mercury... The Messenger of the Gods

2010-06-23T20:06:00.001-07:00

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury, the great messenger of the Gods... Invoke the emery of Mercury with this mantra... "Om Aim Bum Budhaya Namah"

Daily Insights: Time to Sleep!

2010-06-18T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we fall into patterns of not been able to sleep - either not been able to fall asleep or waking up in the middle of the night or early morning.

If you are having problems sleeping it could be related to stress, not been able to turn your mind off.

Try this little exercise tonight…

Get into bed, make yourself comfortable - bend your knees and close your eyes. Imagine you are lying on a warm beach.. you can feel the warm, soft beach sand beneath you.. feel the warm sun warming your entire body… you can hear the gentle sounds of the ocean waves… allow your breath to match the slow, rhythm of the ocean waves… with each breath you feel more and more relaxed, your muscles from head to toe.. slowly start to relax and let you with each breath you take.. with each breath you feel any stress, anxiety float away from your body.. allow yourself to drift off on the sounds of the ocean waves.. the sound of your breath.

Sleep is vital - it is important for your health both mental and physical.

Some reasons why, you need to ensure you get enough sleep:

Memory - sleep helps the brain recharge and consolidate new information into your memory.
Weight - sleep deprivation can alter your hormone levels, affecting your ability to process and store carbohydrates.
Mood - lack of sleep can lead to irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate.
Immunity - lack of sleep can affect the immune system.

Eat when you're hungry. Drink when you're thirsty. Sleep when you're tired. ~ Buddhist

Have fun sleeping!

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Open Your Heart!

2010-06-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." ~ Rumi

At some point in our lives we may have experienced some kind of pain or abandonment from a loved one - it is our natural tendency to protect ourselves and our heart after experiencing any form of hurt.

We put up barriers that close off our heart centers, which blocks our ability to receive and give love openly and unconditionally. A typical "symptom" of someone that has closed off their heart center, is someone that is desperately looking for a loving relationship.

So, how can we open our heart center and allow ourselves to feel confident in our hearts?

There are a few simple ways to open your heart, and allow the creative energy to flow from our hearts towards ourselves and others:

Daily affirmations can build strength and trust around our heart.
Acknowledging and releasing the emotional memories so, that you may heal your heart - this can be done through writing, meditation and visualization.

Along with these "self-help" heart-opening exercises, we can also open our hearts through movement.

There are specific Yoga asanas that open the heart on a physical and energetic level.

Try this short Yoga practice at home:

Find a quiet space - start by sitting in an easy seated position and bring your hands into Anjali mudra (hands to heart center) - close your eyes and set your intention to open your heart.
Then, come to lying on the floor and bring yourself into Matsyasana (Fish pose) - laying flat on the floor take in a deep inhale, press your forearms into the floor, draw your shoulders under and lift your upper torso and head away from the floor, then gently release the crown of the head to the floor (there should be very little weight on the head). Your legs can be bent or straight, if they are straight keep your legs active. (You can modify by bringing a yoga block under the chest area/between the scapula).
Stay in this position up to 30 seconds or longer. Breathe freely allowing your heart to open - visualize your heart chakra opening, releasing old emotions and healing it with a brilliant pink and green light.
When you feel that you have been in the pose long enough, take in a deep inhalation filling your lungs with love and light.. and then, exhale as you lower your torso and head to the floor. Then, draw the knees into the chest and give yourself a big hug!

Other Yoga asanas that open the heart: Ustrasana (camel), Dhanurasana (bow), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel).

Fish Pose, Ustrasana (camel).

Remember, to practice safely and within your limits.

Trust and follow your open heart.

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Let's Take a Moment to Breathe

2010-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Take a moment away from whatever you are doing - remove your hands from the keyboard, release your white-knuckle grip off the mouse and push yourself back from the table. And, take a brief moment to take in a long, deep in-breathe and then exhale.

How was that in-breathe? Did you gasp air as if you were taking in your last breathe of life OR did you slowly sip in the air, as if you were enjoying a delicious, velvety, decadent drink?

Let's try that again.. take in a long, SLOW mindful in-breathe - fill your lungs with air. Feel your lungs expand until you can't take in any more air and then for a brief moment - PAUSE. Then, start a slow, gentle exhale - allowing yourself release and let go. Take in another 10 or so slow, deep breathes before you get back to work.

Most days we are on automatic - we never think about how we breathe. Most often we breathe very shallow, not filling our lungs and allowing the breathe to permeate through our entire body.

Try this exercise for a week, take a couple of minutes each day to breathe - long, slow deep breathes. Be mindful of your body and how it reacts to this practice of breathing. Try it a different times of the day, or when you are feeling tired or feeling stressed.

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Connect and breathe.

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Born with a Flame of Compassion in Our Hearts!

2010-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come across that certain-type of person that when they speak you are in awe of their words! Your breathe is rushed away by the pure power, compassion, love and gratitude in their voice and words?

These people know how to be truly compassionate and speak from the heart - their words are light with truth that make your heart swell with love and your eyes fill with tears. These people are truly enlightened and know how to share the light of compassion with others.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama

I believe that all humanity has that ability - it is one of our basic instincts to care for others and to feel compassion for each other.

Living in a world where we are constantly rushing and our minds are polluted by the media we just tend to loose contact with that innate ability within. We need to slow down, and take time to turn within - to seek the true beauty of our human nature and Soul - we too can live a life filled with love and compassion in our hearts.

Take some time to practice things that allow our compassionate nature to unfold - allow some time during your day to meditate and take in some deep, mindful breathes. Practice things that allow yourself to be present and cultivate compassion - the practice of Yoga and energetic healing both open the energy channels and lift a persons vibrational level to be more aware and mindful.

Find your light. Be compassionate.

With Love and Light.

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Namasté

Daily Insight: 1-Goal 1-Day

2010-05-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

We can do anything we put our minds too! Last night, I made a conscious decision that I needed to email President Obama - I wanted to tell him to step up to help stop the oil spill and clean up this tragedic event that is killing thousands of animals and ruining the eco-system. This morning I can say "mission accomplished"!

I challenge you today - to set a goal that you can accomplish in 1-day. Make a "conscious effort" to make a difference in your life or a positive impact that will affect those around you.

Get a piece of paper - write down what you want to accomplish (something feasible that you can accomplish within 1-day) and then, set forth with the "right attitude" to get this done.

All it takes is a little bit of genuine "will power" and some "action" behind the words.

Inspired by the great people around me, that constantly remind me that we can make a difference within ourselves and in the world.

