What haven't you caught onto?

So today was one of those mom days where you kinda live in your car.  I picked my son up from school at 3 pm, drove him home, turned back around at 4 pm to drop my daughter off to a basketball game, drove home, turned back around at 6 pm to drop the son back off to lacrosse.....

I had one of those moments when I realized I simply couldn't do this anymore and stay sane.  It isn't possible to run this much and stay sane.  Seriously, this running the kids around like a lunatic that has been going on for 15 years simply must end.  Yea yea yea...I've done the carpool thing, I've said the "no" word, I've reworked, I've rescheduled, I've manipulated, and I've even sat in my car crying a time or two.

Tonight at 6 pm was different though.  My son got out of the car to join his teammates.  I took a deep breath in.  I took a deep breath out.  I did that again about hmmmmm 20 times.  That's when inspiration came as it always does with a few deep breaths and a lot of synchronisity.  You see, this morning I was simply fascinated by an NPR report on the new Ford F150.  Folks are using these as offices now and they are all set up so that you can even sit inside one and print.  Apparently, these trucks are the most important tool in their toolbox.  I got a Ford.  Granted, it's a baby blue hybrid escape, but it's got an electric outlet.  I got tools.  Granted they come in the form of holistic modalities.

So, 15 years later I have finally solved the mommy dilemma.  I have turned my car into a home office Zen retreat center.  I'm gonna do a little online xmas shopping so I don't have to go to any stores this holiday season.  Then I'm gonna meditate after I stare at the evening stars through my sunroof.  I might take a nice walk around the parking lot and get some fresh air.  After that, if I'm not too blissed out, I might just get a little work done.  Ahhhhh....the sweet delight of "me" time.

There is magic in the breath.

Meditating in motion

Indian legend relates many stories about Lord Shiva, also known as “Rudra”. He is famous for being the embodiment of the power of destruction in an eternal cycle of creation maintenance, and destruction. Shiva is also associated with deep states of meditation where thoughts are absent and only silence and emptiness exist. It is said that Lord Shiva once entered a profound state of meditation for the benefit of mankind for a very long time. When he finally emerged from this state and opened his eyes, the deep joy, peace, and love he felt for the human race was expressed with sacred tears which ran down his cheek and fell to earth. Each tear generated a rudraksha tree whose tiny fruits are born of the tears of rudra—the Lord Almighty Himself.

The word rudraksha, in fact, comes from the two Sanskrit words rudra, a synonym for Lord Shiva, and aksha, meaning “eyes”. Botanically, the rudraksha tree is known as Elaecarpus ganitrus Roxb. These trees grow in very few places in the world including the Himalayas of India and Nepal, as well as in parts of Indonesia. They are large trees with a wide silhouette whose flowers bloom annually. The rudraksha berry varies in size (3-40 mm; 1/8 to 1½ inches). It has smooth light green skin and pulp much like a green grape. Lodged within the pulp is a single round seed which has a rough surface and a hole running through it from top to bottom. It is these seeds which are the rudraksha beads. Each seed also possesses fron 1 to 21 vertical lines running down its surface, like the longitude lines on a globe. These lines are known as mukhas, or facets, and are natural formations of the seed. Seeds with one vertical line are known as ek-mukhi (one facet); those with two lines are dwi-mukhi (two facets), and so on.

Many different Hindu scriptures written over many different periods of history describe divine qualities of this little bead. One intriguing aspect of rudraksha lore is that it is worn and worshipped by absolutely everyone regardless of caste, religion, sect, creed, color, or sex. Given the highly secularized history of India this is quite peculiar. Even today, as in past times, it is worn by the Brahmin priest while performing solemn ceremonies, by the soldier engaged in battle, by the store owner or stockbroker conducting business, by the student for knowledge, the poorest of our society for sustenance.

Generally speaking, one who wears the rudraksha in the prescribed manner will invoke the energies of Lord Shiva and negative thoughts and emotions will be destroyed. Rudraksha has a calming effect on the central nervous system. It is said that the rudraksha helps maintain a normal blood pressure and helps maintain health. It has no adverse effects and promotes peace of mind and prosperity for the wearer. In various ancient scriptures (i.e. Padma Purana, Shiva Purana, Mantramaharnava, Rudrajabalopanishad) it is proclaimed that if a person meets his death while wearing a rudraksha he is released from the cycle of life and death and achieves moksha (liberation).

How To Use and Care For The Rudraksha Mala

• It is best to wear the rudraksha mala (i.e necklace) for the first time on a Monday. If at all possible it should be first brought to a Shiva temple for sanctification early on a Monday morning and then worn immediately after worship. If a Shiva temple is not available then simply wear it initially on a Monday.
• At bedtime remove the mala and place it on the alter in your home. When traveling you should sleep with it on.
• After bathing in the morning, hold the mala in the right hand and repeat the appropriate mantra aloud (see below) for 108 times.
• Do not wear the rudraksha mala during periods of menstrual bleeding or while attending funerals.
• The rudraksha mala has a very long lifespan. A properly cared for mala can be passed along to eight generations as a family heirloom.
• The rudraksha mala can be washed occasionally with warm soapy water and allowed to dry naturally. Do not soak for extended periods of time.
• Rudraksha beads vary in size from 3-40 mm. The size of the bead has no bearing on its effects. However a given mala must contain beads all with the same number of mukhis.

