Whether you are looking for a spiritual awakening, or just a way to relax after a stressful day, meditation can be a useful tool. When used properly, over long periods of time, it can help heal your body, mind, and soul by allowing your mind to be stress free, if only for a few minutes at a time.

Tantra Yoga is a much more complex subject than many of us realize. For most westerners, the first word that comes to mind when they hear Tantra is “sex”. Though ritual sexual practice is employed in the “left handed” school of Tantra, it makes up a small part of a much larger and varied practice. The “right handed” path of Tantra is actually a celibate tradition.

Two of the most common English translations of the word Tantra are “weaving,” in the sense of unifying many contradictory aspects of the self into one harmonious whole; and “expansion,” in the sense that as this unity is achieved, we can grow and expand into joy.

Tantra originated in India around 5000 B.C. through the worship of the Hindu god Shiva and his consort, the goddess Shakti. Shiva represents the embodiment of pure consciousness in its most ecstatic state, and Shakti as the embodiment of pure energy. The Hindus believed that by uniting both spiritually and sexually with Shiva, Shakti gave form to his spirit and created the universe. Tantra’s origins are that of a rebellion against the repressive, moralistic codes of the Brahmins, the Hindu priesthood, particularly the belief that sexuality must be denied in order to attain enlightenment. By contrast, Tantra views the creation of the world as an erotic act of love.

Tantra has also influenced many esoteric schools of Buddhism, in addition to Hinduism. It has also influenced the Sikh, Bon and Jain religious traditions. It even influenced Western religious history through the ecstatic cult of the Greek god Dionysius around 2000 BC.

Tantric Yoga has also greatly influenced most of our knowledge of Yoga and the subtle body. The practices of mantra (chanting) asana (yoga postures), breath-regulation (pranayama), mental (mantric) fixation (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and mudra, all have their origins in Tantra. The subtle body (sukshma sharira) with its energy centers (chakras, adharas, etc) and channels (nadis), as well as the phenomenon of Kundalini Shakti, are just some of the tenets of Tantra Yoga. Some of these practices have roots in other sacred texts, such as the Hindu Upanishads and the Yoga Sutra as well; but, they were greatly expanded upon through the development of Tantra.

In Buddhism, Tantra had a major influence on the Vajrayana practices.  According to the Tibetan Buddhist Tantric master Lama Thubten Yeshe, “each one of us is a union of all universal energy. Everything that we need in order to be complete is within us right at this very moment. It is simply a matter of being able to recognize it. This is the tantric approach.”

Where many mainstream traditions and religious beliefs see the world as a trap or illusion, and carry an attitude of distrust toward the body and its capacity to experience pleasure, Tantra insists that the world is the manifestation of divinity, and all experience has the potential to help us reach enlightenment. Rather than regard embodied life as a defilement to be purified, Tantra maintains that embodiment is a blessing and a necessary vehicle for enlightenment.

A tantric path can be explored either alone, or with a partner. Because of the wide range of communities and practices covered by the term “Tantra” it can be challenging to find suitable teachers and begin a regular practice. Many Tantric teachers maintain the importance of seeking out a guru, or master teacher, and taking plenty of time to connect with the subtle body in non-sexual ways before beginning to work with Kundalini energy.

Rod Stryker, a teacher of right-hand Tantra, who studied with Tantra master Yogiraj Man Finger and is also an initiate in the tradition of Tantric master Sri Vidya, has two suggestions of good questions to contemplate when seeking a master to study from:

1) To what extent do the teachings live within the teacher and in their relationships?

2) To what extent do the teachings live in the lives of this teacher’s students?

References:

1. Anand, Margot. The art of Sexual Ecstasy. Penguin. New York, 1989.

2. www.wikipedia.com/Tantra

3. http://www.reuniting.info/wisdom/classic_tantra_vairagya_neotantrism

4. http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/463?page=1

On November 12th and 13th, the Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge in Tahoe City hosted the annual Lake Tahoe’s Women’s Wellness Weekend, “an event fusing Eastern tradition with Western practices to offer you balance, rejuvenation and well-being.” There were over 130 registrants, and more than 20 health-focused businesses involved in the event.

Healthy Beginnings Magazine was invited to join the event as well. We were able to attend as participants, enjoying the conference from a “healthy woman” perspective, as opposed to just having our magazine blinders on.

The conference began on Saturday, November 12th, however we arrived the evening before. We were able to settle into our accommodations and get ready for the coming weekend; which, began on an early note. Attendees could choose to join a morning session of yoga, or a friendly 5k fun-run, both at 7:15 am. Exercise is a wonderful way to get your body going, and the mental juices flowing.

Our breakfast provided a well-balanced array of hot and cold items, including slow-cooked oatmeal, omelets, muffins, fruit, yogurt, cereal, bread, bagels and more. The tables filled up, but the food and coffee were constantly replenished.

After breakfast, the first speaker was scheduled to begin at 8:45 am. Dr. Amy Vail, Psy. D, spoke about a “mindful life.” She asked us to think about how we are not true to ourselves; and to find the things that distract us in our daily lives. These are elements of destruction, in regards to our personal foundation.

She went on to discuss how you can find power within yourself by taking responsibility for your life, 100 percent of the time. Let go of the past and stop blaming. Moving forward, ask “what” questions, in order to find answers, instead of using “why” questions, which typically produce defensive excuses.

“Love begins with really showing up and being present,” Dr. Vail said. She believes that if we all “turn up the light” within ourselves, we can change the world, as “one candle can light up other candles, without dimming its own light.”

Dr. Vail was enthusiastic, funny and kept us engaged. It was a great starting point for the conference, as she helped create excitement and energy among the audience. From that point forward, the conference continued to impress me. There were speakers each hour, all covering topics concerning their ex- pertise.