It is not enough simply to wish that love and compassion should increase in us. We need to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us – and the key here is constant familiarity. The nature of human thoughts and emotions is such that the more you engage in them, the more you consciously develop them, the more powerful they become. ~ Dalai Lama

Have fun and make life happen!
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Namasté

Daily Insights: Yama Satya - The Truth

2010-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Telling the truth brings us freedom - freedom of baggage, freedom of stress, freedom of constantly wondering what was the last thing you said. Telling the truth frees us of the heaviness of covering up something. Do you not wonder if it would have been easier to have been truthful from the start?

Allow yourself to free your mind and soul - connect with the courage within yourself to be truthful. Telling the truth not only sets us free, but allows us to become fearless.

To observe the Truth or Satya*. Ask yourself 3 simple questions:

1. Is it true?

2. Is it necessary?

3. Is it non-harming?

One thing to bear in mind when being truthful is that telling the truth does not create harm (the practice of Ahmisa**) to another person. If the truth is harmful then, we should rather observe silence, but remember do not cover up the truth in anyway - even little "white lies" will tarnish us and our truth.

To discover our own truth and openness within, is to find the connection through the body, mind and breath. There are many ways to go within to shed the layers and to discover the truth within - yoga, meditation, cleansing the body, mind and soul will set us free to discover a new path of being truthful to self and others.

Find the time to go within to discover your truth - as you do this allow yourself to release old negative patterns.

The journey to find our own truth can sometimes be difficult - so, we should approach our journey with compassion and understanding - each time we remove an old negative layer we make room for new positive energy within ourselves.

Allow your heart to shine, and practice the art of being truthful.

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” ~ Galileo Galilei

*Satya: Sutra 2.36 As truthfulness (satya) is achieved, the fruits of actions naturally result according to the will of the Yogi. (satya pratisthayam kriya phala ashrayatvam).

** Ahimsa: Sutra 2.35 As a Yogi becomes firmly grounded in non-injury (ahimsa), other people who come near will naturally lose any feelings of hostility.

(ahimsa pratishthayam tat vaira-tyagah)

With Love and Truth.

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Yes, wish! But, be careful what you wish for!

2010-05-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Are you living the life you dreamed of? Do you remember when you were a kid and had all those big aspirations to conquer the world, have that faerie tale wedding or travel around the globe? Are you living that dream? Or did you let it slip away? Or are you still working at achieving that goal?

For myself, I have come to the realization that I am living the life I wished for - the life that I would dream of as a kid - I know my life is moving in the direction of realizing all my dreams.

When I reflect back at the early stages of my own spiritual development and awareness - I "knew" then, that if you "believe" in something 10-fold and have unwavering "faith" that whatever you were wishing for will manifest..!

Somewhere between there and now.. it happened! Maybe it is a lifelong approach - of "professing" my life dreams as an affirmation, or the constant hum-drum of myself "repeating" what I wanted in my life. The recipe for manifest takes a large dose of "believing"in the "dreams" plus, a heap of "practicing faith" in knowing that you will manifest your dreams.

One thought comes to mind - does it ONLY work for "dreams and aspirations" that are meant for the "goodness of your life..?" and"That which will truly enrich your life..?" OR does it work for "all and anything"? Meaning, even if it could lead to potential unhappiness?

Example:

"I wish to have $10 million in the bank next year!" (My affirmation to manifest the "dream"!)

BUT, "what-if" - I do get my $10 million but, I am lonely, unhappy, sick, or stuck in jail? Who knows that could happen, right?

So, one question remains unanswered?

And, that is... does it work for all "dreams and aspirations"?

OR, does it only work for those "dreams and aspirations" that are "truly good" ones that "enlighten" you - those dreams that fill your Soul with love and happiness?

But, without a doubt in this world - I would say you have the ability to manifest your dreams! As long as you practice....

believing, having faith, visualizing, re-affirming, drawing, painting, writing, preaching to yourself and other..!

All these techniques do work!

So, whatever your "dreams" or "aspirations" are... Give it a try - work towards bringing them to fruition through positive thought and actions.

But, remember that old adage - be careful what you wish for.. ;)

"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." ~ Steven D. Woodhull

5-Things: "On How to Manifest a Dream":

Profess [ ie. re-affirm your affirmation ]
Repeat [constantly repeat your affirmation ]
Believe [you need to constantly believe that it will be the outcome you desire ]
Dream [ day-dreaming another effective technique also, known as visualization ]
Practice Faith [1.Practice - repetition of the same thing, definitely improves performance 2. Faith - that what you wish for will be the outcome - constant and unwavering faith, a necessity ]

Have fun! And, make it happen!

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Namasté

Daily Insights: Seeking Kind with Kind - Acknowledging the Lesson

2010-05-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

At times in our life we are confronted with challenging situations - big or small. No matter what they come across as a challenge - as we are confronted with these challenges, we should step back and look at it from a 3rd Persons perspective - from that vantage point we maybe able to clearly assess what is the lesson we are learning in this challenge.

Finding the lesson is the important part of the challenge, as we learn and acknowledge the lesson we will grow - becoming stronger and wiser individuals.

So, take a step back - in a non-judging manner : and peer closely as you may see the clear lesson. Once you are able to clearly define the lessons, and move forward. You will begin to heal faster from the present challenge as well as handle the next challenge even smoother.

The key is not to ever panic, stay calm and collected - we are all presented with challenges that we can handle either individually or collectively. It's once we feel that "we have lost control", or start to panic things become unwieldy.. and can fly amok! But, if you "stay in control" and remain positive and calm - you learn the lesson much easier and are able to allow it to pass without having to go through the traumatic feelings of chaos and panic.

So look deep, look within and become aware.

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him. ~ Buddha

With Love and Support.

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Positively Projected Incantations

2010-05-06T10:24:00.001-07:00

The incantation of positive words - I am sure most of us have read Shakespeare's MacBeth and heard the witches chanting "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble".

I think the witches had something going when they would chant their words when casting spells -- as, they chanted they would lift their energies to such powerful heights - that no matter what they would solidly believe that a spell was cast upon an object or person -- the projection of their words and their minds would eventually lead to some sort of manifestation, because of the focused intention of their words.

In modern days, and whether or not you believe in the hocus-pocus of magic - we all have the ability to positively project our words and intentions to allow changes around us to unfold.

Just for Today.. fill your vocabulary with positively charged words - so, that you too can chant your way into a positive mood, or create a positive outcome or experience by changing the energy around you!

