August 2011

“We should be training for August [2011] like athletes.” -- Mystic Medusa

This is from a post back in July by one of my favorite astrologers, who goes by the moniker Mystic Medusa. If you haven’t noticed, this has been a very interesting month in most people’s lives; very few are unaffected.

The question is, how are you doing? [Not just the little surface smile and “I’m fine.”] How are you really doing with . . . everything!

Cosmically, some very long-term aspects are being triggered, both within us and around us. The key with any change is to try to approach it in a balanced way; a harmonious way; a don’t-throw-yourself-under-the-bus way. But it is important to note that the aspects being touched upon this month are just a tiny taste of what is coming; these are big, long-term cycles. Expect similar circumstances and energies next July-August, and continuing on for at least two years after that.

Seriously.

Now, I don’t tell you this to frighten you, and if you’ve been following this blog for any period of time, this is not news to you. But for those of you who have become complacent; who think they can just tie a knot and hang on and it’ll all go away, please; don’t do that.

If you are experiencing intuitive flashes that require you to lighten up, shift directions, let go of old ways of doing and being in this world, listen to them. If you are not yet journaling, please, PLEASE begin. When these cycles repeat – with more intensity – it will be ever so helpful for you to have a record of your thoughts, a record of what was happening in your outer world AND your inner world. Both are important.

If you do not have a meditation practice, or take time for quiet, peace and prayer, I strongly urge you to commit to at least a minute or two a day. A clear head and the ability to use wisdom under pressure will serve you well.

Remember that all is karma; all is earned. You signed UP for this existence.

Use the infinite power of your mind to create a balanced life for yourself; whenever terrible thoughts attach to you, immediately wrap them in light and say in your mind “it does NOT have to be like this.”

Slipping into fear, anger, sadness, despair; these are not useful emotions. Counter fear with courage and faith; counter anger with compassion and understanding; counter sadness with happiness and joy; counter despair with hope and love.

And, hang in there.

Shanti,

Jill

Summer Reading 2011

Oh, I SO meant to get this up earlier! But if you are looking for a good read for the last precious weeks of Summer, I have some suggestions; a couple recent releases, as well as some old favorites.



Blood, Bones and Butter, by Gabrielle Hamilton. This is just a great read. It’s the biographical story of a woman who is the chef/owner of her own restaurant in New York City, and the life experiences that all brought her to where she is and who she is today. The stories are beautifully crafted and heart-breakingly honest. Family dynamics, food, addiction, obsession, food, struggle, triumph, food, intensity, love, loathing, food. Absorbing.

Yamas and Niyamas, by Deborah Adele. For those of you who are ready to start at the beginning of the yoga path, the first two limbs of a true yoga practice are the yamas and niyamas. Essentially the “don’ts” and the “do’s” of living. Deborah Adele breaks down these basic ways of living and being in the world and explains them in a modern context. I don’t know anyone who would not benefit from this book. We have it available for sale at Uttara if you want to buy it locally; it’s a slim little volume that will give you a lot of food for thought, and shine a bright light on your path.

American Prophet, by Sidney D. Kirkpatrick. A fascinating book about the life of Edgar Cayce, this very complete volume digs into all aspects of the Cayce readings and will be of particular interest to those who wonder about the years of Jesus Christ that are not spoken about in the Bible, and for those of you interested in past-life experiences.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo. I have heard of this book many times, but just like when the student is ready the teacher appears, I was finally ready and this book appeared. A profound read that helps you to understand how all truly is one; that love is a super-power; and that you should live every day in pursuit of your most beautiful dream.

The 13 Original Clan Mothers, by Jamie Sams. This book speaks to women, particularly if you attune at all to native American cultures. A beautiful description of the various steps of growing spiritually, as an individual and in context with our “tribe” and community. So much of our individual experience is tied into the Universal experience of woman. Adore this book.