Oncologist Ahrin Koppel spoke about prevention and the ad- vancement of breast health. Naturopath Stephanie Riley spoke on supporting your immune system, highlighting the importance of G.I. tract health. From there, attendees were able to choose a class, including astrology and health, Zumba and Ki Gong.

Again, the lunch Granlibakken provided was well-rounded and nourishing. As we ate, we received a presentation from Jill Whisler, a registered dietician. She covered weight topics, and using nutrition to heal, as well as nourish the body. She challenged us to look at how we are eating, and why we eat the way we do. It’s truly astonishing to think that most of us do not even ingest one “whole” food a day, meaning an apple or carrots, something that is not processed.

After lunch, Carolyn Willette, RN, discussed heart disease, the number one killer among women. We heard from Naturopath Christina Campbell, ND, as she talked about empowering

healthy aging, throughout the decades. She provided a list of potential supplements to aid in nourishing a woman’s aging body.

Last, but not least, Dinny Evans spoke on finding a spiritual path to physical well-being. She demonstrated her point through a worksheet she provided on “Radical Forgiveness.” It is the idea that nothing happens “to” you, but rather “for” you. It’s letting go of fear, and changing your mindset. If you can forgive, you will not forget, but rather empower yourself with the knowledge you gain from this process. At that point, the negative cycles end and your life can move in a happier and healthier direc- tion. It was the perfect ending to our day. It was uplifting and spiritually moving.

Some of us made our way to the social event, where we noshed on cheese, crackers and fruit, and drank our antioxidant-filled red wine. We were also able to meet with vendors, along with some of the speakers from the day. The Ki Gong instructor, Dr. Tim Schroeder, DC, offered his children’s book, “The Legend of Eagle Rock,” an inspirational book for all. My children now have a copy.

It was off to bed at a reasonable time, as the next day began in the same fashion. Pilates, if you chose to attend, breakfast and then the first speaker of the day: Robert Ayers, Financial Consultant and Astrologer. He spoke on financially surviving in the tough economic times we are currently facing, and will face for years to come.

The topic seemed heavy at 9 am, but I was on the edge of my seat during his entire talk. He did not have fancy, digi- tized accompaniments during his presentation, however it was not needed. The content was powerful and easily driven

home with his silver-tongued speech. One of his main points, “preservation of capital,” made perfect sense. We, individually and collectively, need to get back to the basics, and preserve what we already have. We need to look at life from a creative perspective and reposition ourselves, aligning with our true purpose in life.

After Mr. Ayers, we listened to Dr. Gregory Tirdel, MD, a local sleep specialist. He was funny and captivating, and talked about the many facets of insomnia. “It’s not about the pill,” Dr. Tirdel stated many times. I found hope in his statement, as not all western-educated medical doctors use the same mantra.

From there, we heard from Carla McClure, L.Ac, on the cycle systems within our bodies, from a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective. It was interesting and informative; she provided an abundance of references. The last speaker of the day, and of the conference, was Dr. Lily Kuehne, DC. She spoke on Vitality, and how to achieve it.

Our day ended with a health fair, filled with information, prod- ucts and fitness classes. I had a quick session of acupuncture and spoke to several speakers from our conference. Although I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the conference, and where it was held, I was ready to bring my weekend to an end. Even though my body relaxed, my brain needed to download, and then rest.

I am so grateful to have attended this event. It was well worth the drive, time and effort needed to plan this trip. Although I am well-versed in the healthy lifestyle niche, I gained knowledge and good connections through this event. It is definitely on my to-do list for next year!

Today, one out of three Americans will get cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US. You don’t have to be a statistic. Boost your immune system to help prevent illness and disease, including cancer. If you are already having health challenges, having a strong immune system will maximize your body’s healing potential.

In Part I: Don’t Be a Cancer Statistic, the importance of how to detoxify/cleanse toxins from the body, and then how to rebuild with proper diet, nutrition and supplements were discussed. Detoxification and rebuilding are both crucial to health, healing at the cell level and in building a strong immune system. Reducing toxic exposure and stress reduction are also important to assure a strong immune system for vibrant health.

REDUCE YOUR TOXIC EXPOSURE: A recent report by the Columbia University School of Public Health estimated that 95 percent of cancers are caused by diet and environmental toxicity.  Studies show that there are over 287 chemicals present in a newborns’ blood with 180 of these known to cause cancer!

Here are some startling statistics:

• There are over 80,000 chemicals produced in North America

• There are over 3,000 chemicals added to our food supply.

• There are over 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservative used in food processing.

• There are over 1,000 new chemicals introduced each year.

Chemicals are toxic, foreign invaders to the body; they activate the immune system. The more toxins we put into the body, the harder the immune system must work. An overworked immune system eventually becomes ineffective in fighting disease and cancer. Eliminating the number of toxins that we ingest, breathe in, put on our skin or come in contact with will take stress off of the immune system. Here are some steps that can be taken to decrease your exposure to toxins.

• Water: Install water filters, both for drinking and bathing. Our water is polluted with agricultural, factory and automobile pollution chemicals, prescription and over-the counter drugs, heavy metals and human waste. All these make their way into our lakes, rivers and ground water, only to be pumped back out of the ground and be treated with more chemicals (chlorine) to purify it for safe drinking water. According to the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, “Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93 percent higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.” When you take a shower, you breathe in chlorine fumes and absorb it through your skin.

• Personal Care Products: Buy products made from natural ingredients, herbs and essential oils that are preservative free: Most toothpaste, deodorants, cosmetics, soap and shampoos, feminine hygiene products and hair dyes are filled with hundreds of chemical toxins and will increase your risk of cancer. Check out the ingredients of your toothpaste.  You may be starting your day with a hefty dose of chemicals that go directly into your bloodstream.

• Reduce Exposure to Electromagnetic Frequencies: EMFs create changes in the body on a cellular level and can cause tumors, cancer and memory problems. Use cell phone protectors & dirty electricity blockers in your home.