Here are some words that you can add to your vocabulary for today:

Absolutely, abundance, admirable, adore, approve, appealing, award, beautiful, breezy, breakthrough, brilliant, charming, clear, colo(u)rful, complliment, confidence, deluxe, desirable, delicious, delightful, dynamic, ecstatic, effervescent, energy, enhance, enjoy, enticing, finesse, flattering, free, fun, fresh, galore, genius, goodness, glorious, gorgeous, happy, healthy, heavenly, ideal, impressive, invigorating, invincible, joy, juicy, keen, kind, kissable, legend, leisure, light, love, luxurious, magic, magnificent, memorable, natural, nutritious, opulent, outstanding, paradise, perfect, pearl, pleasure, precious, pride, quality, quenching, real, radiant, relax, rich, royal, satisfaction, sensational, serene, sexy, sizzling, stylish, tempting, tingle, treat, trust, trendy, ultra, ultimate, value, victory, vigorous, warm, wealth, winner, wise, wonderful, youthful, young, zest, zeal, zip!

You can also add in some sounds… like Mmmmm! Yuuuuuuhhhuuu!!

"Live well, Learn plenty, Laugh often, Love much." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have fun… and chant your way to new heights of positivity!

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Namasté

Daily Insight: What's Your Animal?

2010-05-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had that experience where you continue to see a specific type of animal over and over again? It appears on the side of the road, on the TV, on a t-shirt - where ever you look you see some kind of resemblance to that animal. Have you ever stopped to wonder why?

What is an animal totem or animal guide?

It is an animal that a person spiritually identifies with - they could come in as temporary helpers to help us through particular lessons or life challenges, or they can remain with us throughout our lives. No matter what they are here to protect and guide us on our life path.

How do you meet your animal totem or guide?

The best way is through meditation. (Email me if you are interested in experiencing a guided meditation to meet your animal guide.)
What resonates with you - what kind of animal, bird or insect do you feel most drawn to?
If you visit a park or zoo - what animals are you most interested in seeing?
What animals do you mostly see when you go into nature?
Is there a recurring animal in your dreams?
Have there been animals that have played a meaningful part in your life?
What animal do you relate to the best?
Is there an animal that you are most intrigued by?

Keep a journal of animals that come into your life - your animal totem or guide will make themselves present to you at anytime. Remain aware and open for them to enter into your life. You can learn a lot about their significance by studying what type of animal they are, their habits and their characteristics.

“Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” ~ Mary Bly

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Trusting in the Signs

2010-04-30T11:42:00.001-07:00

Is there something out there that reminds you to keep having faith?

At times, you may feel your faith in your life path starts to waiver, or the feeling that the thing you have been working so hard to achieve is not going to happen?

But, somewhere.. somehow.. a little message comes through from the Universe that reminds you - YES! the Universe is watching over you. And, that you need to keep on having faith and trust in the Universes 'master plan'!

Signs can come in all shapes and sizes - sometimes, they can have significant meaning specifically to you or to a group of people. The "sign" is something that positively impacts your mind and emotions - it fires up that feeling of faith within and makes you smile inwardly and outwardly!

Make a conscious note of these signs, and look out for them. And, remember to keep fueling your fire of faith that you too may live your dreams as you have intended them to be!

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." ~ Helen Keller

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Where's My Silly?

2010-04-28T13:15:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had the inkling to do something preposterous? Something out of the ordinary, that you know.. people would wonder where you escaped from? Maybe when they know the truth it will be that you escaped the programming of having to be "serious"! Most of us are so programmed to be serious adults that we have forgotten that we too are allowed to be silly, and that feeling.... of being silly is so, free'ing!

Just the thought of giving yourself permission to do something silly could be enough to allow your "serious" character take a break - allowing yourself to be silly once in a while is almost a necessity to reset ourselves and allow a new shift to take place.

For a moment - just invite your mind to think of doing something silly. How does your body react.. I feel a tingling sensation of butterflies in my tum! What do you feel?

Allow the magic of your imagination to be free'ed - choose one thing for today and let the silliness of your inner child reign free - maybe for a few moments, an hour or the whole day BUT, remember to enjoy and soak up the feeling. And, if someone notices you being silly - give them a friendly smile - that may invite them to discover their own silliness.

Give yourself the freedom to just enjoy! A silly little exercise just to relax your mind and the body will follow. :)

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” ~ Buddha

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Seek Out Your Gratitude

2010-04-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Find something to be grateful for today! It does not have to be something of huge, glorious proportions it can be the smallest of things - like a smile from a stranger, the luckily penny you found.

Anything and everything in our lives we should be grateful for but, we tend to forget to show gratitude and take a lot of what we have to granted. An easy way to teach yourself to remember that we should show gratitude is to seek out something each day to say a pray of gratitude for it.

In every life experience no matter whether it was something that brought great joy or sadness, there is a lesson to be learnt. Seek out the lesson and be grateful - as each lesson is something that will help mould your future.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

So, go ahead.. seek out your gratitude.. be grateful - practice this each and every day until it becomes a natural process.

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~ Brian Tracy

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Namasté

Daily Insight: Hello, has anyone seen my happiness?

2010-04-23T10:50:00.001-07:00

Are you constantly searching for your happiness? You keep looking.. everywhere, under the sofa, in the pot plants, maybe in the next town or city, in the new friend/s, maybe the next boyfriend or girlfriend? Oh, where can it be?

The harder you look, the more it seems to evade you..! You scratch your head.. and wonder where is my happiness? Why can't I find it? Here is the simple answer to all those questions - IT'S NOT THERE OR WHERE YOU ARE LOOKING! It is in YOU! You will never find it in all those places you are looking because you have to go WITHIN.

The key to finding and understanding happiness is that you need to remember, happiness is a CHOICE!

So, how do you make that choice and bring the happiness that is hidden within you out?

You can do all, or just a few - remember, practice makes perfect:

Live in the present moment. The future will come sure enough, but you do not have to live there - enjoy the present moment for what it has to offer.
Connect with positive people - cultivate positive and supportive relationships.
Take time to exercise and meditate - try Yoga as it builds a positive mental, emotional and spiritual connection with the body.
Focus on the good things in life and cut down on negativity in your daily life - surround yourself with positive people, stop watching the news and replace the repetitive negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Simplify your life - do things you love (including work) and eliminate the things that create stress.
Learn to accept that you can not change the world, but you can change yourself.
Learn to appreciate what you have in your life - show gratitude for all the positive things you have in your life.
Help others - lend a helping hand to a stranger to a friend. It's pretty simple.