Sastun: One Woman’s Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer, by Rosita Arvigo. Fascinating true story of a woman determined to learn the old ways of healing. The author became the last link in the ancient chain as an apprentice to the last known authentic Mayan Healer, Don Elijio. The stories of sickness, healing, spirituality, prayer, and the bounty of the rain forest are just amazing. Made me re-think my concepts of healing, health, the power of prayer, the destructive nature of spiritual dis-ease, and the commitment it takes to become an actual healer. Plowed through this book in two days, couldn’t put it down.

Rainforest Remedies, by Rosita Arvigo. If you decide you are not interested in Sastun and the story of Rosita Arvigo, you still will want to read this great little volume. Arranged so that you can look up specific issues and remedies, it is a wonderful resource for those interested in homeopathic remedies and natural healing. Gives everything from recipes to massage techniques; prayers and rituals; as well as specific herbs, teas and tinctures. Not just for illness, but for wellness. Amazing resource.

Where Men Win Glory, The Oddessy of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakaur. Most of us prefer to turn our heads away from the sheer waste and tragedy that was the War in Iraq, and what is the War in Afghanistan. This book helps you to see Pat Tillman, someone’s child-brother-friend-husband, as a three-dimensional personality – flaws and all -- and dissects the propaganda that our Government has rained down upon us about what truly went down. The Jessica Lynch story is also critically researched and frankly re-told. This book will open your eyes, extract your head from the sand, and hopefully give you a more critical and discerning mind when you are spoon fed information. Prepare to be inspired, as much as your heart breaks.

Getting Ready

We are always getting ready to live, but never living.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Couple months ago I was finishing up teaching a class. As everyone gathered their things, two women came into the Studio. Both beautifully dressed in office attire, they began to inquire about class times. As I spoke, both nodded their heads and smiled enthusiastically; it seemed like they were ready to give yoga a try. One looked to the other -- “What about the Noon Power class tomorrow?” “Oh, nooooo . . . “ she protested with a wide smile, “I have to go shopping for this.”

Needless to say, they haven’t made it back to the Studio. Perhaps someday they will. Maybe, in fact, with the latest and greatest yoga mat in a matching bag, the best-fitting pants, and the cutest Hard Tail top. But you know, if they never make it to class, none of that stuff matters.

What matters is showing up on your mat. In your ratty sweats, your Target sale pants, or whatever. Whether it’s at Uttara, at the gym, at home. Whether it’s your first class, your 50th class, or your I-cannot-even-count class.

Yoga is a practice. It’s not a start, and a finish. There’s never “you’re done, that’s it.” Yoga is constant change; constant evolution; constant exploration. Meeting yourself, whoever and wherever you are, and going for it.

And so with life. You have to show up. You HAVE to participate. You need to get in the game, be ready to face down your fears, embrace change, and figure it out. You have been given profound gifts from God; you have gifted yourself with incredible blessings and challenges. Whether you know it or not, you are on a mission to meet them.

There’s nothing wrong with waiting to find the perfect yoga pants; nothing wrong with getting that really fabulous eco-friendly wonder mat. It is okay to want to plan, to prepare, to set yourself up for success.

But at the end of the day, whether it’s your yoga mat, your meditation cushion or your life; planning and thinking and dreaming will only take you so far.

You gotta show up.

Shanti,

Jill

Greece and Italy Travel Notes

Just back from a family trip to Greece and Italy. (Really! I am jealous of myself.)

A few comments and observations:

*British Airways is amazing. There was no comparison with any of the American airlines that I have ever flown, even overseas; it cost a little bit more, but everything was included and was worth every penny.

*The people of Athens were amazing. Everyone (everyone!) spoke beautiful, fluent English. And many spoke several other languages as well. As for a command of their language, I now get the origin of the saying “it’s all Greek to me.” Their words look to me like someone pressed the caps lock AND the alt key and then sat on the keyboard. Utterly undecipherable.