• Food: Eat organic whenever possible including all meats and dairy. Avoid processed foods genetically modified and irradiated foods. In other words, buy healthy whole foods and prepare meals at home as much as possible.

• Eliminate non-stick cookware: They emit toxins from the synthetic lining and usually have aluminum as their base, which will help your Alzheimer’s along. Use stainless steel.

• Reduce/eliminate use of Microwave Ovens: Microwaves cause molecular & chemical changes in the food which is detrimental to your health. It also destroys food nutrients.

• Packaging: Carcinogenic, toxic substances are transferred from plastic, aluminum foil, aluminum cans, and Styrofoam into our food and body.  Choose glass bottles, paper bags, cardboard containers and canned goods with protective enamel linings.

• Purchase environmental friendly cleaning products: Go green to get clean! Just breathing in those toxic fumes is detrimental to your health!

REDUCE EMOTIONAL & PHYSICAL STRESS: “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”

The saying “Stress Kills” is true; it sets in motion your “fight or flight response,” to prepare the body for action. Unfortunately, many of us are continually in this stress response mode, which eventually can have a devastating effect on your physical health.

Research has now shown, beyond any reasonable doubt, that human emotions have a direct influence on the way our cells function in our body and on our DNA! Emotions can affect your health in a positive or in a destructive way, depending on the emotion; they can cause physical imbalance and make you sick or they can make you well! The energy associated with the emotion of anger will have a very different affect on your physical body compared to the emotion of joy or gratitude.

Here are a few suggestions for reducing stress and improving physical and emotional well-being:

• So-Sound Therapy: Relaxing and healing both physically and emotionally! Lie on a So-Sound table and experience a musical massage that not only feels great, but breaks the stress cycle and changes brainwaves to a meditative state and begins to balance cell energies. Certain musical tones have been proven to repair DNA! Backed by research.

• SomatoEmotional Release: Reconnect with yourself by processing emotional or physical trauma from the central nervous system. A gentle hands-on therapy that is meditative and relaxing.

• Quantum Indigo Biofeedback: Reduces stress and re-trains the body energetically while you relax on a sound table. Balances erratic body frequencies, which occurs with emotional stress, illness, injury and can help boost the immune system. Maximizes your healing potential and promotes health and well-being.

• Massage Therapy: Relaxing and both emotionally and physically healing. Try an oncology or lymphatic massage; which reduces anxiety, improves energy stimulates the lymphatic system, improves metabolism, promotes the removal of bodily toxins and waste, and encourages a healthy immune system.

• Exercise: Exercise not only improves your physical health in many ways but also helps to reduce mental tension and stress. Exercise, even just walking, also improves lymph flow which will boost your immune system.

• Yoga: Heals and balances on all levels, physically, mentally and spiritually.

• Meditation/Prayer: Quiets the mind, relaxes and reduces stress.  Settle into your heart and connect to your higher self.

• AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

References:

1. Fitzgerald, Patricia, M.D. The Detox Solution. Illumination Press. May, 2001.

2. Bollinger, Ty. Cancer, Step Outside the Box. Infinity 510 Squared Partners. July, 2006.

3. Wolfe, David. The Longevity Now Program. www.longevitynowprogram.org.

4. Braden, Gregg. The Devine Matrix. Hay House. January, 2008.

For more info, contact Sierra Sports and Spine Healing Center at (530) 587-9355 or visit online at www.sierrahealing.com.

How Meditation Will Clear Away Life’s Clutter
Like our closets and garages, our mind gets filled with junk—old wishes, fears, memories, plans, worries, and so forth. Just as we do with old furniture and clothes we don’t wear anymore, we hang onto these tired thoughts, dealing with them again and again as we stumble across them in our reveries and thoughts. Yet they all seem important simply because we created them and indulged in them so frequently.

Simply letting go of them seems to deny the importance they once held for us. But hanging on seems a burden too.

So we resolve from time to time to clear out the clutter. Unlike our garages, clearing the mind seems a bit more complicated than moving stuff onto the driveway for a garage sale. Where do we start? There are so many issues, and they all relate one to another. If I just stop worrying about money, for example, will my money problems increase or will I lose opportunity? If I just forgot the many plans I created but never enacted, will I just be lazy and unfulfilled? If I just give up trying to resolve old issues with my friends, will I be failing them? This intricate web of intention, ambition and fear seems too complicated to simply put aside, even for the moment.

Yet life goes on and most of the issues that arise in this way go unresolved day after day, burdening us with the debris of past thoughts and hopes. So something must be done. In the busyness of our life, many of us forget the marvelous instrument that is at our disposal to sort out these complexities— it’s our mind. If we feel confused it is because we are trying to deal with the images and issues that appear to the mind — but not the mind itself. Meditation is a way to reacquaint yourself with your mind, the source of all these issues, and with a firmer grasp of its function and nature, we can sort out all the things that appear to and in the mind.

Many of us think that meditation is just a mental vacation, a time to forget all our responsibilities for a short while and get refreshed as a result; or it is focusing on our problems, seeking a solution. However, meditation works more indirectly— and more powerfully—than either of these views. Meditation is a method to acquaint yourself with the mind and the positive states of mind you wish to experience. By meditating on the mind, we purify the basis of our experience, and the clutter of our life gradually sorts itself out because we act with more wisdom and love. By understanding a little more the good qualities of our own mind, we are able to bring those good qualities to bear in everything we think and do.

Our relationships will improve; some problems will just go away and others will be resolved in an effortless manner; and issues that can’t be solved become interesting challenges that engage our energy and passion for life.

Here’s a simple meditation you can apply right now. Set aside perhaps 20 minutes in the morning when you are fresh and energetic, before the rush of your busy day sets in. Sit comfortably in a chair or on a cushion. Make sure your back is erect and straight, the head balanced comfortably on the top of the spine with the chin not too high or too low. Lightly close the eyes to reduce distractions. If you like, place the right hand in the palm of the left with the thumbs touching lightly to increase concentration.

