Always curious about mysticism, history and science, I was fascinated by references of a 3rd Eye in ancient art and cultures like the Mayans, Greeks, Asians and Hindus. I needed proof. I researched to find evidence of our Pineal Gland (pin-ee-uhl) located at the brain’s center the size of a pea, shaped like a small pine cone with microcrystals. Like an “eye” this gland senses and responds to light. This
What happens when your heart chakra is cleared & open The image captures what happens when your Heart Chakra is clear, open and radiating pure love vibrations. You know, that feeling you get when you may even get teary eyed, your heart flutters and sings. Chelsea from Arizona and I were roommates in the jungles of Costa Rica for 7 nights last week. I never shared a room with a
Our Solar Chakra is our 3rd of 7 major chakras linking our Sacral Chakra which we reviewed last week and our Heart Chakra (next week). Its color is brilliant yellow like the golden sun, a “shining gem” as Manipura in Sanskrit indicates. Located at the Solar Plexus, it represents our inner, more masculine power and is located just above the navel. When we allow it to be energetically ignited, we feel
First stop with our Fusion Chakra series, Root Chakra. This one I need reminders for every day with my busy, unpredictable careers and lifestyle. Being rooted or grounded balances and stabilizes me for a better sense of security. The Root Chakra energy center, Muladhara in Sanskrit is at the base of our spine, encompassing our lower back and sitting bones. We stoke its energy when we engage Mula Bandha, our
My double rainbow in St. Thomas, where the ocean touched the sky. When I first heard about Chakras many years ago, and even in Yoga Teacher Training, I honestly didn’t get it, or buy into the supposed colors, purpose, etc. for each area of 7 Major Chakras. One day in the streets of Rome I had my “aha!” moment. There were individual colored flags around the Forum and I got
Close out the old, make a New You. Yes, you get a reboot. I hear it accentuated every year,” this one’s got to be better than…!”. But really, was it all bad? We should find things to be grateful for if we reflect with that intention. We will discover positive events, and lessons. I spent more time with family and friends, moved out from 22 years of comfort into a new
Traditionally the spirit of this holiday season includes a desire to gift give to show love. I admit, this is my lesser need of the 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them but my preference to express and receive love has always been “acts of service”, linked with “quality time”. I naturally enjoy helping others. When someone does something helpful for me, and shares
Right Now. Pay attention. I’ve heard it many times from parents, teachers, and my own inner voice. Yes, I get easily distracted. Think “squirrel!”. The student who looks out the window in class, more visual than audio oriented. I hit “rewind” often. With the help of yoga I have learned to focus more on my presence in the moment. If I catch myself not attentive, I pause and refocus. Yoga Sutra 1.1,
Temple of Dawn in Bangkok, Thailand, named for the stunning way it appears at dawn as light shines upon it to reveal its magnificence. Change is one of our best teachers, encouraging us to grow instead of remaining stagnant. In younger days I ran from change. A new schoolteacher, friends, season changes, moving, you name it. I cringed, preferring predictability for comfort. I moved to Asia at 7 years old, crying
I always dreaded leaving summer behind, going into colder temperatures and windy, darker days. When finally introduced to Aryurveda, the ancient Knowledge and Science of India, I understood why I felt different. Because I am Vata Dosha, predominantly made of more air and space, less fire, water and earth elements. I feel cold easily, have drier skin and hair, and windy days are not enjoyable. So, I need warmth, moisture