Now for the fun stuff:

Do something silly today! This is my favorite - eat a mango naked ;)
Plan fun things for your future.
Smile at a stranger.
If you have kids or pets take some time to REALLY play with them - connect with your inner child.
Write a bunch of fun words on post-it notes, and stick the notes up in places you will always see them - like inside the fridge, on your pets food container, in your make-up bag, on the dash of your car, in your wallet!

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” ~ Herman Cain

Have fun and embrace your happiness!

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Namasté

Daily Meditation: It's All In Your Vibration

2010-04-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Make the choice to lift your vibrational energy - as, you begin to move forward on a spiritual path you will find your life changing positively before you - it is a choice to live life fully and compassionately.

As both humanity and our planet evolve - it is our duty to lift our vibrational energy. In doing so, you will positively impact those around you and your environment.

Have you ever thought - "How could I create 'world peace'?" - the answer is not simple but, one way to assist in that endeavor is to lift your vibrational energy.

As we each lift our own vibrational energy, it will start to positively impact those around you. We should all come to the same realization that peace is the one thing that will allow humanity survive as well, as start the healing process for both humanity and for the planet.

Do something today that will lift your vibrational energy - here are a few easy to do things that will assist in lifting your vibration:

Give something willfully and unconditionally - without thinking "what do I get back?" (it does not have to be monetary, it can be anything: service, a good word, helping someone with their shopping bags).
Listen to uplifting music or recite a mantra (ex: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti) - sounds help to ignite your Soul, and clear your energy pathways.
Focus on love - send out love and compassion to those around you and to those in need, allow love to emanate from you.
Take a walk in nature and breathe in the fresh air - allowing the air to clear your mind and body, allow your body and mind to take in the beauty of natural both visually and energetically.
Take a yoga or meditation class - focus on allowing the energy to move through your being.
De-clutter your life - clean up your desk, home or bedroom. Clutter makes our energy become stodgy, de-cluttering will allow the energy to flow freely.
Exude positivity - imagine that you have accomplished your goals, and are living life they way you have always imagined it to be.
Go for a massage or healing work - allow yourself to relax and let go, soak in the healing energies to heal yourself.
Light aromatherapy candles - allow the essence to clear your mind and space.

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. ~ Buddha

Daily Meditation: Chit-chatter of the brain matter!

2010-04-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Is your mind constantly being bombarded by mind chatter? Do you want to create some some quite time in your mind.

How do you quieten your mind of the constant thoughts going around and around like a merry-go-round at the county fair? Creating that quiet space will allow your subconscious to communicate clearer, more important messages - less mental noise will lead you to become happier and more productive.

One simple way is to find time to meditate - but, sometimes that is not always accessible to us during our busy work day.

Some simple techniques to help quieten your mind:

Consciously observe your words - cleanse your mind of unnecessary thoughts - clear your mind of all the gossip around you, as gossip generates a negative space.
When you do speak - say what you mean, and mean what you say - give your words weight. Stand up and be truthful to yourself and others. That way you can eliminate any kind of worry from your mind, from words you have spoken.
Protect the space of your mind, by being conscious of the thoughts you allow inside - these are your own words, thoughts and intentions.
Do some "mental-housecleaning" - do not say things to yourself, that you would not repeat to others. Self-criticism is something that is generally high on the totem pole. Negative self-talk only creates low self-esteem and anxiety. Do some 'mental house-cleaning' by replacing those negative thoughts with positive affirmations.

Remember, words carry energy whether spoken or held within. Every word thought or projected will influence us on an energetic level. If you were to constantly bombard a plant with negative energy - that poor plant will eventually begin to whither and die but, if you spoke kind and peaceful words to that plant it will begin to thrive and grow.

Start creating a positive space within your mind - so, that you can switch off the negative chit-chatter of the brain. And, rather nourish your mind with positive words of encouragement.

“To have a quiet mind is to possess one's mind wholly; to have a calm spirit is to possess one's self.” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

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Namasté

Daily Meditation: Living Life Freely, Follow Your Heart

2010-04-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Is there something your heart is telling you to do? Do you have a dream and know that if you follow that path you will find peace and balance in your life? Do you want to live your life freely, by following your heart?

Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome. Since the present moment is Life itself, it is an insane way to live. ~ Eckhart Tolle

Do you want to take control of your life, and follow you heart?

Follow these simple steps:

Own your own power - by doing what you want to do, and not what others think you should do. Listen to your heart, don't listen to others "opinions" unless they are positive and supportive.
Listen to your conscience - by following your heart, you should also be doing what is right - use non-judgment, non-voilence, peace and compassion to help you along your path.
Do not pay attention to negativity or criticism.
Do not be afraid to be an individual - to stand out of the crowd. Not everyone has to follow the same path. Remember, all those great Souls that have been successful by following their own drumbeat.
Stand up for yourself - believe in yourself. Own your own truth, and go forth with confidence.

May we all follow our hearts with peace and compassion.

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Namasté

Daily Meditation: Creating Peace in Your LIfe

2010-04-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Peace is always possible and available to each of us - it requires some strength and practice to cultivate especially during hard times. But, it is always possible!

To practice peace - is to make the feeling of peace come alive in us - to create an understanding of love and compassion on all levels. Practicing peace requires create courage. Great courage to know that love, compassion and a peaceful manner is the way to handle all situations.

Just thinking or talking about being compassionate or creating peace is not enough - you have to mindfully create and practice peace within yourself, in your relations and in your communities. Plant the seed of peace - then, constantly and mindfully water it with the constant practice of peace and compassion, this will allow it to grow and root strongly to create a strong foundation within us all.

Ask yourself "Do I cultivate peace in my life?" - Then, take note of your daily life and your daily interactions with people - how do you treat or interact with others? Do you express peace and reconciliation or are you doing the opposite?

I am constantly inspired by Tich Nhat Hanh ~ "Every day we do things, we are things that have to do with peace. If we are aware of our life..., our way of looking at things, we will know how to make peace right in the moment, we are alive."

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Namasté

Making Peace.. Peace of Mind, Peace of Heart!

2010-04-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most profound steps a person can take in life.. is to create peace... Today, I take that step forward..., I embrace it with love and compassion... "Every day we do things, we are things that have to do with peace. If we are aware of our life..., our way of looking at things, we will know how to make peace right in the moment, we are alive."

Everyday my life is inspired by the compassion and grace of great people like the Dalai Lama and Tich Nhat Hanh - if only we all could be inspired by their graciousness we would live on a peaceful and healthy planet.