*There was a sadness and desperation in Athens that made me sad. Everywhere people were so kind, but also apologetic for the state of their country. Protests and strikes everywhere. Small bands of police officers clustered in the squares. A trip near the Parliament building where we passed officers bearing uzi’s on the street. It felt like a little taste of what might occur in this country should our economy continue its current path.

*People were very kind. We were traveling with four adults and four children, three of whom are pre-teen girls. With the giggling and squealing and chattering there is no WAY you can even pretend to pass yourself off as some sophisticated European traveler. You may as well carry the American flag on a stick. Complete strangers would strike up a conversation or offer guidance. We felt very safe and looked after considering the difficulties in Athens right now.

*Solar panels were EVERYWHERE. On so many buildings in Athens; great fields of them in Italy. I kept wondering, “um, why, why aren’t WE doing that?”

*The Italian countryside is just breathtaking. I love how the country-quilt landscape of olive groves, fields of sunflowers, hillsides of grapevines. So many homes seem to have a little patch beside them with maybe a couple fruit trees, some grapevines, a small garden patch. Never just giant field after giant field of the same crop.

*The culture of walking; of taking a stroll. Of being out and about, visiting; I am sure this also springs from the fact that the homes are smaller, and there isn’t tons of personal space. But that sense of community really shines through. In the small town where we spent several days, I let my girls go to the piazza by themselves. They ran into five people that they knew. Very sweet.

*My children have returned as much more adventuresome eaters. Sure, they ordered French fries at every opportunity! But, hey, they tried a lot of different things, and truly got over any phobia about green things being sprinkled on their plates. We also developed some new passions (Greek cheese dip, potato pizza) and honed some others (my son had calamari daily, and we expanded our list of gelato favorites.

*Once again I was taught that you can plan your brains out, but at the end of the day, you gotta go with the flow. One of the most magical moments came after dinner one night when my friend spontaneously called her art restoration teacher to see if we could stop by his workshop. He kindly met us at his studio, and he had just completed restoration of a wooden sculpture of Jesus the Christ that was just in the beginning phases of restoratation two years ago when I had visited before. To stop by that evening and see the masterpiece (photo below!) completed; it was astonishing to behold.

*Traveling; meeting people from other places, other countries, other experiences; I realize that people -- US -- humans; no matter where we live on this planet. We are spirit, crammed into a body. They are no different than me, just born in a different spot on the planet. I hope, I truly desire, that when I make choices, decisions that impact the planet; that I will remember it's not just about impacting me and my children. My decisions, my choices; will affect them, and their children.

Shanti,

Jill

Christianity and Yoga

Hello kind blog readers: The following is a letter that I wrote in response to one of the several articles that appeared in our local newspaper over the past few months where certain sects of Christians expressed the view that yoga was a negative and . . . um . . . devil worship.

In order to get my sadness and anger out, I blasted out this response. After thinking about it, I decided not to fuel the flames (not to mention give their accusations any credit), and so I did not post this letter. Recently, however, I have re-read this response and decided . . . it wasn't too bad. In fact, I want to put forth and document my opinion, in a response to those who claim yoga is evil, or negative in any way.


Dear Mr. Moyer:

Recently you announced that you think Christians who practice yoga should stop because you consider it to be against the tenants of the Christian faith.

My first inclination was to ignore you; I think that when people make declarations such as this, with such obvious lack of knowledge or facts, I kinda don’t like to dignify them with a response. But, the more I think about it, you need to not be ignored, but refuted.

In the same way that all Christians are not people who choose to categorize individuals or groups of people into “saved” and “damned,” all who practice yoga are not converting to other religions, or turning their back on their Christian faith.

Please include this caveat in what I say – there is absolutely nothing wrong with other religions or ways of seeking God. Um, you might have heard this, but I’ll remind you that Jesus was Jewish.

I am in the midst of figuring out what it is I believe, and how best to serve God through my beliefs. I love to chant in the Sanskrit language, because it helps to turn off my brain and turn on my heart. Christian hymns about how I’m a sinner and saved only through the death of a saint just don’t help me to find God.

