yoga
Grief And Spiritual Healing
Every one of us deals with loss at some point in our lives. A family member, a friend, even our beloved pets. We may be angry or depressed long after the loss occurs, and ask ourselves why it happened. As we work through the stages of grief, keeping a sense of spirituality is essential.
It’s natural to ask our higher power for answers. We have to keep the lines of communication open. In doing so, we work through our grief and learn more about ourselves. This is called “soulwork,” or “soul-searching.” It should not be confused with connecting to our loved ones on the other side, though this may be part of the journey. Expressing grief is the most important thing we can do. 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
It’s All In The Numbers
I am not a numerologist, however, like Astrology, Feng Shui, Palm Reading and other metaphysical modalities, I have studied Numerology. I have always been fascinated with the role numbers have played in my life.
My numbers, based on my birth date, are 6, 11 and 24. My post office box number in the small town I grew up in was 303 (3+3+0=6). The only other time I lived in a small town and also could only get a post office box, the number of that box also added up to 11. The number of the apartment I grew up in was 11. My phone number and that of my best friend’s was almost identical. She is still my best friend today.
My three best friends from high school were all born on the 19th of a month. So was my first boyfriend. I was the odd ball and the maternal figure of the group and was born on the 24th. My best friend’s two oldest children gave birth to their children on the same days that one of their best friend’s from high school passed. Continue reading
The Sixth Chakra
The sixth chakra, or Ajna is located at the brow, right between the two physical eyes. It is symbolized by a lotus with two petals.
The animal totem of the sixth chakra is the black antelope or black panther. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is “A”. This is considered the intuition chakra and it is also referred to as the Third Eye.
It rules the sinuses, optic nerve, eyes, forehead and the frontal lobe of the brain. Its corresponding gland is the pineal gland.
The color for this chakra is a deep indigo. Foods to stimulate this chakra include Eggplant, blackberries, red cabbage.
Physically, Ajna deals with vision. Emotionally it deals with clarity on an intuitive level and mentally with visual consciousness. Spiritually it deals with compassion, empathy, foresight and psychic ability. Empaths, mediums, psychics, and intuitives usually have a very developed and open sixth chakra. Continue reading
Mudras – Part 1
In Kundalini Yoga, an ancient spiritual healing science, the fingers have deep spiritual meaning that coordinates with Astrology, emotions, body, mind and soul. We use the fingers to create mudras which trigger certain parts of the brain. Mudra is Sanskrit for “mark”, “seal”, or “gesture”. They are 10,000 year old hand gestures that help to heal and empower us.
Mudras can be found everywhere in daily life. Hand gestures are a part of every culture. Just like the spoken and written word, they can be used for positive or negative. Sign language, for example, is a form of mudras. The military uses hand gestures as a symbol of respect. Continue reading
The Fourth Chakra
The fourth chakra, or Anahata is located in the heart center. It is symbolized by a circular flower and 12 green petals called heart-mind. The animal totems of the fourth chakra are the antelope, dove and nightingale. The musical note that resonates with this chakra is “F”. This is considered the heart chakra and love chakra.
The color is green. It rules the shoulders, heart, blood circulation, upper back and lungs. Foods to stimulate the fourth chakra include Lettuce, kale, zucchini, spinach and all green vegetables. The corresponding gland is the Thymus. Physically, Anahata governs the immune system, all blood related issues and circulation. Mentally it governs connection with others’ personal power, while emotionally it governs empathy, compassion, romance, friendship and family love, and spiritually it directs unconditional love. Continue reading
The Second Chakra
The second chakra, or Swadhisthana is located just under the navel. It is symbolized by a white lotus flower or crescent moon. The animal totem of the second chakra is the crocodile and the musical note that resonates with this chakra is “D”. This is considered the sacral chakra.
The color of the second chakra is orange. Foods to stimulate the second chakra include oranges, apricots, carrots, and cantaloupe.
Physically, Swadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm. This energy is also where we tap into our creativity and pleasure. It rules the reproductive organs and the corresponding gland is the sexual endocrine glands. This chakra helps to balance our spirituality and sexuality, and is also the area in the body where we hold blockages relating to sexual trauma. Continue reading