Daily Meditation: The 5 Elements of Emotions

2010-04-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about a new healing modality that I am currently working on developing - I have not yet, figured out what to call it (possibly Yoga Fusion) - but, that is less important than the possibilities of the healing potential it offers. On Saturday, I experienced a positive discovery session with a very talented, and beloved Yogi and friend - her feedback was invaluable to me and the results have been profound.

As, a part of my own journey of discovery - I would like to share with you some ancient philosophy.

How do your emotions affect you, and your body?

According to Chinese Medicine - there are 7 human emotions:

Joy, anger, anxiety, melancholy, sorrow, fear and fright.

These are our responses to the external environment, in small doses these emotions will probably not cause any physical ailments but in large quantities and over prolonged periods, they can start to affect the functions of your body's organs and systems.

What element and organ do each of these emotions relate to?

Joy and fright are related to the heart and the element of fire.

Melancholy is related to the spleen and the element of earth.

Anxiety and sorrow relate to the lungs and element of metal

Fear relates to the kidneys and the element of water.

Anger relates to the liver and the element of wood.

Take some time to evaluate what emotions you have been harboring and allowing to take over your mind and body. Then, start working towards releasing the negative emotions - consciously work on replacing those emotions with positive emotions - either through meditation, yoga practice, healing, positive affirmations.

Coming soon, I will be offering Yoga Fusion sessions - where we balance the emotions, meridians and chakras using the chinese elements, Yoga Asanas and pranayama. More details to come.

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Namasté

Daily Meditation: The Power of Forgiveness

2010-04-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

To live a better life is to move forward in life with compassion, and live life with pureness of body, mind and heart.

"Forgiveness is the demonstration that you are the light

of the world. Through your forgiveness does the truth

about your self return to your memory." ....Course in Miracles

At some point in your life you may have experienced some pain, disappointment, loss or injury - whether on a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual level - someone at sometime may have contributed to this negative experience. The question to you is "How long do want to hold onto this negativity before moving forward?"

Each moment that you cling to this pain, this negativity you allow this negativity to generate a new life or sequence of thoughts, emotions and actions. Until the point where you fully forgive and let go - you will continue to maintain and magnify the pain.

Forgiveness is completely letting go of the past and moving forward in the here and now, so that the negativity is no longer reoccurring.

Here are some points to help in the journey of forgiveness:

Realize the emotions you feel toward "the enemy" does not hurt them. Chances are, that this person has moved on and has not given the incident another thought.
The best way to show some you are a "better person" - is to move on and live a happy, successful life.
Always look for the lesson in the incident, so that you may grow stronger from whatever may have occurred.
Make a list of all good things in your life that have occurred after or from the incident.
Be compassionate to yourself - by releasing that of the old, so that you may steer yourself in a new direction, on a new path where you also able to forgive yourself and untie the bindings that hold you to that situation.
Learn the true meaning of forgiveness - which is to "untie". The fastest way to start healing is to leave the negativity behind and forgive.
Learn to balance trust with wisdom - what is the lesson you learnt.
Stop telling the story - each time you give energy to the story, you light the fire and neither yourself or the other is able to fully move forward and heal.
Retrain your thoughts by putting your energy towards visualizing a positive and successful life for yourself.
Find positive affirmations to help you generate positive feelings.
Put your situation into perspective - think of others that have forgiven under larger situations.

The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.

~ Thich nhat hanh

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Namasté

Daily Meditation: Mindful Awareness

2010-04-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

What is mindful awareness? It is a calm state of consciousness - where the mind, body and emotions are being actively observed. Both scientific and spiritual traditions say that bringing mindful awareness into your daily can help lower stress - which has many benefits on all levels.

Simple ways to include mindful awareness in your life is through regular meditation and yogapractice. Other techniques to bring mindfulness into your daily life, include:

Being mindful of your breathing - taking in deep and comfortable breathes from the abdomen.
Before eating take some time to focus on how your body feels - are you anxious, excited, calm? If you are anxious or excited, take a few deep breathes to calm your body and mind. Try to pay attention to the smell, flavor and texture of each bite and chewing food slowly to help digestion.
Practice listing to others - listen to what they are really saying. Fully listen to what they say before trying to think of your response - this helps to develop empathy, good communication and a better understanding of each person.
Good posture is key - stand tall, plant your feet firmly on the earth to fully connect with the earths energy and ground yourself. Allow your head to feel light on your shoulders and extend your heart center outwards to open your lungs to receive more oxygen - fill your body with prana!
Practice mindful awareness in everything you do - whether washing the dishes, brushing your teeth. Be aware of your body, your energy as you go through your daily life.

"As we encounter new experiences with a mindful and wise attention, we discover that one of three things will happen to our new experience: it will go away, it will stay the same, or it will get more intense. whever happens does not really matter."
— Jack Kornfield

Daily Meditation: Focusing Your Mind

2010-04-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

What do we feed our mind? What is the chatter in your head? Where do you focus your mind?

Focusing your mind on those things which are positive, healthy and true - will allow our lives reflect those things.

Take a moment to note what are you feed your mind? Is it those things that lead to joy, happiness and hope?

Try this simple exercise to help focus your mind on the positive:

Look for the good and positive in each situation and each person.
Don't allow your mind to wallow on the negative - speak words that reflect a positive mind.
Don't play the 'blame game'. No one is to blame for your decisions you make in life. Remember, each situation and each we made decision is here for us to learn and grow!
Take responsibility for your life decisions and actions.
Live in the present. Don't live in the past - forgive those that may have brought you hurt - find the lesson and then move forward.

People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom? ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Daily Meditation: Life Goals

2010-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Following a path at times may not be so easy - as we are at times challenged by certain situations or events. But, knowing that the path you have chosen is for you and for your own growth will help inspire and support you to continue to forge forward.

Words from a Master, the Dalai Lama...

"Every noble work is bound to face problems and obstacles. It is important to check your goal and motivation thoroughly. One should be very truthful, honest, and reasonable. One's actions should be good for others, and for oneself as well. Once a positive goal is chosen, you should decide to pursue it all the way to the end. Even if it is not realized, at least there will be no regret."