Focus on your body for a few moments. Scan it from top to bottom, releasing any tension you may find. Feel good in your body, and enjoy your breath, the chest rising and falling, the air passing in and out of the nostrils.

Gently shift your attention to the breath itself, and concentrate on the breathing. Feel good about being alive, present, stable, and alert. Stop being distracted by other thoughts and feelings for the moment. Just focus on the body and breath.

After a while, perhaps five minutes, think that your mind is located at the heart. We all experience something at the heart when we have strong feelings. Shift your attention to the center of the chest and think this is my mind. (There’s no need to think at this point that the mind is the brain; the brain has certain functions but when you are in love or you suffered a great loss, where do you feel that? Not in the head, but in the heart. This explains the love song’s old standard, the broken heart.) Keep your attention on the mind at the heart, without interruption. Single-pointedly hold the thought that this is my mind.

As your concentration increases, then add to your understanding that the nature of the mind at the heart is “clarity,” like empty space. It is okay to just imagine this. What is important is to hold with the most stable concentration you can muster, the image of your mind as clarity at the heart. Just hold this as long as you can.

Of course, things will appear in this space—your thoughts and feelings. Let them come and go without grasping or distraction. Stay focused on the clarity at the heart and let your thoughts and feelings move through like clouds in an empty sky.

Meditate in this manner as long as you can, whatever is comfortable. Five minutes are beneficial; there is no standard to meet. Enjoy the clarity of your own mind. When you rise from meditation make a promise to yourself to recall from time to time the mind at the heart whose nature is clarity. Repeat this meditation every morning for a while, and any other opportunity that you have, and gradually you will come to appreciate the good qualities of your own mind. Indirectly, the clutter that occupies your mind will be viewed from the perspective of the spaciousness of your own mind. By itself, this will sort things out. You will feel confident, content, and energetic. It will be like a bright spring after a long winter and you will feel good.

Ace Remas is Resident Teacher of the Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center headquartered in Petaluma, California. You can reach Ace at 775-746-8681 or at aremas@aol.com.

Sit comfortably, spine tall and close your eyes. Become completely aware. Notice each and every moment. Feel the breath and follow it. Be in the here and now. Let your experience unfold as you keep your awareness on the present moment. Mindfulness awareness allows and embraces whatever arises. Sit still, very still being with all that presents itself in the moment. Continue to be mindful for 20 minutes. Then when you open your eyes let this building of awareness go with you into the day.

References:
Swami Durgamamda. The Heart of Meditation – pathways to a deeper experience. SYDA Foundation publications, New York, 2002.

by Marie Harger |

Meditation is about learning to quiet the mind to free yourself from preconceptions and illusions. The result is a clearer vision of the truth about yourself, your life and the world.

Generally, there are three categories of meditation: concentration, mindfulness and contemplation, and all these are forms of mind training (Yoga Journal Oct. 07 by Frank Jude Boccio). Meditation is about creating an opportunity to being “with” yourself, and seeing what is, just as it is, as well as freeing yourself from conditioning and reactivity.

Mindfulness is a skill that is developed through the practice of meditation. To be mindful means the mind is like a mirror that is meticulously polished. It reflects what is really there and nothing else. When you become mindful, you learn to suspend everything you believe about yourself, others and the world. Your limits, your shortcomings, your fears, what people have told you regarding what you can and can’t do—all these are put on hold and what is left is the real you.

Being contemplative and mindful in everything you do creates a deeper connection with Self. As described by Yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar (“Light on Yoga” pg 48), mind is the product of thoughts, which are difficult to restrain for they are subtle and fickle. A thought, which is well guarded by a controlled mind brings happiness.

Meditation reduces anxiety and stress:
There is a tremendous amount of research showing the positive effects of meditation. Just briefly, a daily meditation practice has been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol (Maharishi University study). Less stress hormone means better sleep, lowered blood pressure and a healthy immune system, and the body can regulate blood sugar and weight. Additionally, it means a calmed nervous system and a greater ability to heal.

Benefits:

• creates clarity
• improves sleep and less is needed
• creates a sense of calm
• allows for personal change
• develops awareness
• develops concentration
• reduces stress and anxiety
• greater ability to contemplate
• creates a sense of knowingness
• ability to respond instead of react
• develops ability to be present

How to start a meditation and stick with it:
Choose a time of the day (often the morning is best) that is quiet, and distraction free. Do your meditation at the same time every day if possible. Be sure to be comfortable, either sitting in a chair or on the floor with meditation pillows. When you meditate, start with just 10 minutes. Have no expectation about the meditation. Have no attachments to what happens in the meditation. Do not decide what you consider to be successful. What comes up and happens, just is. It does not matter if you experience peace or irritation. The practice over time will nurture you. You will begin to notice your ability to flow with life without resistance, due to consistent practice of meditation. Make a commitment to your daily practice. If you do miss a meditation, try not to engage in any self-defeating thoughts or guilt. Simply continue on with the practice with no attention as to whether you missed a day or not.

Finding a practice that works for you:
Keep it simple. Start with a basic practice such as awareness of breath or mantra meditation, and do this meditation for a few months before switching to another type. Be willing to try different styles of meditation with no attachment; just be open to the experience. Find a teacher or meditation group and practice once a week with them. It is helpful to have someone who can answer questions when they arise.

References:

1. B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga. Schocken Books Inc, New York, NY. 1979.
2. Yoga Journal October 2007 issue article on meditation by Frank Jude Boccio.
3. www.maharishi.org

by Diane Hageman |

Peace of mind is something we all strive for and yet it often seems to elude us. How does one find peace within ourselves living in a busy and seemingly chaotic world? The answer is stillness.

