Calm in a busy world
In the yogic tradition, breath is considered energy medicine. Conscious breathing balances our emotions and calms the mind.
Breathing deeply and mindfully helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to trigger the relaxation response, which decreases blood pressure and slows the heart rate. In yoga we inhale to create length in the thoracic spine. This expands the lungs bringing oxygen (prana) to the respiratory organs. Continue reading “OPENING YOUR HEART: METTA MEDITATION”
Many of us have broken our New Year’s resolutions already.
A Sankalpa is different; it is a positive, sustaining vow.
“When you say something with your whole being… it can change the world.” ~ Thich nhat Hanh
Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning connecting to your heartfelt desire. San refers to connection with the highest truth and honoring the meaning of one’s life. Kalpa is a vow. Thus Sankalpa is a “vow and commitment we make to support our highest truth”. ~ Rod Stryker Continue reading “The vow of Sankalpa”
In ancient times, Patanjali, the codifier of Yoga formulated a set of ethical guidelines (yamas), the first being Ahimsa, which means “non harming”. The person practices the virtue of Ahimsa in thought, word and deed. This person will emit harmonious vibrations.
Globally, the practice of Ahimsa can foster world peace. In medicine, Ahimsa can be compared to the Hippocratic oath: “First do no harm.” Continue reading “The virtue of Ahimsa”
Photo of the Buddha in a store window in Great Barrington, MA
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Most cultures interpret this solar event as recognition of rebirth. As the sun enters the zodiacal sign of Capricorn, it is a victory of light over darkness and the rebirth of the sun. It is a time to renew and restore .
There are many holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza), festivals, celebrations and gatherings around this time. Continue reading “Winter Solstice”
“ The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind”
Yoga is an ancient science and philosophy developed in the east 5000 years ago. The word Yoga means joining, yoking or the connection of the breath, body and mind.
Hatha yoga is the most popular Yoga in the west. The esoteric meaning of hatha is “ha”which signifies the sun and “tha” which signifies the moon. Thus it is the yoga that unifies the power of the sun and the moon-male and female energies within all of us. Continue reading “Mindfulness Yoga”
Chakras are considered to be the loci of life’s energy or prana. (Shakti, qi or ki) They vitalize the physical body as they flow along the energy channels by integrating our emotional, physical and mental natures. They are associated with the many physiological functions of the body including the various organs and endocrine glands.
Chakras can be thought of as data bases (Carolyn Myss) where your life’s experience and emotions are filtered. Continue reading “Chakras: an introduction”
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We all feel a need for refuge or sanctuary at various moments in our life. Many of us look for refuge or protection in material possessions, praise from others etc. Others look for refuge or escape in drugs or alcohol or over eating. These may give short-term relief. Continue reading “Taking refuge in your body”