Winter and the Element is Water

Water element is associated with winter, black, fear, ears, cold,  kidneys, bladder,and bones.

Water is the element symbol for biological life and our vehicle of continual creation. We are completely dependent on water, no physical life can exist without the essence of water. Our very bodies are filled with this mysterious substance. We breathe it, feel it move within us, hear it in its many forms and even taste it. Water is life.

Our bodies echo water within us; we have our own network of ‘rivers and streams’ everyday we are sustained by the passage of water, our life-blood flows only because water penetrates every aspect of our physical self and provides the basic lubrication necessary for life. Every glass of water we drink has taken many forms before it became part of our body. Even our thinking nature is made up of water. Our brains are 95 per cent water: water allows our thoughts to flow.

Water energy occupies the space between life and death: it is connected with the movement from one to the other. The holy River Ganges is identified with purification, a sense of rebirth, the putting aside of human heaviness and committing ourselves to the Divine. Even the simple act of a bath or shower seems to cleanse our mind and spirit. Water touches our very soul and soothes away our worry-weary bodies.

An imbalance in the Water element will show as an inability to change or move forward or ‘move-on’ in our lives. When the water element within us is balanced we experience flexibility, and have the courage to make conscious choices. Carrying unresolved past issues is detrimental to experiencing water energy. We need to clear away the residue and debris of the past in order that we may fulfil our destinies.

If our water element is blocked we may be unable to move freely towards our future. Fear, the primordial emotion, can be held in the depths and darkness of the water element. Through selfless love, being sympathetic and empathetic will transform fear into love. We become a vessel that allows this flow.

Keep all this in mind when you next take a shower, or have a glass of water. Be conscious of the water within the body, observe the water as it leaves the body, and understand it as your ‘life-blood’, for without it you, I, and the world cannot exist.

Sat Nam

Pranayama – a fundamental tool

For all yoga students the ability to master the breath is the foundation to promoting health and vitality.

The word Pranayama is Prana – the life force

Pran – first unit

Ayam – expansion

Pranayama, to expand the first unit, the seed of energy. Pranayama is defined as “Conscious regulation of the breath”. The ancient yogis gave a lot of importance to the practice of pranayama, it has been emphasized as the best tool for purifying the human system. The sages have told us that to ascend the Heavens, to become subtle in our perception, and to command the creation of our destiny, we must first cultivate the breath.

Kundalini Yoga employs a wide range of pranayam techniques. The mind follows the breath. The key to controlling the mind is in controlling the breath.

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali -

Sutra II,47

Yoga pose is mastered by relaxation of effort, lessening the tendency for restless breathing, and promoting an identification of oneself as living within the infinite breath of life.

What are the components of Pranayama?

Sutra II,50

It involves the regulation of exhalation, inhalation and suspension of the breath. The regulation of these three processes is achieved by modulating their lengths, and maintaining this modulation for a period of time, as well as focusing the mind on the process. These components of breathing must be both long and uniform.

Breath quality, quantity and the circulation of the breath create the foundation for a vital and creative life. Most people do not breathe correctly, erratic, upper chest breathing is common. Stress is the biggest cause of this poor breath work, and in turn this faster upper-chest breathing causes more stress! This then sets the scene for illness.

Emotions held in the body can be released with a change to more expansive breath work that expands the lungs and increases general flexibility of the body. Breathing correctly frees up the flow of prana, tension is released and our vitality is increased, from this a deep sense of connection occurs.

BREATH of FIRE

Breath of Fire is one of the foundational breath techniques used in Kundalini Yoga. The benefits of Breath of Fire are:

• Release of toxins and deposits from the lungs, mucous linings, blood vessels and other cells
• Expands the lung capacity and increases vital strength
• Strengthens the nervous system to resist stress
• Repairs the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Strengthens the navel chakra
• Increases physical endurance and prepares you to act effectively
• Reduces the addictive impulses for drugs, smoking and bad foods
• Increases oxygen delivered to the brain, facilitating a focused, intelligent, and neutral state of mind
• Boosts the immune system

A Practice of Breath of Fire – is rapid, rhythmic and continuous. Equal on inhale and exhale with no pause between. It is always practiced through the nostrils unless directed otherwise. It is powered from the navel point and solar plexus. To exhale, the air is expelled powerfully through the nose, by pressing the navel point and solar plexus back toward the spine. To inhale, the upper abdominal muscles relax, the diaphragm extends down, and the breath comes in a relaxed way.