When we align ourselves with our inner most stillness, we can move beyond the chaos into a place of peace and harmony. Stillness can be a gateway to bring balance to our mind, body and spirit. How can stillness be defined and how can it bring peace and balance to our lives? Stillness is being. Stillness is the gap. It is the gap between thoughts, emotions and noise. From that gap we can discover our true essence.

This beautiful place of stillness is in each one of us, though quite often we ignore it or avoid it. We ignore or avoid it for a myriad of reasons—everything from not having time, to not knowing how to connect with this part of ourselves. If you take the time and get to know this inner world you will have given yourself a great gift. Opportunities arise for gaining greater clarity in your life about whatever it is that concerns you in the moment—to release the fears, and to begin to co-create from a positive space of all possibilities.

It is not difficult to connect to the stillness; just a little practice is required. There are many different ways to do this, all of them good. Observing nature is a wonderful place to start. Eckert Tolle reminds us “Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness. When you look at a tree and perceive its stillness, you become still yourself. You connect with it at a very deep level. You will then feel oneness with whatever you perceive through stillness. Feeling the oneness of you with all things is true love!

Meditation is another way of experiencing stillness. As you enter the silence of meditation, you open the pathway to stillness. It is a place of being fully present in the moment of stillness. You move beyond the constant mind chatter, thoughts and emotions. It is through silence that stillness comes and through the stillness comes peace.

It does not take complete silence or a walk in nature to experience stillness. You can experience it any time. As Eckert Tolle says” Any disturbing noise can be as helpful as silence. Drop the inner resistance to the noise, by allowing it to be as it is, this acceptance also takes you into that realm of inner peace that is stillness. Whenever you deeply accept this moment as it is — no matter what form it takes — you are still, you are at peace.”

We are quickly approaching the holiday season, and here are a few suggestions to help experience stillness so that it may be truly a time of peace and joy.

1. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Take time to practice meditation, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
2. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for___. Remember you are too blessed to be stressed.
3. Let stillness direct your words and actions.
4. Get outside as often as possible. Take a walk in nature and feel the stillness.
5. Do an electronic fast for a day—no radio, no TV, no computer, no ipod or mp3 player. This enables you to pay attention to the gap where stillness is found.

When we find that we are able to locate ourselves in the deeper waters and less on the tumultuous surface of our being, we discover a lasting relationship with peace, and this will enable us to inspire peace beyond ourselves.

References:

1. Eckert Tolle –Stillness Speaks, Published by New World Library and Namaste Publishing, 2003
2. Eckert Tolle- A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” Published by The Penguin Group, New York, NY 2005
3. www.DailyOm.com
4. www.soulfulliving.com/stillness_speaks.htm
5. www.bestillnow.com/Creating_Stillness.htm

For more info contact Diane at The Om Home, (775) 250-7756.

Written by Dr. James Rouse |

Perhaps you can relate to this: when I miss out on a good night of sleep, the next day I live, move and think from a place of scarcity rather than abundance – I’m impacted on every level, including spiritually. Millions of us are awake when we should be sleeping and resting, or falling asleep when we should be creating and shining.

The research is sobering. Most cases of insomnia stem from stress, environment, nutrition, emotion, physical and even spiritual issues. Much of what keeps us from getting quality sleep are the choices that we make throughout the day. Have you ever noticed that watching the late night news while suppressing your heartache over the world politics with a tub of ice cream and balancing your checkbook does not allow for a sound night of sleep? This, after asking yourself to perform multi-tasking miracles for the precious sixteen hours, tethered to cell phones, voice and emails, then negotiating with a plastic clown to give you a balanced meal through a drive-thru window, and wondering if a coffee intravenous feed would be out of the question?!

You do have other choices. You can re-create balance and once again live with the natural rhythm that is innately yours to uncover and fully realize. First, we need to be all right with the idea of being in the world and not of it. You do not have to subscribe to the all too pervasive “conspicuous consumption” model for living. In other words, we all have choices to “consume.” The media, for example (television, newspaper, radio, magazines), that we allow into our thought atmosphere can disrupt sleep and personal balance. Certain foods we eat (those with refined and empty calories) leave us unsatisfied, restless and “hungry” for more. Choose differently! We can establish an overall well being by leveraging key practices that satisfy the spirit and nourish a healthy night’s sleep.

Bookends for Balance:

One way to experience greater quality of sleep is to create what I refer to as “bookends” (the beginnings and the end of the day). Bookends can help keep us mindful and centered with what truly nourishes our mind, body, spirit and sleep. Choose to begin and end each day with a personal practice for balance and peace. For example, a morning meditation practice, even for just a few minutes, serves us and our “chemistry” in a variety of ways: by establishing a healthier “belly breathing” pattern, we can help support and build stress-fighting neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers to the body) that help keep us in balance and allow us to better manage our mental state and the choices we make throughout the day. When we begin the day with an attitude of “Good morning, God!” rather than “Good God, its morning!” The same is true at night. We should tend towards more love for others and ourselves. Chronic “stinkin’ thinkin” can sabotage a good night’s rest and have a negative residual that impacts other elements of our wellness.

James Rouse is creator and co founder of Optimum Wellness media www.optimumwellness.com

by Diane Hageman |

It may seem impossible during these challenging times to relax and find a pathway to inner peace and serenity. Meditation can help—there are many benefits of developing a meditation practice. Benefits can range from relaxation to increased overall energy and ability to deal with the stress in our lives.

Many scientific studies have documented the positive effects of meditation: accelerated brain functioning and comprehension; enhancing creativity; increased memory; an overall sense of well being. Meditation is also thought to strengthen the immune system and aid in healing. By knowing the negative effects of stress on our physical bodies, we can help heal our bodies by releasing tension and de-stressing through meditation.    