Being spiritual is much more important to me than choosing a label or a religion; religion is a structure made by man for and to serve man, not necessarily to serve God.

I’ll quote Anne LaMott -- “Religion is for people who are afraid of Hell. Spirituality is for people who have been there.”

I particularly feel the need to stand up for Hinduism, which is completely misrepresented and misunderstood in this country. There are many sects of this ancient religion, and I don’t pretend to completely understand it (of course, I can’t say I completely understand Christianity, the religion I have practiced since birth). But I will say that many people think that Hindus worships a series of Gods when most branches of Hinduism only worship the different aspects of God, in the same way that Christians revere their trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

No one has yet to accuse you of worshipping doves.

What is Yoga? Yoga is not a religion; it is a science; a system for solving human problems. It is a very ancient, proven system for improving one’s life by first becoming morally accountable for all actions – physical, mental and verbal -- and improving one’s life by disciplining the senses and mind. By attaining heath and equilibrium in the body, which is the temple, for it houses your spirit. By gathering the invisible forces of energy that flow through your body; and allowing you to raise those energies to the highest possible places, so that you can connect directly with that spirit, that higher power – God, the Divinity, Great Spirit, whatever it is that you call the highest of high.

I am wondering if perhaps your greatest problem with this is that it tells people that they do not need a guide to God; they can find God on their own.

For many people in this country, practicing yoga is simply an exercise class; it’s a way to get strong, and more flexible. And that’s totally fine. For many of us, the practice of actually inhabiting the body, of studying the mind has led us down a path of figuring out exactly who we are, and why we’re here. For many, it leads to you to attuning to a higher spiritual power, however you see that power.

Some see that power as Mohammed, some as the Blessed Mother Mary, perhaps others see that power in the forests and the planets; and some see that power as Jesus.

Who are you to say that any of them are wrong?

Mr. Moyer, I invite you to take my yoga class (you might want to start with the level 1 class); perhaps if you stretch your body, and soften your heart, perhaps you might open your mind to the possibility that there are many, many pathways to God.

Shanti,

Jill

Service

My friend and contractor, Josh, is the salt of the Earth; a sweet, gentle, bear of a guy. One day he was at the house, working on our kitchen. A friend had been visiting, and when she left I gave her a card with a little cash in it to help out; she was having a tough time.

She must have driven down the road a while before she opened the card, and she came back, ran into the house and gave me a big, tearful hug. No words. We were both crying. And then she left.

He looked at me quizzically, and I said “Just helping a friend.” And he said “That’s how it should be; we should take care of each other – take care of the people around us.”

I try to always remember what he said, because he is so right.

Right now it feels like there is a deep awareness of sacrifices; much is falling apart and a new reality is being created. All around us, there is tremendous need. People in our community need money; food; help with the very basics of life. You may want to help and think "how?" Remember, each and every moment, every day, you have something to offer to others, even if it’s not cold hard cash.

It can be such a blessing to offer to cook a meal for someone; to watch a small child for a neighbor while they run an errand or go to the doctor. To mow the grass or plant some flowers for someone who cannot do it for themselves.

It is so simple to smile at everyone. To put down your cellphone and speak to the cashier who helps you with your groceries. To write a note of thanks to a teacher,a mentor, or a relative.

There is pain and suffering all around the world, but there is also pain and suffering right outside your door. We all can’t drop our lives and go feed the hungry in a foreign country. But we can serve a meal at our local soup kitchen. We cannot always send money to repair cleft palates in India, but we can provide toothbrushes to homeless students at the local high school. We might not be able travel to the Brazilian rain forests to save an animal from extinction, but we can go cuddle the pets at the SPCA.

We can use our collective energies to visualize a world at peace; to send light and loving thoughts to the troubled, the hungry, the frightened. We can pray and meditate for others, for the troubled people of Japan, for the wildfires in Arizona; and also for ourselves. So that we can become a beacon of hope, a rock of stability – for friends, for neighbors, and for anyone we meet along the path.