Simple Exercise to set Life Goals and to achieve them:

Set aside some quiet time alone to contemplate your life, and what you want in the future.
Write down the main life goals that you would like to achieve in this life. Add in the details example: "I want to learn Spanish by the time I turn 30".
Make sure that the goals are set are YOURS and not others goals. Your goals can be both personal, professional, spiritual, physical - let the list be expansive.
After you have completed your list - ask whether some of these goals are "nice-to-haves". Once you have removed any of the "nice-to-haves", try and trim the list down to about 10 of your most important goals.
Now, with the list of your top 10 most important goals - write down a time/date/age next to each of these - creating a target date helps focus your energy and helps you prioritize.
Put the list in a place where you can always look at it. In the next 48-hours - re-visit the list and reflect upon these life goals, are these goals a true reflection of you and your life goals? If it is - well done! If not, start over til you create a list that reflects you and your goals.

Remember, to carry this list with you. Take time to reflect upon your goals - also, you may need to check a goal off the list when you achieve it!

Keep in mind to be flexible, and to go with the flow with your goals - as you never know something bigger may be achieved than you thought or a new goal may be formed.

Enjoy!

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Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Observing the Miracles

2010-04-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

A simple exercise in observing the miracles and building your general awareness:

You will need a large mirror, preferably full length, and some time with it in solitude.

Begin by standing in front of a mirror - start moving your arm, as you watch your reflection - be aware of how your body moves, feel the movement. Watch yourself, watch the feeling of your body - as you move your arm slowly then quickly - move your arm in different directions. Then, begin to create a more complex movement i.e.. touching your nose, scratching your head. Then try this with your other arm - continue to be aware of how it feels as you observe.

Next, start moving a leg. First move one, then the other - keep watching and feeling. Walk in a circle, lean, jump, stand on your tip toes.

Next bring your attention to your face - start creating different faces at yourself i.e.. pull out your tongue, grin, grimace, talk - watch as your mouth moves, your eyes move, as you arch your eyebrows.

Then, stand close to the mirror and become aware of your blink rate - next, observe how your head,shoulders and torso move as you breathe. As you are doing this become aware of your heartbeat - see if you can visually detect how your body moves with the heartbeat. Then, bring your attention back to your breathing - your natural breath. an unforced breath. Become aware of the sound of your breath, feel your breath - watch your body as it moves with each breath.

The point of the exercise is to be aware of your bodies natural rhythms, your natural movements - try this exercise when you are happy, sad or angry. See how your movements change, how your body's natural rhythms and movements are altered. You can also begin to observe other peoples movements and how they change with their emotions.

Bring simple awareness to the body's natural rhythms - the small miracles that happen daily and how your emotions influence and change these natural movements.

Daily Meditation: Building a Better World through Self-Confidence

2010-03-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Building self-confidence is an essential ingredient in your existence, not only for Self but in creating a better world for yourself and others. Knowing your potential can help you realize dreams far beyond your own inner world.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama's quote.."With the realization of ones own potential and self-confidence in ones ability, one can build a better world. According to my own experience, self-confidence is very important. That sort of confidence is not a blind one; it is an awareness of ones own potential. On that basis, human beings can transform themselves by increasing the good qualities and reducing the negative qualities."
Try this simple exercise to get into the habit of expressing praise towards your self, and to build your self-confidence daily.
Begin to record in a journal on a daily-basis one thing you did right or did well in. If there is no particular event, acknowledge somethings you do your best in, something you accomplished either that day or in your life, your best character trait, something that makes you proud to have achieved, and/or something that you have improved upon.
Continue to keep this journal, remember to focus only on the positive. You can always come back to your journal to reflect and meditate on these positive attributes and achievements - you can create your own positive affirmations to continue to focus on building your self-confidence on a daily.

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Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Discover Happiness!

2010-03-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Make joy and happiness the essence of your existence - accept that it is your choice and birthright to choose to be happy every day.

Each day discover a new source of happiness - find one thing to be happy about and let it fill your heart with happiness. Continue to do this each day.. and see how your outlook on life can change, how much more happiness you can experience in your daily life. As well, becoming more receptive to finding happiness within. Happiness is the journey not the destination!

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~ Abraham Lincoln

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Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Body Awareness

2010-03-23T09:37:00.001-07:00

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror while you are walking or sitting? Have you ever noticed your posture? Or that you sit or stand in the same positions over and over again? Take time to become aware of your bodies posture and positions.

Try this simple exercise:

Find one activity (either standing, sitting, or lying down) during the day that calls upon you to change your body position, if you normal sit with your legs crossed, try uncrossing your legs. Practice body awareness, by being conscious of your bodies posture and positions especially in those repetitive activities that we do daily.

You may not yet be able to bring your unconscious mind activity into awareness as thoughts, but it will always be reflected in the body as an emotion, and of this you can become aware. ~ Eckhart Tolle

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Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Spring Equinox! Time to Spring Clean

2010-03-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Spring Equinox represents the change of seasons - the celebrating of coming out of the dark-wintery time and heading into Spring the rebirth of life!

One way to celebrate the Spring Equinox is by doing 108 Sun Salutations - typically, this ritual is performed 4 times per year at the start of each new season as a way of acknowledging the changes across mother earth.

The 108 Sun Salutation practice is called Mala - represented by the 108 mala beads or prayer beads. There is a lot more history behind the number 108 in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

In Sanskrit, there were initially 54 sounds in the sanskrit alphabet (2 x 54 = 108).
There are 108 Upinishads - these are part of the oldest Hindu scripts.
There are 108 Hindu deities
The between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun - which represents the distance from the devotee to the Divine.
And, then.. some say there are 108 feelings - 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present and 36 related to the future.

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. ~ Dalai Lama

May you all be blessed with a refreshing Spring!

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: The Power of Love!

2010-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

On the way to teach Yoga yesterday... I saw a car with this quote literally pasted across the rear window - it was so profound, that I knew it was something that I had to share.. and had a deeper meaning.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace - Jimi Hendrix

The power of love is universally recognized both in traditional healing as well in modern medicine as having profound benefits on the immune system and mental health.

Patanjali's 33rd Sutra describes a 4-part process of clearing the heart of impure thoughts.

Follow these 4-stages of cultivating these values:

Stage 1. Maitri (friendliness) towards pleasure and friends.

Stage 2: Karma (compassion) for those who are in pain or suffering, including towards yourself.

Stage 3: Mudita (rejoicing) or joyful acknowledgement of the noble or holy ones (including those that have helped you, those you admire and your family).

Stage 4: Upeksanam (indifference) to unholiness - in other words, equanimity towards those who have harmed you.

Collectively these 4-stages sound familiar…? "Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself."

I hope that you find this as profound as I did? Have a beautiful day.. and may we all find love in everything we do!

Daily Meditation: A Time for Healing!

2010-03-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

A time for healing...! Give yourself permission for YOU time..!

