food
The True Nature Of Forgiveness
What I have received from Spirit and my mentors about the nature of forgiveness is that it is first of all not about allowing bad behavior in others to continue. This is the most important thing to remember when we are ready to venture into our inner forgiveness journey.
If someone is continually wounding us through their actions or words, it is important to understand that the most loving thing we can do for ourselves and for the other person is to let them go. This may be a scary thing for some people, but to really release our pain we must release the source of the pain. Some situations are reconcilable through an honest reflection of the situation by both parties. However if this is not working, then lovingly releasing that person from your life will not only keep you from being hurt, it will allow you to open up space for relationships that bring value to your human journey. Continue reading
Run Your Body As You Would Your Car
Supposing you just bought yourself a brand new vehicle – top of the line with all the bells and whistles you could possibly afford. Chances are you would attempt to keep it in a secure environment out of reach from harmful elements.
You would probably also look forward to washing it with care every weekend; showing it off to your friends as often as possible; and plan all the roads trips you could manage to fit into your schedule.
When you fill your new car up with gas, you would try to get the best fuel available and might even consider special additives, just to ensure that this vehicle is maintained with the most loving care. You would check to make sure you inflated the tires to the manufacturer’s specifications, schedule the oil changes at the appropriate times, and ask the attendant to see if the oil and fuel filters need to be changed. Continue reading
Ways To Improve Your Memory
I have been teaching memory classes for 15 years based on my practice of Yoga. There are many yogic techniques that can help improve and protect our memory.
The most powerful tool for memory is the spine. There is a spinal fluid that runs up the spine and feeds the brain. It brings oxygen, blood and nutrients to the brain. When the spine becomes restricted and tight, and is not properly stretched, worked and used, it restricts the flow of these nutrients to the brain. This causes memory loss.
I believe this is why many people who have had back injuries report to me that they also have noticed problems with their focus, concentration and memory. This is also why people who practice Yoga claim to have improved their focus, concentration and memory. The movement and strengthening of the spine is emphasized in Yoga. I also believe the movement in Yoga stimulates the Kundalini energy that moves up the spine, and that also improves memory. Continue reading
Heliotherapy – Let The Sunshine In!
As winter is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere, for many of us it’s also the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as “winter blues” or “winter depression.” Since most of us can’t afford a month-long trip to a tropical island to offset our melancholy, what can we do holistically and naturally to restore ourselves to balance?
Many of us spend our waking hours almost entirely indoors. We wake up when the sun is just rising, work for many hours, and then go home when it is already setting again. This is artificial and unhealthy.
Our ancestors, who were free from our modern lifestyle diseases, never would have experienced it. We need sunlight to grow, to heal, and to thrive, which is why SAD, in these months of diminished sunlight, can be so debilitating.
Make it a priority to get outside and take in the natural light. Without the Vitamin D and other nutrients we need, it’s easy for us to slip into a downward spiral. In addition, natural sunlight has benefits such as lowered blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and improved mood. Continue reading
Is Your Mind In A State Of Zen?
Much like a computer, if you don’t keep your mind clear and sometimes take necessary steps to keep it running smoothly, it can give you some grief in the long run. You will find in the end that you are not happy, lack awareness and even suffer depression.
When our minds don’t function properly, our life doesn’t seem to be as fulfilled as it could be. Achieving this state of clarity, serenity and mental smooth sailing is what I call “living in a state of Zen.”
Have you been going about your life in a constant mad rush with your mind all over the place? This is not living in Zen. If you don’t need it, discard it from your mind. This way you will have the extra space to bring in things that actually serve your highest good and help you to be a happier healthier individual. Continue reading
The Third Chakra
The third chakra, or Manipura, is located just above the navel in the solar plexus. It is symbolized by a downward pointing triangle with ten petals. It is also known as the solar plexus chakra.
The animal totem of the third chakra is the ram and the musical note that resonates with this chakra is “E”.
The color of the solar plexus energy center is yellow. It rules the metabolic and digestive systems. The corresponding gland is the pancreas. Foods to stimulate this chakra include bananas, corn, and yellow squash.
Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, it is involved in all matters of growth. Continue reading
The First Chakra
Chakra literally means “wheel” or “circle of light.”
The first chakra, or Muladhara, is located in the coccygeal region at the base of the spine where we sit. It is symbolized by a four petaled red lotus flower.
The animal totem of the first chakra is the elephant. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is C. It is considered the root chakra.
The color of the root chakra is red. It rules the feet, legs, anus, hips, bowels and bladder.
Foods to stimulate the first chakra include beets, strawberries, raspberries, cherries.
Corresponding gland: Adrenal glands. Continue reading