Two minutes, ten minutes, a couple hours, a weekend; the simple offering of your time and talent can change not only another person’s destiny, but your own.

Little things really do mean a lot.

Shanti,

Jill

Manifesting

“YOU are a manifestor.”

“I’m a . . . . what?” Sitting on the floor three years ago in the big, empty yoga studio, chatting with a woman who was interested in presenting a workshop, it hardly felt like I had “manifested” the Studio. At the time I was stressed, worried about making the rent, and thinking, ”Honey, this didn’t just appear; I have been working like a dog."

In the years that have passed, an understanding of manifestation and the laws of creation have become more clear to me. And I realize, this woman who I really didn’t know very well; she was right.

Nobody said manifesting didn't also occasionally include some blood, sweat, and tears.

I am thinking of this today because outside my kitchen window, there is a big raspberry bush. We did not plant it, but we are sure happy it is here.

When we moved into this home, our hillside was shady and quite thickly laid with layers of English ivy. We culled the trees, and in doing so, created space. I kept thinking how wonderful it would be to fill the hillside with berry bushes, redbuds, fruit trees. Wrestling with the ivy has been more challenging than I anticipated, so actually planting things on the hill is practically impossible.

Impossible for me, but not for Mother Nature; and into that space on the hill countless blackberry, and now raspberry bushes, have sprouted up. Now I realize; those bushes are a manifestation. I drew them into my yard, and my life.

When we first moved into the house, I spent much time looking from the front porch toward the mountain view, a view obscured by a huge weeping willow tree. I adore weeping willows, and admired it often, but often in my mind thought . . . “ahhhh, what a view we would have if that tree was not there.” It was not long until a great portion of the tree came down in a storm. Not long after that, the owners had it dissected and removed. A dear friend tells me that the tree wanted me to have the view. I’ve always felt a little bad about it. It was an excellent lesson about the power of the mind.

The concept of “aham brahmasmi” (I AM the creative principle) is central to yogic thought. Absolute and total responsibility for everything and everyone in your life.

Everything. Everyone.

Eek.

And the thing is, the more you become self-aware and look to the symbols around you, the faster it happens. You dream a dream, and it creates. You have a desire, and it is fulfilled.

Though, not always in the way you originally thought. You have to be clear; you have to have a vision, and this vision needs to serve not only you but the Universe.

So lately I am studying manifestation with (hopefully) a little more self-awareness; reading up on creating our reality, and how to draw things, people, events, into your personal universe. The book I am reading suggests no coy wording; no “if I could” or “if it’s in my best interest . . .“ It says to ask for what you want; to give thanks for it coming towards you; and to have confidence and faith that this creation will be brought into form.

Whether you realize it or not, YOU are a manifestor. Vow to create more consciously; and to figure out what will bring you happiness, wisdom and joy. And before you begin to dream your dream, be REALLY certain what you THINK you want is truly WHAT you want.

Time to go pick some berries.

Shanti,

Jill

The Gift

ONCE upon a time there was a woman and a man. The man loved the woman with all his heart, and the woman loved the man with all her heart. A holiday was approaching, a day that the man wanted to honor the woman with a gift. The woman knew the man would bring her something, kind and generous as he was, so she suggested a wheelbarrow.

Now, not everyone’s heart’s desire would be a wheelbarrow, but this woman was a gardener. She worked long hours moving rock and soil and stone. She was tired of doing things the hard way. A wheelbarrow would make every project easier.

Sure, she could purchase one herself. But wheelbarrows come in a giant, unwieldy box. Assembly is required. She would need to arrange childcare (all three car seats would have to be removed!) so the thing would fit in the car. She would have to ask for help at the store (something at the time that she did not like to do) to get it from-the -shelf-to-the -cart-to-the-checkout-to-the-car.

She thought the idea of a fully assembled, big, beautiful contractor’s wheelbarrow sitting on the front porch would be a most marvelous gift.