Begin to practice Breath of Fire for 1 to 3 minutes, and increase the time as you feel more comfortable with the technique. If dizziness happens, take a break.

Breath of Fire is not hyperventilation, nor is it Bellows Breath. There are restrictions for doing Breath of  Fire while pregnant or menstruating.

Interesting Information on Breath of Fire:

How ever long you do Breath of Fire (e.g. 3 minutes) it only counts as one breath. This is because Breath of Fire is not the deep bellows cleansing breath that pumps the stomach with complete inhales and exhales. Breath of Fire comes from higher up near the solar plexus  (only  80% per pump exchange) during the period of practice, so it is like a very long breath.

Beginning a Practice of Breath of Fire:

• Sit straight with the hands in Prayer Pose
• Close the eyelids 9/10ths. Roll the eyes to concentrate on the Brow Point
• Begin Breath of Fire for 1 to 3 minutes
• Then inhale and hold for 10 seconds. Relax
• Stay still, place the hands on the knees and watch the natural flow of the breath. Continue for 3 minutes.
• Inhale deeply, exhale
• Repeat this combination 3 to 5 times

 

 

Tools of yoga: A new book to read

If you enjoyed the Red Tent and are looking for the next amazing book to read that will stir your compassion and bring to mind our strength of commitment to each other and our loved ones then there is a book that I really recommend  ”The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman.

I first read this book November 2011, and have just re-read it again now. It is very rare for me to re-read a book at any time never mind within a few months. As I read The  Dovekeepers, there was a sense of ”I know these women” - they have been a part of my life at some stage, in some way. If I could explain that it would be to say, within each of us as women, there is a commitment to what we value that brings forth our Heart’s Desire, and this may not always be “right”, or free of “sin”, but it is ours to pursue, and to protect. From this undying, soul-searching love comes power, blood and tears.

Based on a true event that took place in 70 AD, when nine hundred Jews held out against the  armies of Romans on a mountain outside the Judean desert, Masada. Two women and five children survived. The story is about four extraordinary bold and amazing women, who are all dovekeepers, all keeping secrets, and whose lives intersect in the desperate days of the siege.

If you are not moved by this book, the love of human nature, and the horror of human nature, that this book brings, then I will be surprised. My guess is you will read it more than once.

Please let me know what you think about “The Dovekeepers”

A Time For Love – Connecting to the Heart Chakra

“All Love Resides Within My Heart”

 An affirmation that will take you into the place of loving-kindness, the Heart Chakra. Situated in the centre of the chest, and responsible for the wellness of the physical heart, the lungs, thymus gland, and arms.

 The qualities of the Heart Chakra are, peace, love, patience, compassion, joy, harmony, bliss, purity, understanding, forgiveness, clarity, and kindness.  It represents the opening of feelings and compassion and the very capacity to love. The Heart Chakra is ruled by the element of Air, it is completely subtle and it represents a balance point in the body between the flow of the upper energies of the Heavens and the lower energy flows of the Earth. Air and touch are expressions of the Heart Chakra, the air indicates lightness: it cannot be grasped and held onto. The breath is vital to human life and it is the Prana, the inward breath and energy that is a quality of this Chakra. A touch as light as breath is only possible when all self-gratification has been renounced. The most desirable touch is that which is given without asking anything in return, spontaneous from the heart action.

The function of the Heart Chakra is about boundaries. The Heart Lotus is your personal temple. This chakra is also called the  ”Abode of Mercy”. Mercy is forgiveness, understanding coming from the heart. As we give it, we also receive it. The opening of the Heart Chakra begins the first true level of self-reflective awareness, where you see yourself through the eyes of others, and you fully see others to be as important as yourself. Communication from the Heart Centre always includes the other person as strongly as oneself. So one speaks with kindness, sweetness and rapport, there is a sense of being truly present with the other. This does not mean that you only communicate from the Heart Centre with “sweetness”and ignore all other challenges – the Heart Centre has tremendous strength associated with it – it brings with it the capacity to contextualize anything you say. To speak truthfully but kindly is the signature of the Heart Chakra.

Setting boundaries is important so we can be emotionally honest and take responsibility for our feelings. By tuning into your Heart Centre you can discover where you are giving your power away and need to set boundaries. If the Heart Chakra is under-active or un-balanced, there is attachment, grief, dependency on approval and affection from others, fear of rejection, and a lack of sense of self, therefore setting boundaries will be very difficult.