What is meditation? Meditation is going beyond the “thinking mind” to a state of relaxation or deeper awareness. Author Stuart Wilde states, “Meditation is effortless concentration. It is an action set in the context of non-action.” This is not an intense concentration, but rather a subtle concentration where the mind rests lightly and clearly on a focal point. 

As you begin to explore and develop a meditation practice, it is important to remember it is a process. Release any expectations or definite goals. Allow your meditations to develop at a natural rhythm. Let go of preconceived ideas of what meditating “should be.” Like a muscle that builds strength as it is used, daily meditation builds energy and you will feel the many benefits flowing to you. You will soon develop a strong sense of serenity and inner peace. Meditating occasionally is beneficial, and creating a daily practice is even better. You may also find it beneficial to meditate in a group setting—the energy of group mediation can help to deepen and enhance your experience. It can be a great place to explore different meditations and meditation techniques.

One of the easiest ways to begin meditating is with conscious breathing. Focusing on the breath is the best place to begin. To start, sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight, being neither too relaxed nor rigid. Take a few slow deep breaths through your nose. As you are inhaling and exhaling, discover where you can feel your breath. It may be in your chest, stomach or in your nostrils. This will be your focus point. Allow your breath to flow easily, naturally and deeply, feeling your focus point with each inhalation and exhalation. Keep your attention on your breath and focus point, allowing yourself to relax more and more. Remember not to force your breath, just feel it and allow its deep natural rhythm to relax you. If any distracting thoughts or worries come to mind, just bring your attention back to your breath and allow the distracting thought to pass through. Don’t resist these errant thoughts; just allow them to pass by as you are re-focusing on your breath. You will slowly create an awareness of the moment.   

If you have tried to develop a meditation practice and can’t quite seem to stop the distracting thoughts and mind chatter, here are few tips that may help:

• Wear loose comfortable clothing.
• Start slowly and practice regularly. Begin with five or ten minutes a day. Then slowly increase the time up to 30 to 40 minutes a day. If all you have is ten minutes, that’s okay, the important thing is to do it. 
• Find the time of day that works for you, during which you will not be disturbed. Some people find meditating in the morning, before the rest of the world is awake, works for them. Others find an evening meditation is more convenient. Try different times to find what works for you. Sunrise and sunset can also be powerful times.   
• Turn off phones, radios, TVs and computers; to be sure you won’t be interrupted.
• Create a sacred space to meditate and do it there daily. This will build an energy that will help to still the mind chatter.  This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; it may just be your favorite chair. 

There are many types of meditations and techniques, such as mantra meditation, guided meditation, walking meditation and a metta  (a loving kindness) meditation. Explore as many different kinds as you can. To identify the one that resonates with you. Practice it regularly and you will be amazed at just how rewarding “doing nothing” can be.

References:

• Wilde, Stuart. The Art of Meditation. Hay House, 1998. 
• Fontana, David PhD. Learn to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Self-Discovery and Fulfillment. Chronicle Books, 1999. 
• www.dailyom.com 

For more info, contact Rev. Diane Hageman of Om Home at (775) 250-7756, specializing in metaphysical, meditation classes and workshops. 

Written by Rev. Diane Hageman |

There is little argument that we are living in challenging times. Women have long had the traditional role of caretakers, and as we have begun to move into our own power we are facing more and more challenges. For women, it is now more important than ever that we find within ourselves all of our true beauty and power. Now is the time for women to truly empower themselves, to let go of limiting beliefs, negative thoughts and fears.

Author Louise Hay states, ”when we as women learn to take care of ourselves in a positive way, to have self-respect and self-worth, life for all human beings, including men, will have taken a quantum leap in the right direction. There will be respect and love between the sexes and both men and women will honor each other. We will learn that there is plenty for everyone and that we can bless and prosper each other.“ We can create a world where it is safe for us to love each other, where we can all be happy and whole.

How do we, as women, start to create that world?  The change begins with each of us. We make a conscious decision to allow our light to shine and embrace our feminine spirit. We decide to be in control of our life and own our power.   As Melanie Tonia states, “every time we rely on someone or something outside of us to provide us with love, success or happiness, we hand our power over. As soon as they don’t provide it we are defeated. Ironically, when we decide to be loved, we easily attract the people, events and objects that supplement this state.”

Take time to explore and re-discover your own unique feminine spirit.  Here are just a few ways you can do that.

1. Stop all negative self-talk. Too often we beat ourselves up over our perceived imperfections. Love and accept yourself. This isn’t to say we stop learning and growing, just give yourself permission to be who you are now.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are you own unique beautiful woman. Release the need of anyone else’s approval. Do not let anyone else define who you are, this includes the media.

3. Be creative. Everyone does have a creative side; find how to express your own creativity. Creativity is a wonderful way to feel fulfilled and can also be a big help reducing daily stress.

4. Have quiet time for yourself every day. Even ten minutes of meditation or quiet time will make all the difference. Some deep breathing, relaxing and meditating will help energize and renew your spirit.

5. Have a strong spiritual connection to all of life. Exploring your own spiritual path and honoring all of life helps to enhance your relationship with your inner self. As your relationship with yourself grows and deepens so does your inner strength and peace of mind.

As women move forward toward self-empowerment, we need to remember there is a tremendous collective power. This means “Women in Support of Women.” We can do this with a commitment to support each other’s divine feminine spirit.  We as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends can  always remember and remind each other, especially when the world is feeling very unfriendly, of the beautiful goddess within each of us.

References:

1. Hay, Louise. Empowering Women – Every Woman’s Guide to Successful Living. Hay House, 1999.

2. Pearls of Wisdom – Awakening Personal & Global Consciousness – Empowering Women http://www.sapphyr.net/

For more info, contact Rev. Diane Hageman of Om Home at (775) 250-7756, specializing in metaphysical and meditation classes and workshops.

By Ace Remas |

Meditation is not what you expect. It brings no outer benefits. You will fail at your first attempts. Adding meditation to your full schedule appears to complicate life, not make it simpler. You have enough to do already without sitting down and doing nothing.