The woman, of course, did not list these reasons. Or come outright and ask for it. She simply suggested a wheelbarrow; and the man, thinking that it would not be much of a gift, made his own plan. He purchased a necklace. A truly beautiful piece, with a stone in the woman’s favorite color.

And the morning she unwrapped it, the woman cried tears of sadness. And the man did not understand. The gift was generous, and beautiful but the woman felt it was not what she needed, or what she wanted. She felt that he did not listen. He was hurt that she did not appreciate his gift.

This made the man and the woman realize that perhaps, in the rush of life and jobs and children and bills, they were not communicating; not relating to each other; not understanding each other.

They set to work. It took time, and it took effort. They made time to be alone together, to actually talk and exchange, ideas, feelings, desires and expectations. The woman stopped expecting the man to read her mind. The man came to understand that sometimes a gift is more than money, but time.

Once upon a time there was a woman and a man. The man loved the woman with all his heart, and the woman loved the man with all her heart.

They lived happily ever after.

She has a very nice wheelbarrow.

THE END

Part 3: Death, Dying and Re-Birth (for T)

For T, Part 3: Where Am I Going?

When the time comes for a spirit and soul to move on, remember that all endings are also beginnings. Blow your mind open to the big BIG picture. Heaven and Hell are not places, they are states of consciousness. Trust in the process, use your intuition, and remember some of the most important things cannot be see with the mortal eye.

This person you have loved and had experiences with; they are just moving on. To return to the quote that begins this series, from one of my favorite Guru's, Yoda says, “ . . . mourn them not, miss them not.”

A very advanced practice, indeed.

I close with the important question Kriyanandaji poses in his books; “Traveler in time, this is not your final resting place; what is it that you seek?”

If you have read all three parts of this blog, thank you for your infinite patience. If you have questions or comments, email me at Jill@UttaraYogaStudio.com

Deepest Blessings, and Shanti,

Jill

Part 2: Death, Dying and Re-Birth (for T)

For T, Part 2: Why Am I Here?

Now, there are many things that are specific to this lovely blue and green planet. This is not a complete list. There is the law of energy – anything that exists must be fed in some way. Which relates to the law of reciprocity – you must give and you must receive; nothing can be sustained that only gives or only takes. There is the law of gravity (we should all be pretty clear on that). And there is the law you may not have been told about -- the law of karma; meaning whatsoever you do, say or think to or about another, returns to you. The classic “you reap what you sow.”

All these laws can, of course, be transcended; there are verified stories that refute these laws; tales of saints who do not eat; who defy the law of gravity and levitate (read Yoganandaji’s Autobiography of a Yogi); and people can and do transcend their karma. But none of these feats are easy, my friends.

And so after a few attempts at wrapping yourself in matter and coming here, you started to create karma; you loved, you were loved; you hurt, you were hurt; you killed, you created, and on and on. You created desires and thought forms that are seeking fulfillment. Remember back to the first part – thoughts are things! They are creations and they take form (prakrati). And as lifetimes pass, and you choose time after time to return here and fix those mistakes, to fulfill those dreams and desires – and instead, you create more issues, more drama – more karma. You return again, and again, and again.

If you do not believe in reincarnation, that is fine – but that is one thing I will challenge you on, because I do have specific memories of past lives. It was even a part of the Christian doctrine until the Church decided people were not so willing to do the right thing when they figured they had another chance at bat. Again, do your own research; decide what you believe. What does born again mean to you?

When we decide we are ready to return to this school for the soul, as Kriyanandaji calls it, we have to choose certain things that we’re going to deal with – because we have so many! We have to pick people around us who will help us to achieve our goals; and we also tend in reincarnate with souls/spirits that we have karma with. For example, fall deeply in love with someone? You separate without feeling that the love between you was completely fulfilled? You draw that spirit to you when you return. The same with strong hatred. Foster a deep, abiding anger towards someone? It’s like sending them an energetic rope. They’ll be back in your life, and next time they might be your child, or your mother; seriously; the circumstances could be quite different. But whatever it is between you that needs to be resolved, you will be given your opportunity.