In Sanskrit, the Heart Chakra is called “Anahata”, this means “un-struck sound” as it is from here that the inner sounds or natural music of the subtle body arises. It is the sound beyond sound, and could be likened to the “sound of one hand clapping”. In the Anahata Chakra we find Divine Love and Infinite Bliss, the union of our real self.

The life lessons and goals we can take from the Heart Chakra are balance, compassion and self-acceptance, and the lessons we have to learn are forgiveness and compassion for one-self and for others. You can balance the Heart Chakra with yoga, meditation, crystals such as Sapphires, Rose Quartz and Moonstone can be worn. Essential oils that can be worn or burnt in an oil burner are Rose, Bergamont and Melissa

 

 

Enough is Enough

When do we say “Enough is Enough”?

I think there comes a time in our lives when we decide ”enough is enough”.

That can be recognising old habits that are no longer working for us, and its time to make some changes. For others enough is enough could be that relationship that is causing you pain and sadness, you are not feeling heard or respected. Or you go to work every day and whinge and complain about it because you are not happy, is this the time to say enough is enough?

Perhaps it is those smaller more managable things, housework will wait, washing can wait, shoping can be done tomorrow, enough is enough and its for some self time, time for that long over due massage or catch up with friends.

For all of us there is a moment in time when we notice the space around our thinking and we say to ourself enough is enough. I need to look at my life, step back take a “birds eye view” and see what needs to change. How do I make my life more enjoyable, relaxed and meaningful?

For some, simply thinking it may be all you can do at the moment, but you have planted the thought in your mind. For others this may be a “ light bulb moment” and you take a breath and see what it is that is enough and begin to plan and set goals and move forward.

We continue to move into the Age of Awareness: an age of experience. The turbulent times continue into 2012, so it is important we are aware of our contributions to the unrest and the violence. Is it possible to be totally free of violence within ourselves?

J Krishnamurti (Spiritual teacher, Philosopher, Yogi) wrote:

“It is violence when we use a sharp word, when we make a gesture, or brush away a person or when we obey because there is fear”

When we separate ourselves from the rest of mankind by calling ourselves a Christian, or Muslim, or Australian etc. this breeds violenc , are you prepared to look within and see your own violence and change the thoughts and the words spoken.

Change from within and see things change around you. As we approach 2012, think about when is enough – enough for you. What will you change in this New Year ahead that will create space and allow you to recognise you and your reality. This is a change more resolute then the never usually kept New Year Resolution, this is about the desire to make commitment to your yoga, to your practice, to your work and your life in general. Are you prepared to devote time and energy into developing a mind that serves you: developed to support you and to make decisions that support your needs when you decide enough is enough.

Take the time to sit in sacred silence, reflect on what you need to change in the next year of your life’s journey. Decide before this year is over – what do you want, or need to change and what don’t you want to take through with you into 2012.

In 2012 let us all be filled with Spirit. 

Sat Nam

News about the Yoga Festival and Womens Retreat

Well back in the ‘normal’ world of yoga.  Christmas and a short holiday over the festive season only a matter of weeks away

The Yoga Festival has been and gone for another year. And the last Womens’ retreat for the year has also been and gone.

Both were very successful and very memorable.

Yoga Festival Thailand

The theme for the festival was “You, You Within You, and You Beyond You” – The Three Treasures of the Self.

As we integrate all facets of our being we crystallize our identity, express our destiny and become awakened human beings. Thus we will be real and our authenticity will touch the people and our flow will fill their hearts and we transition into the new age together.

It was an amazing festival of 6 days of Kundalini Yoga, each day began with a wake up call at 3:30 am, and I was ready for bed by 9pm. Having attended all sessions of powerful kriyas and deep then deeper meditations to take one into the experience of being within and then going beyond.

I was blessed to be able to spend a few days in Bangkok, and the highlight was  tours of temples and palaces. Seeing a Buddha in every place from the Gold Buddha to the Emerald Buddha. Such beauty and energy eminated from each one and all the others in between!

But to cap off the trip was the most amazing day spent at the Tiger Temple. Here I patted the most beautiful big cats, and I mean big cats! I patted them and even had a walk with one, and watched as one very happily was fed noodles from a bowl with chop sticks!!

Womens’ Retreat

Sixteen women joined me on a very special weekend, we practiced yoga, made ‘talking sticks’ and ‘wild woman’ masks’, meditated and slept.