Though you sense that meditation offers an important potential, you will not be able to explain why it is important, either to yourself or to someone else. But you are attracted to it because meditation has a good reputation. People you admire practice it. Nowhere can you find a polemic condemning it or revealing its dangers. The prescription to meditate comes without warnings on the label. People you know who don’t meditate say that they want to.

There is a prodigious library of resources declaring its universal benefits. It costs hardly anything, if at all. The time it takes is such a small part of your day there is no significant commitment to make. You can be casual about it, not serious. There’s nothing to buy, nowhere to go, and nothing to do.

Nothing of your true self will be revealed to you, either in all its glory or all its horror. No angels will alight on your shoulders. No devils will whisper sinister inducements in your ear. Tomorrow the sun will rise. The tides will ebb and flow. Taxes will be due. The price of gasoline won’t go down. You’ll get no inheritance from a long lost relative. Everything in your life will be as it was before. You won’t suddenly become wiser and kinder than you are now. Rude people will still irritate you. Your worries will return to haunt your thoughts. The small joys of your life and loves will enlighten you from time to time. Even as a devoted meditator, the years will pass, you’ll grow old and weak, and then you’ll die.

Of course, all of these things will happen to you even if you don’t meditate. Looked at in this way, what is all the fuss about? Nothing on the outside is changed just because a person meditates.

Exactly. Meditation is about the inside. The reason any of us have a thought about meditation is because we feel some absence or lack on the inside, no matter how full our life is on the outside. A life constantly devoted to the outside is tiring. It makes us feel empty and restless. We suspect there is more to life than the next meal, paycheck, movie, or partner. Somewhere in this busy mess is me; I just have to find it to be happy, we think.

Most of the time we presume we are finding me in the clutter of our lives. We focus on what we like, thinking our tastes and inclinations define us. But we can’t continue in this way because over time this tendency grows stale, even ugly, and we don’t want to find that kind of me. We may think we will find ourselves in our work, art, hobbies, skill, or relationships. But even these worthy endeavors become shallow and false.

In the end, after all of life’s detours, after all its thrills and chills, after exploring all the outer nooks and crannies of our life, we may long to know really what we’re made of when it becomes obvious that our outer world does not define us. Looking outside in our external activities does not reveal who we are in the inside. So we need to look there.

This is the reason to meditate. Simply, quietly, without fanfare or too much outer resolve, we close our eyes, sit in a quiet place, relax the body, and just take a peek inside. There we are—whatever we are. And it is completely unexpected, what we find.

For more info, call Ace Remas at 415-760-7300.

By Ace Remas |

When you meditate with some determination each day, even for a few days, you will soon realize that the mind is not the brain. The brain is a physical organ, like the heart and lungs, with certain functions to perform. We can’t explain our experience of mind as having any physical qualities at all. We can’t touch it, weigh it, see it. Yet we know we have a mind, and we know it performs certain functions. Our thoughts, feelings and sensations arise from the mind. Our sense of self is conceived by mind.

The principal function of meditation is to acquaint us with this mysteriously intangible object—our mind. As familiarity with its subtle qualities increases, we are better able to control those states of minds that determine our happiness or difficulties. Gradually we’ll come to realize that our happiness and contentment in life depend on the state of our mind and not on what we perceive to be external conditions.

This realization is liberating because it is possible to control our mind. Try as hard as we can though, we cannot control the external world.

Despite this fundamental understanding, we find it difficult to overcome the attachment to the idea that better conditions will bring us happiness. We crave external changes—such as a new partner, more money, a better job, recognition, companionship, possessions, and security—as the sources of happiness. We strive to attain these objects and conditions. But even success brings only short-lived happiness. Worry and fear of losing what has been attained often contaminates the happiness we might have achieved. On the other hand, failure to achieve these external conditions might even lead to depression, anger, frustration, and other negative states of mind. Yet despite the constant lessons of ordinary life, we remain convinced that better external conditions will produce the happiness we seek.

This attachment to external conditions is caused by ignoring the formless quality of the mind. We wrestle with physical objects but what we are trying to subdue is the non-material, untouchable mind. Meditation teaches us to go directly to the source of all happiness, which also is the source of all our unhappiness—the mind.

As we are able to develop concentration in meditation we experience more subtle states of mind. The more subtle this experience, the more calm the mind becomes. A calm mind is experienced as happiness. The pain, suffering, and discontent we live through is an agitated mind. By meditating we become familiar with calm states of mind, enjoy the experience and wish to repeat these experiences. With this motivation, we continue to gain familiarity with these happy states of mind. Gradually, our wisdom increases and in our daily lives we begin to turn inward to a calm mind and refuse to become attached to or agitated by what is happening outside the mind.

Over time, with meditation and the mindfulness to remember its lessons, we find ourselves happier, more satisfied, and with fewer problems. With fewer problems and a more balanced approach to the challenges of our lives we make fewer mistakes. The result is a happy life, even though no material action was required.

How different is this approach to the way we normally face our life! And it is easy to do. It  requires just a few minutes each day sitting quietly and reflecting on the truths of your existence. Here’s how to get started:

After settling the mind by focusing on your breath for a short while, recall that the external world is not the source of happiness. You must turn inward, to the mind. You’ll feel resistance to this thought, even some fear that if you let go of your ordinary view something may go wrong. Conversely, you may feel some excitement that at last you have found relief from the causes of stress in your life.

As your concentration increases, resolve to come back to the mind itself and not be drawn out by the temptations of your attachment or by the frustrations of your anger. Decide in meditation to renounce attachment and anger, to become a balanced individual, wise, compassionate, calm. Visualize yourself as having accomplished this, which will give rise to a positive feeling, a feeling of joy, purpose, attainment. Focus your concentration single-pointedly on this positive state of mind. Meditate on it without distraction as if your mind and this positive view have mixed together. Stay as long as you can.