Each time we return to this place; we create a type of contract with the Universe to come here. This is where the natal chart of astrology enters into the spiritual practice. It is a map of what we have chosen to tackle in this lifetime; our blessings, and our obstacles. Our stumbling blocks and stepping stones. It indicates the timing of events and the flow of energy.

This current time in history is known in Hinduism as “Kali Yuga” (the Dark Age). Most of us incarnating now are a rather ambitious lot; we are coming in with grand plans to tackle some heavy karma. And the chart will show us – there will be group karma (the group meaning culture, family – any group you identify with); there will be individual karma. There will be karma that manifests in your outer life; there will be karma that manifests only in your mind. There will be karma from past lives; karma from the present life; and some karma you will create that cannot be brought to you in this lifetime. That’s set aside for the next incarnation. You will choose when to resolve it, when circumstances permit.

Choose. Remember this always. You choose. Another law of the Earth plane. There is a portion of free-will involved in all situations. You make choices. Those choices either resolve karma, create karma, or some lovely mix of the two. You choose -- to stand a deliver; to shrink in horror; to blame; to ignore; to fight; to surrender; to apply your wisdom, or say “who cares?” You choose.

You even choose your parents; the child will rotate the mother’s spine for about three months before birth, so that their spirit can see if their karma is resonate with the mother’s karma. A person has the karma to die at 5 and the mother does not have the karma to lose a young child, that child will not be born to that mother. Look at every person in your life and accept the responsibility. You have drawn this person into your life for some purpose, for some reason. What are they trying to teach you?

Sometimes this concept, this responsibility, is terrifying. We look at our circumstances, and we say NO; no, truly I would not have desired this experience, to have been with these individuals. We look at the incredible lack and struggles of people around the world; the poverty, the pain, the needless suffering. And it is not okay to sit back and think “oh, well, that person has that karma, so let them be in agony . . . .” That thought form alone creates karma.

Instead, cultivate the important spiritual practice of PATIENCE. For yourself, and everyone; we are all on a grand adventure. Our job is to remember why we came. Anyone you encounter deserves your respect. Anyone who hinders your progress, resolve the energy that exists between you with wisdom and walk away. (Or in some cases, RUN).

.... completed in the next post ....

Part 1: Death, Dying and Re-Birth (for T)

“Death is a natural part of life.

Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not.

Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is.” -- Yoda



For T; part 1 of 3; Who Am I?

Death. Transitioning. Leaving the Body. Whatever you call it, we humans struggle. The unknown terrifies us. We read books, we talk to people who seem to know what happens – but when the illness comes, once the body drops, we retreat to fear and trepidation. What happens? Where do we go? Is there a soul storage place for “good” ones and “bad” ones? Who defines good and the bad? And what about the rest of us that are neither good nor bad, but just somewhere in between? Yogic philosophy has helped to evolve my understanding.

I am not telling you what to believe; I am not even telling you things that I know beyond a doubt. I am telling you what I have been taught by wise people that I trust; what makes sense in my mind in my life (so far); and what resonates with my own soul experience as a seeker.

There are six major schools of yogic thought, and the Kriya lineage flows from the Sankaya school. There is one Divine Creator; one God. We are all a part of that Divine Creator. In the same way that water is all WATER. Even though some of it might create an ocean, and some might be sweat, and some might be an ice cube in your soda (organic, all natural soda, right?). It’s all still water. Separate out that ice cube, and it looks so different. Return it to its source, and it effortlessly merges with it. Our spirits, they are like that.

Might be a good time to define the difference between spirit and soul. In Kriya Yoga, the spirit is the actual piece of divinity that is your essence; the soul is the storage place of memories, and karma.