Step 1: Set aside some time for you.

Step 2: Make sure you won't be interrupted.

Step 3: Get everything that you need for your YOU-time and go into your bathroom and close the door.

Step 4: Start by putting on some music, light the candles turn off the lights and start running a warm bath - add some aromatherapy oils (relaxing oils: Lavender, emotionally soothing: Geranium, Neroli, warming oils: Cinnamon, Ginger - remember! aroma-oils are concentrated - so only add 2-3 drops max to a full bath) or use bubble bath.

Step 5: Beginning to breathe deeply inhaling the fragrant steam. Optional: Give yourself a gentle facial and finish with a soothing face mask. Then step into your bath, close your eyes and let your thoughts drift off.

Note: if your mind comes back to worries or thoughts of your day.. bring your mind back to the music, your breathe and the fragrant steam...

Step 6: When you are ready to finish your bath.. allow all the water to drain from the bath before stepping out - allowing all those old emotions to flush away.

Step 7: Moisturize your skins with a soothing cream or use sesame seed oil all over your body.

Allow the mood of being refreshed and pampered to continue to follow you throughout your day.. or hop into bed for a restful nights sleep.

The purpose of our lives is to be happy. ~ Dalai Lama

Daily Meditation: Synchronicity

2010-03-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

There is this strange 'phenomenon" in our daily lives - do you notice the events of Synchronicity?

What is Synchronicity?

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelatedoccurring together in a meaningful manner. To count as synchronicity, the events should be unlikely to occur together by chance. (source: Wikipedia)

How to experience synchronicity:

1. Be aware of coincidence.

2. Record dreams and daydreams in a journal

3. Allow for some randomness - by varying your routine.

4. Follow your intuition.

5. As you experience synchronicity or coincidences move in the direction towards it to increase the importance and effectiveness of the event.

Synchronicity is an ever present reality for those who have eyes to see. - Carl Jung

Daily Meditation: Living Life with Purpos

2010-03-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

Living with a clear purpose and focus will help you to understand the value of living your life with meaningful focus. Each day, each experience, each encounter is a link to our life's purpose whether you experience it as pain or joy. It is the understanding and appreciation of each event that allows you the benefit of living life with focus.

Whatever comes along, be thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow. Your connection with your life purpose will become stronger, as you live life more fully and in the present moment.

Relaxation Tip:

For a gentle neck relaxer, in your mind's eye imagine an infinity sign or sideways 8 in front of your face. Using your nose as a 'pencil' slowly begin drawing the infinity symbol with your nose - start in one direction for a few breathes, the change directions. Begin slowly to gradually warm up the neck muscles.

Three things cannot be long hidden. The sun, the moon, and the truth. ~ Buddhist Quote

Daily Meditation: Finding Time for You

2010-02-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

Within in each of us there is a well of energy that must be regularly replensihed. On a daily basis we act as if this well is bottomless - with long lists of must-do's, activities that fill up every minute of the day. What happens when this well becomes depleted? We feel exhausted, disconnected and weak?

Refilling this well is simple - it's just a matter of finding time to focus on nurturing and caring for yourself - finding "you time"!

Try this simple relaxation technique to unwind and relax:

Tense the shoulders by bringing them upwards towards the ears on the inhale.
Then gently relax them away from the ears on the exhale.
Try and create as much space between the ears and the shoulders.
Mentally visualize the space opening up between the cervical vertebrae in the neck - opening and elongating.
Repeat several times, on each exhalation try lengthen the breath each time.

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. ~ Buddha

Daily Meditation: The Power of a Word

2010-02-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

The words you choose when speaking, should be chosen with great care - as our words have more power to them that you know.

Words carry energy - each word has the ability to heal or cause pain. Be mindful of the words you speak, as each word has weight and power - do you remember the first compliment you received? or the firstcriticism/Have those words stayed with you? Did the cause you happiness or pain?

Become conscious of the relationship you have with words - over the next few days start practicing how you feel both physically or emotionally when you speak, and how your words impact another person.i

Be mindful and conscious of the power your words hold.

Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world ~ Buddhist Quote.

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Path to Realizing Your Potential

2010-02-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

Everyday the sun rises I am inspired - it reminds me that each day I should go after my goals with a feeling of knowing, believing and trusting that I will achieve my goals. I only need to think of how I would feel at that time, that I achieve my goal - the enthusiasm, the joy, the inner peace. These feelings are what drive me towards achieving and manifesting.

The path to achieving and manifesting is so simple - there is really only 2 things you need in order to achieve your goals or life passion:
1. Believing - keeping the belief that you will achieve that goals and experience your life passions - no matter what
2. Trust - trust in yourself and the Universe that what you believe in will become your reality.

Try this simple exercise:
choose a goal - make it something easy for the first time. Write it down.
Visualize your goal, see yourself enjoying the moment - get in-touch with those feelings. Use the paper you wrote your goal on as a visual reminder, keep it posted somewhere you will see it on a daily-basis or just next to the bed.
Everyday, allow yourself to picture that moment of achievement, with a knowing in your heart and trusting in yourself and the Universe that you will attain that goal.

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Breathing Meditation

2010-02-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. ~ Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

How To Do a Simple Breath Meditation

1. Sit comfortably for a moment.
2. Close your eyes, and begin to let your mind connect with your breath. Just feel the sensations of the air coming in, expanding your lungs, and then your lungs releasing the air.
3. Now, begin to breathe through your nose - feel the warmth and coolness of the air on the top of your upper lip during inhalation and exhalation.
4. Once, you become aware of the feeling of the cold and warm air on the top lip, do nothing else but concentrate on the sensation.
5. Tell your mind to simple concentrate of the sensation for 9 breaths in and 9 breaths out.

namaste!

Daily Meditation: The Power of Attraction

2010-02-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

When learning to use the Law of Attraction, it is important to begin prioritizing your desires. Some desires may take months to manifest, while others only a few hours. The basis of the Law of Attraction is on your belief in what you put out there, will return.

By listing and prioritizing your desires, you can ensure that you are working to attract the most important things to you.

Try this simple exercise:

You'll need pen and paper.

Step 1: On the front side write all the reasons that you want the thing you want. Keep writing until you can't think of anything else. This increases your wanting of it.

Step 2: On the back side write all the reasons why you will get the thing that you want. This increases your expectation and allowing of it.

It is recommended to only work on manifesting at most 3 things at a time until you improve your skill. If you want to focus your energy even more, do it for just one.

- Have fun!

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Daily Meditation: What is Your Happy Color?