When finished, take a few moments before arising from your seat to dedicate yourself to recalling this positive feeling throughout the day. If you know challenging situations are going to occur in that day, such as meeting with the boss, a talk with your teenager, or facing traffic court, for example, make such an event a signpost to remind you about the inner quality of the mind. Keep a calm mind during the day, and you’ll experience a happy day.

For more info, call Ace at 415-760-7300.

By Ace Remas |

All the torture in your life comes from your thoughts. The pain and worry you experience does not arise from the external conditions you encounter. Your problems are not caused by other people, by money, by your body, by the government, or by the past. The dissatisfaction in your life arises from thought. If you had different thoughts about your life, you would have a different experience.

At first we don’t believe this. We are very attached to the idea that the world outside is where we will confront obstacles and will find joy. As a consequence, we search outside for the contentment we seek. But as we all probably know already, from the evidence of our own experience, we can’t find happiness out there. Sure, there may be momentary victories and satisfactions. Yet these moments of happiness are always soon threatened by changing conditions.

Although we cannot control outside conditions, we try to preserve our happiness or overcome our problems by influencing what happens in the outside world. We vote, save money, say the right things, do our chores, seek our entertainments, strive for recognition, all with the idea that these efforts will bring us, ultimately, the satisfaction we seek. In fact, these actions seem reasonable and are certainly what the world expects of us. Over time we grow accustomed to the idea that we can control outside conditions if we work hard enough, are smart enough, or are lucky.

Despite our efforts and the many thoughts we devote to controlling our lives, we encounter difficulties. Hard as we work, the work never ends. In many situations we are not smart enough. And most of us aren’t very lucky. We frequently are not successful in getting what we want. We lose what we have through no fault of our own. And passing time is no friend. Our body ages, our beauty and well being diminish, our friends pass away.

All this expectation and angst is created by our thoughts. Since we believe we can control or influence results, we worry about results. When we don’t get what we desire, we think sadly about it. When we lose what we have, we experience sorrow and melancholy. Despite our accomplishments, we continually suffer disappointment. Since disappointment is a painful state of mind, we worry about the future, even develop anger over outer conditions that have, in our view, prevented us from achieving the happiness we seek.

States of mind like anger, disappointment, worry, fear, and sorrow are painful states of mind. You could say they are sufferings. Suffering is a state of mind. Therefore, to avoid suffering we must change our state of mind.

Controlling the mind is a different proposition than controlling the external world. We’ll never conclusively control outside conditions, but we can learn to control our mind. Through a meditation practice and self-discipline, we gradually can enforce a positive view of the world, no matter what happens. Through repeated meditations to gain familiarity with a positive mind, we will find that this renewed state of mind cannot be disturbed by external happenings. In short, we will be happy.

Most people think this is too simple-minded to be true. Many would scoff at this viewpoint because of their conviction that the outside world is the problem, not their mind.

The proof is in the pudding. Where is the experience of happiness to be found? In the mind, of course. If the mind is happy, does it really matter what happens on the outside? Think of all the people you know who have every advantage modern life has to offer. They have health, wealth, beauty, power, comfort. Can you say they are happy? Are they free of suffering? As the tabloids reveal day after day, like all of us they suffer continuously.

Recognizing the mind as the true source of happiness does not mean we ignore the external world. We engage in it fully, using the power of our thoughts to direct our actions. But we stop believing that these external actions will produce the inner results we seek. We rely on an awareness that contentment is up to us, on the inside, not up to what is happening on the outside. With such a mind, success and failure, achievements and obstacles are leveled out. We recognize them as the threads that make up the fabric of our life now. We are happy to have this life. It is me.

For more info, call Ace Remas at 415-760-7300.

“Props” Make It Possible

By Kathy Randolph, Certified Practitioner |

A common misconception is that you have to be flexible to begin a yoga practice; the truth however, is that flexibility is a result, not a prerequisite – a very important distinction. You also gain strength, balance and coordination from the physical poses, and improved circulation and stress relief from the breathing exercises. Yoga really is for people of all ages, sizes and physical conditions.

Many beginners benefit from the use of props. Props help with proper alignment, and provide support to the muscles, minimizing strain. A strap, a folded blanket, a block or a chair can allow a new student to do the poses safely and correctly right from the start. Here are some examples of the use of props in forward bends.

A classic pose is seated, legs straight out in front, bending forward from the hips (Figure 1). This pose, with the addition of a folded blanket and a strap is easily accessible to the beginning student (Figure 2).

• The folded blanket is placed so the sitting bones are right on the blanket’s edge, tilting the pelvis forward and protecting the low back.

• The strap is looped around the feet with the ends held in each hand, providing the same tension as holding the feet directly. Stretch gently, then release and move up on the inhale.

If there are special low back concerns, a safe approach to the forward bend is lying on the back, either on the floor or on a bed, and stretch one leg at a time (Figure 3).

• Start by lying on the back, both knees bent and soles of feet on the floor.

• Bring the right knee toward the chest and put the strap around the arch of the foot, ends of the strap in each hand.

• Straighten the right leg, and draw it closer while exhaling. Release gently on the inhale and repeat with the breath. After gentle stretching, release and repeat on the other side.

If getting up from the floor presents problems, use a block or a chair, and do the pose standing (Figures 4 and 5).

• Stand in front of the prop and bend forward from the hips on the exhale.

• Place both hands on the block or chair and breathe, relaxing further into the stretch on the exhalation. After gentle stretching, bend the knees and inhale to move up to standing, lifting with the legs, not the back.

By design, yoga poses help us to achieve and maintain a full range of motion. The use of props will allow you to practice this ancient discipline while you gain the wonderful flexibility, strength, coordination and balance yoga can provide – for any body!

For more info, call Kathy Randolph at (775) 881-7848.