On the Earth plane, there is duality; that divine portion of us, spirit (in Sanskrit, purushra) and the matter (Sanskrit, prakrati). Matter includes everything you can see, as well as thought forms, etc.; everything that is NOT spirit, is matter.

At some point, we, as spiritual beings, a portion of the spiritual whole, found a being more balanced than any of the others we had ever met; more balanced than ourselves. We asked this divine being, how did you come to being so balanced? In such a pure state of deep knowledge of yourself? And he/she told us, look, I made a creation; a mirror in which to come to know myself; this Universe. And we, being curious, asked if we could take form to come to know ourselves; to enmesh ourselves in matter to experience this creation. And we did. And as we did so, we became very attached to our earthly existence and the physical pleasures and sensations of this realm. The more attached we became, the more we continued to draw ourselves back here.

. . . . . continued in the next blog . . . .

Protection

Encountered some grumpy people this week? Yep, me, too.

Being a yogi, I look at it in terms of energy. I am sensitive to other people’s energies; if I am around an angry person, it makes me anxious, even if they are not angry with me. If someone is sad, my heart breaks for them. When someone driving lays on the horn, it makes my heart race. Some people are impervious to these types of encounters, but I am not.

The older I get the more capable of maintaining some separation between other people’s emotions and mine. It is a practice to detach from emotionality so that you can see things clearly, and offer assistance.

It is kinda like if a doctor saw you wounded and got so upset about it she couldn’t do what needed to be done to help you. Even if it is not a crisis situation, day-in-day-out interactions with difficult people sucks your personal prana (energy, chi, whatever you like to call it) supply dry.

One of your first go-to solutions should be water; water is magical, there is nothing else like it on the planet. Drinking water helps to remove impurities, whether they are physical or energetic; add a squeeze of fresh lemon to really move things out.

Frequent showers help; visualize negativity flowing off of you like dirt. Use the power of intention. When I shower I always say “I release back to the Universe the pain, the suffering and the fear that I’ve absorbed from my fellow beings and I neutralize that pain, that suffering and that fear.” Not everyone needs to go to that level, but because of the work I do, extra care is required.

Baths are great as well, but since you are soaking, it’s a good idea to add Epsom salts to the bath; they really draw out impurities and neutralize negative thought forms that may have become stuck in your energy field. Add a couple drops of essential oil, and you’ve got yourself a relaxing spa moment; just remember to use your intention again, don’t just sit there inspecting the grout.

Cover your chakras; I always think it is a little unfair that businessmen normally wear a silk tie that covers their throat chakra on down; they are energetically protected because silk insulates. For women, get on the Winter Silks website and get yourself a silk camisole or two. They are inexpensive (though they have to be hand washed, ugh), good to wear if you are going to be somewhere where there is a lot of stressed out people. They even sell silk sweaters and other garments. A silk scarf around the throat and chest area would work well.

Covering your heart or throat chakra with a stone or medallion is also a great idea and very protective. Some stones are more protective than others (ex: amethyst), so take a few minutes to ponder your choices (if you live near downtown Roanoke, Seeds of Light on the Market has some beautiful reasonably priced ones in the cases on the wall behind the cash register). Try it, you will be surprised how much it helps.

Wearing something around your wrist covers the small chakras there; it is one of the reasons we Kriya yogis wear malas on our wrists. Look back at drawings from ancient times; people often wore some type of bracelet or cuff on their wrists.

If you have an argument in your home or office, light a stick of sandalwood incense, or spray some rosewater around to dissipate the negative energy. Ever noticed there are certain stores or houses that are always for sale or for rent? No business can ever make a go there? It’s all about the negative energy. And intention! When I purify a space I usually say in my mind “I release from this space any and all negative energies and entities, and I bring in love and light.”

Finally, cultivate your self-awareness. Work on your ability to be self-contained, and how to breathe through difficult situations and personalities. Own your ability to protect yourself; to even just visualize yourself being wrapped in golden-white light, or whatever color you perceive as protective. Thoughts are things; use them wisely.

Shanti,

Jill