mindful living
Controlling Your Psychic Powers
When fictional characters, like Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, train to use their abilities, one of the first things their mentors, such as Yoda, tell them is that they must learn control. This is just as important to us as we use our own metaphysical abilities in the real world.
The first and foremost reason for this is that we have to use any psychic ability given to us for our own good, and that of others. If we use these abilities without mindful intent behind them, or with hostile intent, they can be very counter-productive.
So, how is control learned? An easy way to start is by ridding ourselves of negative influences and objects. As the ancient system of Feng Shui dictates, our environments reflect our internal states. First we must ground ourselves, by connecting our energies with those of the physical and spiritual realms. Continue reading
It’s Okay To Take Care Of Your Self
Only you know when it’s time to come out of the closet. Only you know when it’s time to live the life you have always wanted, or were called to live. Is your life like a hamster on a wheel, same old, same old? If you do the same old thing the same old way, you will always get the same old result. Step off the wheel and try something new in your life.
Get rid of the shoulds and should nots. You will always hear that little voice inside your head saying, “I can’t do that, I’m not smart enough… I’m not good enough… I don’t deserve that..” On and on, downing and judging yourself. Only you know when it’s time to clean house, get rid of the useless mental chatter and feel good about yourself. Continue reading
Mind Your Mindfulness!
“Mindfulness” is a spiritual concept that has been thrown around a lot these days, but how many of us truly know what it really means? Let’s take a closer look.
Mindfulness basically refers to being fully aware, moment-to-moment, of our subjective conscious experience. But if we look at the components of the word itself, it might actually mean “making our mind full.” This in itself is a strange idea: because it is believed that most of us use only a portion of our mental power, how can we possibly employ it to its full potential?
To be mindful begins with becoming more aware of ourselves, our bodies, our surroundings. One of the reasons it is so difficult to grasp in our modern world is that we’re bombarded with sensory input. Think about the last time you went to the grocery store, or the mall. It’s difficult to concentrate, and that’s on top of all the incoming information on our smart phones and tablets! Continue reading
The Reality Of Illusion
Is illusion a reality? What do I even mean by “the reality of illusion?” I am not sure, so this will be a walk of discovery for both of us. Definitions of illusion includes concepts like “deception”, “fantasy”, “not real” or “to convey a false or misleading impression.” Reality on the other hand is defined a “the real thing” or “fact”, “a state or quality of being real” or an “actual thing”.
So the reality of illusion in my mind must mean that behind the smoke and mirrors of illusion there must be a reality base of some sort? Does this further mean that within the illusion of a lie there may be some truth? I think this bears some investigation, some form of discovery, don’t you? Continue reading
You Are What You Speak
Even the quietest among us speak many words every day. Each one of those words has meaning. How often do you stop to consider that meaning?
If your friends, neighbors, or co-workers were asked to describe you briefly, what would they say? That you were “nice,” “kind,” “generous?” Maybe “rude,” “messy,” or “thoughtless?” What comes to mind when we hear those words? Each one of them is a snapshot of who we are as people. But we don’t get there without lots of words of our own.
Most of what we say, as well as think, the “little voices” in our mind, is done without much thinking. It’s easy to get into a rut and stay there. That’s how habits are formed. It’s also how we succeed or fail. If we start telling ourselves that we are worthless, unlovable, or stupid, we’ll start believing it. Others will too! 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