2010-02-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Colors are a way we communicate with our emotions. Colors inspire, energize, soothe, and enliven us. Find your happy color - to help bring balance and harmony into your life.

Try this simple color breathing exercise:

Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down - relax.
Bring your attention to your breathe - begin by deepening and calming your breathe.
As your breathe becomes rhythmic - imagine yourself engulfed in white light - see the white light enter through the crown - connecting you to the Universe.
Now, begin to visualize yourself surrounded by your happy color - visualize the color being drawn up from the earth surrounding and enveloping your entire being.
As you breathe in, imagine you are inhaling your happy color, see it filling your lungs, moving into your heart (take note of your emotions) then spreading throughout your entire body.
As you exhale, visualize any stale, stagnant colors leaving your body.
Keep repeating this cycle of filling your body with your happy color and exhale the stagnant colors - you can do this for 5 minutes or until your feel you have done enough.
Once you are finished the cycle of breathes - mentally bathe your body and entire being in the white light.
As you begin to awaken feel yourself connected to the earth, and feeling completely energized and balanced.

Have Fun.

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Showing Gratitude

2010-02-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Re-create your way of thinking:

Look within: give thanks for the gift of choice.
Look up: remember it's the simple things that get us through the day, and often put a smile on our faces like the birds singing in the tree, or the clouds in the sky.
Look within arms reach: give thanks to all that surrounds you: be it your home, your family, your friends.

Learn to be grateful for the small things in life, live without judgment or comparison to others. Be grateful for all your blessings - create a new pattern by embracing and celebrating in the abundance that surrounds you.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die, so, let us all be thankful. ~ Buddhist

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Happiness

2010-02-05T11:04:00.002-08:00

The concept of the purpose of life is happiness, which is determined by the state of one's mind and emotions rather than one's external circumstances and/or events. When one's basic survival needs are met then happiness could be automatically achieved through the use of positive affirmation which can re-shape our attitudes, way of thinking and outlook in life - this simple method can train our hearts and minds to accept that happiness is the path and not the destination.

It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come. ~ Dalai Lama

Daily Meditation: Reflection

2010-02-05T11:04:00.001-08:00

Take to heart the words of this reflection, bring in refreshing thoughts and reflections into your daily life - so you may create wondrous realm for you to live within!

Poem: Daily Reflection

I vow to remember that today is a new day
Full of new beginnings and fresh moments
Today, I will not cling to events of yesterday nor yesteryear
But stay connected with what today brings.
I will not madly pursue my desires at the expense of others
Nor flee from challenging tasks.
I will remain true to the unfolding process of today
Without losing myself in thoughts of what was or what might be.
I will treat today with awareness and sensitivity
Even in the most ordinary of tasks.
I will apply myself wholeheartedly to the fullness of today
For I know that today holds the resource for authenticity.

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body)

2010-02-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

"“what you think you become”" ~ Ghandi

What is Manomaya Kosha, it is the mental sheath - the sheath of the sub-conscious mind, the instinctive-intellectual aspect. It consists of layers comprised of passing thoughts, images, perceptions, and emotions that bubble up in your inner world.

When you examine the contents of the manomaya kosha closely, you can often see patterns, which take the form of repetitive thoughts like "This isn't how things should be" or "I'm not good enough."

Self-Inquiry Exercise:

Look at a situation in your life that is charged, or you feel you have not control over in some way.
Write down your thoughts about this situation,
Then, one by one, consider each thought and ask yourself, "What would I be without this thought?" Notice how your breathing, your energy, and your mental experience shift.
Consciously replace each of these negative or unproductive thoughts with one that is empowering and real—such as "I am free to choose my attitudes" or "There is another way to see this,", "I am in control of my life", "I make my own decisions.", "I have the power to choose what is right for me."

Namaste!

Daily Meditation: Mindfully Living Your Actions

2010-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

I would like to share one of the Five Remembrances from Buddha's teachings - the Five Remembrances is what the Buddha offers to awaken you from denial, to elevate your awareness of gratitude and appreciation for the life you have been given, and to teach you non-attachment and equanimity.

Make this a daily mantra, a remembrance that you can truly make a change and positive impact in your life, in your community and for our planet.

"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand."

Namaste!

Stress in Perspective

2010-01-29T08:00:00.001-08:00

Stress lies in the eyes of the beholder. We are all challenged by situations that may feel like the “end of the world” for you but, for another person that situation may not be at all stressful.

Take a step back to analyze your situations, challenges or obstacles from the right perspective -- you may conclude that your opinion and/or attitude or how you ‘handled’ the situation is what made you feel that stress.

Start now by introducing a method of positive auto-suggestion to train your mind and physical responses to allow yourself the opportunity to handle all situations, challenges and obstacles in a meaningful and relax state. This will allow you the opportunity to avoid the stress and rather focus on the lessons to be learnt.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
~ Dalai Lama

Feel, find and grow!

Namaste!

2010-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
~ Buddha

Giving oneself permission to be spontaneous and childlike - this will help you enjoy your life more and help you be open to all the wonders that surround you.

Namaste!

Meditate with Music

2010-01-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Meditate on music by being mindful of it, the way you would with breath. Listen to the sounds with full attention. When your mind wanders, return to the music. You may lose yourself in the sound so that you `disappear', which is actually deep meditation.

Redefining Your Priorities

2010-01-14T22:36:00.001-08:00

Gandhi said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow." His words are a potent reminder that living life more fully is not about pushing ourselves harder or shouldering more burdens, but about experiencing all the wonderful richness life has to offer.

Try this simple exercise to introduce a new way of thinking — if today, was your last day on earth where would you shift your focus? Would you choose to spend more of your time and energy on what gives our lives meaning? Spending time with loved ones? Doing what we enjoy most in life?

Get back on track, stop the procrastination and give yourself permission to introduce a new way of thinking to do what truly matters to you – at your final breath how would you like to imagine yourself having a positive impact on the world.

Coming Back.. and realizing it's all apart of the Journey...

2009-11-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

A spiritual practice is one that brings us full circle -- not to a new self but, rather back to the essence of our true selves. Yoga is the practice of celebrating what is.

Welcome to Soul Fusion Yoga

2009-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Soul Fusion

The melting of body and mind to create a oneness with Self - a balanced and aligned Self through the practice of Yoga.

Soul /soʊl/ [sohl]

The human 'essence', core energy, the spiritual, mental and emotional bodies - our higher consciousness.

Fusion /ˈfyuʒən/ [fyoo-zhuhn]

The merging of different elements into a union.

Namaste!