Close minded and ignorant, I rolled my eyes when I first heard of yoga. I imagined pretzel shaped fanatics doing some trendy, culty thing. Closing their eyes, chanting some strange sounds, trying to escape the world. Corporate robot, a traditional practical, focused and driven executive. No time for weird stuff. I was always into holistic medicine but never putting the two together. Ignorance shifted to ignited in just an hour. My
The Universe isn’t testing you.It’s teaching you to trust.Throughout life I have had to accept change and in my younger days resisted mentally and emotionally. Things changed when my parents told me they were moving to Northern Virginia from my hometown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania after I graduated from high school. I felt dis-comfort mentally. I had a great group of friends, love and my house and town. Virginia seemed
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose, under heaven, opening verse of hit song in 1965 by the popular band, the Byrds. Relating to ancient yoga philosophies, this reminds me of Dharma, our law and nature of things, and Aparigraha, the practice of acceptance without expected outcomes, to trust in the universe’s plans for us. I selected this verse as I have greatly struggled to find
The yin and yang symbol represents harmony, when the duality of yin (black) and yang (white) with a dot of the opposite color, intersect to balance the other’s energy. Every June in America, we honor the positive, masculine influences in our lives with Father’s Day. The harmonizing Yang Energy Forces to balance our feminine, Yin energy. In eastern philosophy when we fuse the opposing forces, we make us more whole.
Interesting that the National Geographic cover this month complimenting the topic of my blog and theme for this week The elephant in the room, the lack of using the word or name for a divine source to ensure comfort and avoid conflict with others. Most common names today seem to be Universe and God. Perhaps you refer to Source, Higher Power, or Creator. Most of us have a belief in
Who am I? Why am I here? How can I be better, do better? Looking back over many years, I wish I had quieted my mind more to actually find and meet myself. Never lost but waiting to be discovered. Like a seedling finding better light shined upon it. To grow into the best version of its life. The last several years of yoga practice guided me greatly. Working through the physical
Tapas Time! In Spain this is known as time to have light bites, warm or cold. In yoga philosophy our third Niyama means “heat” in another sense. Our internal heat is needed to purify and detoxify our body and mind and to keep our spirit glowing like a heart warming fire. Tapas is our drive, our passion, the fire within to be disciplined and get things done that are necessary. With
My mother gave me this carving after we had lived in Bangkok, Thailand. I saw a huge Reclining Buddha statue there in the jungles, representing his readiness and contentment for he served his life purpose well and was ready for transition. I was once that former executive in the corporate world focused on nothing less than “operational excellence”. This meant my performance and others as well. I remember my mentors
Wash your hands, brush your teeth, wear clean clothes, declutter, tidy up, wash your linens, breathe fresh air, the list goes on. Mom taught us lots. But how did she teach us about minding our thoughts? Niyamas are observances, the guidelines to live a healthy, happy life in yoga philosophy. They are in addition to the Yamas which are behaviors that include how we treat others. Our first of five Niyamas
Planted this Lily of the Nile in memory of my mom who made me stop on the road in San Diego to dig up a bulb, so I searched years to find this treasure. Next Sunday is Mother’s Day so getting a jumpstart as we think about sending love and gratitude to honor the “moms” in our life. Those that gave us maternal guidance, maybe lessons on how to live,