The food was a delight, and Esther from “In a Pickle” made sure that at no time on the week end were we hungry.

Thanks to everyone who attended. I hope to see you all in 2012 at new and exciting retreats.

Seasons change

What amazing weather we are having at the moment. It is keeping us guessing, one day Spring, then we visit Summer- briefly, but before long it seems we are cast back to Winter! I’m confused: but it is Mother Nature just reminding us who is really in charge  -  and it isn’t the calendar – just because it’s October doesn’t mean it has to be Spring. I think it is also an excellent opportunity to experience impermanence, change and being present with “what is”.

So, if we cast aside the changable weather, and enjoy the “not knowing” we tend to flow with much more ease. When you think about it: what does it really matter if the day is warm, hot, cool, wet or dry? All we really need to do is go with the flow! An excellent way of practicing mindfulness. Be with “what is” . The fewer presumptions we make, the fewer biases and expectations we have, and the more accurate our “vision”. Remembering that most of our emotions and thinking comes from instinctual impulses and desires. Therefore we are viewing the world with coloured glasses, we tend not to notice our misconceptions, these almost “self-centered” convictions create barriers, between ourselves and others, and have us believing things “should” be a certain way, even the weather.

When we are not accepting, when we wish, demand or try to force things be our way, we are really looking for and trying to get: contentment. We forget that our influence on events is limited, and things usually don’t turn out as planned. So, take a breath, be open and accepting, drop the whole effort to control, and accept whatever comes along.  Become aware, awareness adds depth and texture to our lives and can provide an avenue for changing habits.

Spring and Summer provide us with longer hours of sunlight, warmth and our body/mind organism becomes alive and more active. It is time to have that detox, perhaps simply changing the food to lighter more “alive” (raw) food may be the answer. This will provide an opportunity for the cells to rebuild and the body to lighten its load. Liver Cleanse products from the health food shops can be a helpful way to go as well. As always, make sure they are suitable for you, especially if you have any food allergies or health concerns.

Take the opportunity to wake early and begin your day with a meditation practice. It is very easy to rise, there is light and warmth and best of all: stillness. Begin with breathing naturally, observe the sensations, the touch of the breath – at the nostrils, feel the inhale and the exhale, be aware, and concentrate. It is not about controling the breath, don’t imagine or visualise the breath, simply be aware. Begin with a few minutes each day and before long you will be sitting for longer periods, and feeling relaxed, focused and peaceful.

Food is also important. There are three types of food:

• Sun Foods – grow three feet above the ground. They absorb the maximim energy from the sun and the least from the earth. These are etheric foods that elevate consciousness, and have a quickening, lightening effect on the body and nervous system. Example – nuts, avocados, dates and coconuts.

• Ground Foods – grow within three feet above the ground. They have more energy from the earth, less from the sun, and are high in nutrients and are a great cleanser. Example – beans, rice, breads and green vegetables.

• Earth Foods – grow below the ground. They have great energy from the earth, and sun energy indirectly. They have healing properties, and great energy for worldly business or hard work. Example – root foods, potatoes, beets, garlic, ginger, onions.

Nutritious and sustaining foods

Nutritious foods give you energy and strength, while sustaining foods are those that heal the body and keep it well. Yogic tradition emphasises is on sustaining foods. However, if your diet consists of nutritious and sustaining foods, and you are careful to eat only what you can digest, then you have laid the groundwork for a healthy and happy life.

When asked about a potent life, Yogi Bhajan said: “The three roots – garlic, ginger and onion – will maintain you through the times and through the age”. These three tasty roots are essential to a healthy diet for cleansing, sustaining and producing energy in the body.

Guidelines for healthy digestion and elimination

• Eat to live, don’t live to eat

• Avoid snacking between meals, eat fewer meals. Eat only when hungry.

• Chew food well: your stomach has no theeth! Stop eating when you are three-fourths full.

• Rest after every meal. Don’t eat after sunset

• Eat only what you can eliminate within 18-24 hours. If you can’t digest it and eliminate it, don’t eat it.

When it comes to diet, it is a very individual thing, and guidelines are that- ‘guidelines’. Learn to understand your own digestion and then build onto that a healthy diet and lifestyle. The statement “You are what you eat” is very true, be aware. There are plenty of books about diet, if you feel overwhelmed then seek the advice of a dietician or find an ayurvedic practioner and work with them to obtain an all-round health picture.