life design
Transform Your Chores Into Moments Of Zen
I recently had to find my “inner zen” when I had to file my taxes in person. Even though I was really, really not in the mood and not looking forward to it at all, I decided to make the most of this dreaded chore by practicing a time-tested spiritual technique of just being present in the moment. This attitude made my day so much easier and more fulfilling.
As I waited in line at the tax office, I couldn’t help but overhear a less than happy man ranting in one of the booths. I felt bad because, well, we are all human and this is about paying taxes, for goodness sake! We can hardly blame others for reacting this way. I mean, who really enjoys doing their taxes?
But I think it’s better to stay calm and carry on, because in the end everything will be fine. Having a “panic attack” or “hissy fit” like the guy in that booth won’t change the situation, except to make it worse. I know from experience that keeping an inner calm always wins the day.
If you have to deal with a chore or task that you are not looking forward to, try to embrace it and immerse yourself in the experience rather than making it worse by creating a lot of resistance around it. There is a lot of ancient wisdom in “being present in the now.” It is no accident that this concept is rooted in various spiritual traditions and teachings throughout history, as it points to a universal truth that is essential for spiritual living and personal well-being.
Reclaim Your Personal Power With ‘Sat Nam’
As a Kundalini Yoga teacher, I had the unique privilege of studying with Yogi Bhajan, the yoga master who introduced Kundalini Yoga to the Western world. Before he passed away in 2004, Yogi Bhajan gave me my spiritual name, Satya Kaur, which essentially means “princess” or “lioness” who embodies or strives to live by the principle of truth. It symbolizes a spiritual identity or path that focuses on integrity, authenticity, and the pursuit of spiritual truth.
Our soul identity is the key to our life journey and spiritual growth. For this reason, at the end of each Kundalini Yoga class, the teacher says “Sat Nam” to the students. The class then repeats these words back to the teacher. Because of the name Yogi Bhajan gave me, this mantra will always have a special place in my heart.
The phrase is a Gurmukhi term that translates to “Truth is my name” or “True identity.” It is used as a yoga mantra to center the mind, connect with one’s true self, and remind us of our true essence and reality beyond the physical and mental constructs of the external world.
Saying “Sat Nam” to others is similar to the greeting “Namaste,” which means “The divine in me bows to the divine in you,” or “The spirit in me salutes the spirit in you.” For me, sacred affirmations like “Sat Nam” and “Namaste” have even more power and meaning now in the dawning Age of Aquarius.
The Ancient Wisdom Of The Two Wolves
The story of the Two Wolves holds a special place among my childhood favorites. The moral of this Native American wisdom tale, thought to have originated with the Cherokee tribe, serves as a daily guiding light in my life.
I must confess, there is some sentimental bias on my part, as this story also brings back lovely memories of my remarkable grandfather, Sequoia, a former medicine man and chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Variations of the story exist in various Native American cultures, and it typically goes like this:
One evening, an old Cherokee is teaching his granddaughter about life and says, “My daughter, a fight is going on inside all of us each day. It is the battle between the two wolves.”
“One wolf is evil — anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good — joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”
The granddaughter thinks about it for a minute and then asks her grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
Spiritual Relationships Support Our Soul Growth
Spiritual relationships shape our life journey and nurture our soul growth in many significant ways. Whether it’s the mysterious bond of a soul mate, the intricate web of soul contracts we have with our family and friends, or simply the spiritual bond we feel with our pet, these connections transcend the mundane and resonate deeply with us on a soul level.
There are several types of spiritual relationships that are intricately woven into the tapestry of our lives, influencing our karmic choices, life experiences, and personal and spiritual growth. By understanding the dynamics of these special relationship connections, we can embrace their transformative power and navigate our spiritual path with greater clarity and purpose.
So, what exactly is a spiritual relationship? These relationships are different with different people in your life, and each has a different impact on you. They stand out for different reasons and usually leave a significant mark on your being, whether it’s a lover, partner, friend, co-worker, relative, or even a complete stranger.
This type of relationship can be a game changer, creating a special and unbreakable bond between two people who are on the same spiritual level and see things in a similar way. Mental doors and emotional pathways open, and remarkable things happen with these magical connections.
The Truth About Being “Too Busy”
It is good to be busy. But some people are always too busy. Too busy to do the things that really matter. Too busy to go where we really want to go. Too busy to make a difference. Too busy to love. Too busy.
I admit that I am one of those people who, when asked how I am doing, often gives the standard one-word answer: “Busy.” Some people who like their jobs and choose to work a lot are called workaholics. I have been called a workaholic by friends and family. My response is always that I am grateful to still be able to do what I love.
Yes, some of us like to be busy. We like to be doing something all the time. For me, being busy gives me a sense of self-worth and security. When a task is completed, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Being busy is also a way to thrive. Some people do their best work when they are very busy and under pressure. We are indeed blessed when we have a job that we truly love to do. But that does not mean we never need a day off without feeling guilty?
The pandemic has been a challenge for us busy people. How do you stay busy when you cannot leave the house? One thing it did for me was give me “permission” to take an online art class without feeling guilty. Also, friends and family have given me more puzzles than one could ever have in a lifetime. In the past, I would have felt guilty about doing these things for pleasure instead of work.
Unstuck Your Life With A New Spiritual Practice
One of the most transformative things we can do in life is to step out of our comfort zones and infuse our lives with new vitality. As creatures of habit, we tend to get stuck in life with repetitive routines and recurring patterns that drain our energy and stifle our personal and spiritual growth.
When conventional methods fall short, exploring spiritual or esoteric practices can breathe fresh air into our lives and help us break free from the shackles of monotony.
Feeling stagnant, experiencing a lack of fulfillment, or longing for personal growth are all signs that it’s time to break free from a comfort zone, a soulless daily routine, or a recurring toxic pattern that no longer serves our highest good. These indicators often signal the need for change to invigorate or even reinvent our lives.
By adopting a new spiritual practice and delving into realms beyond the ordinary, we embark on a new journey of self-discovery and soul expansion that unlocks our hidden potential and transforms our destiny. Exploring esoteric and occult traditions offers alternative perspectives and transformative experiences that can expand our consciousness and provide profound insights. It can uncover hidden knowledge and help us tap into higher realms of consciousness that enrich our lives.
Signs Of A Spiritual Love Connection
Have you ever felt an inexplicable love bond with someone that goes beyond the realm of ordinary connection? The signs of a spiritual love connection are unique and often transcend the conventional understanding of relationships.
A spiritual love connection is a life-changing experience because it goes beyond the superficial aspects of an ordinary romantic relationship and delves into the deeper spiritual connection between people.
A spiritual love connection is a deep, unexplainable bond between two souls that transcends the usual aspects of a romantic relationship. It involves an innate understanding of each other’s innermost thoughts, feelings and desires, creating a sense of harmony and spiritual alignment. This connection is often felt on a profound level that resonates with the core essence of both individuals.
Recognizing and acknowledging a spiritual love connection is important if you are seeking an authentic, meaningful, and lasting relationship that also supports your spiritual values and soul purpose. It allows you to prioritize genuine connections based on soul resonance, mutual understanding, and shared values over superficial attractions. It is crucial not only for the success and longevity of the relationship, but also for your own growth and fulfillment.