Say no more

Yogis,  the studies have been done, categorized and published.  The amazing and profound conclusion after 40 years and who knows how man dollars is the following....

drummmmmmmroollllllllll

MEDITATION IS GOOD FOR YOU

I know.  So surprising.  Here are the facts according to tm.org from the top 100 studies:

• Decreased Medical Care Utilization and Hospitalization
• Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
• Reduced Atherosclerosis/Stroke
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Decreased Cholesterol
• Reduced Congestive Heart Failure
• Decreased Free Radicals
• Decreased Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia
• Reduction in Stress and Pain
• Improvements in Intelligence, Creativity, Academics and School Behavior
• Improved Integration of Personality
• Increased Efficiency and Productivity
• Reversal of Aging and Increased Longevity
• Higher Levels of Brain Functioning
• Reduced Substance Abuse

Effective Criminal Rehabilitation

What are you waiting for?  Click through for a FREE meditation MP4 download. 

learn more>>>

Om Shanti,  Pamela

God is calling....can you hear?

I stumbled upon the poem below which is by Kahil Gibran as I was trying to find something that would inspire you to come to the free meditation workshop tonight at 6 pm and to take the 7 day meditation challenge which starts this Friday at 6am!!! After reading it, I realized that if this poem can't inspire you to sit quietly and connect with God, then not I nor you nor anything can.

It is so beautiful, it simply struck me silent...for once.

A Lover's Call by Kahil Gibran

Where are you, my beloved? Are you in that little
Paradise, watering the flowers who look upon you
As infants look upon the breast of their mothers?


Or are you in your chamber where the shrine of
Virtue has been placed in your honor, and upon
Which you offer my heart and soul as sacrifice?


Or amongst the books, seeking human knowledge,
While you are replete with heavenly wisdom?


Oh companion of my soul, where are you? Are you
Praying in the temple? Or calling Nature in the
Field, haven of your dreams?


Are you in the huts of the poor, consoling the
Broken-hearted with the sweetness of your soul, and
Filling their hands with your bounty?


You are God's spirit everywhere;
You are stronger than the ages.


Do you have memory of the day we met, when the halo of
You spirit surrounded us, and the Angels of Love
Floated about, singing the praise of the soul's deed?


Do you recollect our sitting in the shade of the
Branches, sheltering ourselves from Humanity, as the ribs
Protect the divine secret of the heart from injury?


Remember you the trails and forest we walked, with hands
Joined, and our heads leaning against each other, as if
We were hiding ourselves within ourselves?


Recall you the hour I bade you farewell,
And the Maritime kiss you placed on my lips?
That kiss taught me that joining of lips in Love
Reveals heavenly secrets which the tongue cannot utter!


That kiss was introduction to a great sigh,
Like the Almighty's breath that turned earth into man.


That sigh led my way into the spiritual world,
Announcing the glory of my soul; and there
It shall perpetuate until again we meet.


I remember when you kissed me and kissed me,
With tears coursing your cheeks, and you said,
"Earthly bodies must often separate for earthly purpose,
And must live apart impelled by worldly intent.


"But the spirit remains joined safely in the hands of
Love, until death arrives and takes joined souls to God.


"Go, my beloved; Love has chosen you her delegate;
Over her, for she is Beauty who offers to her follower
The cup of the sweetness of life.
As for my own empty arms, your love shall remain my
Comforting groom; your memory, my Eternal wedding."


Where are you now, my other self? Are you awake in
The silence of the night? Let the clean breeze convey
To you my heart's every beat and affection.


Are you fondling my face in your memory? That image
Is no longer my own, for Sorrow has dropped his
Shadow on my happy countenance of the past.


Sobs have withered my eyes which reflected your beauty
And dried my lips which you sweetened with kisses.


Where are you, my beloved? Do you hear my weeping
From beyond the ocean? Do you understand my need?
Do you know the greatness of my patience?


Is there any spirit in the air capable of conveying
To you the breath of this dying youth? Is there any
Secret communication between angels that will carry to
You my complaint?


Where are you, my beautiful star? The obscurity of life
Has cast me upon its bosom; sorrow has conquered me.


Sail your smile into the air; it will reach and enliven me!
Breathe your fragrance into the air; it will sustain me!


Where are you, me beloved?
Oh, how great is Love!
And how little am I!

Meditation...how to...

Learn to Meditate

Follow the link to this amazing one hour workshop on Meditation with Jon Kabat Zinn. John Kabit Zinn is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He teaches mindfulness meditation as a technique to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness.

The Spring Elemental Immersion began this week. The focus of this first of four weeks is to establish a meditation practice. Why do we meditate? It is the basis for good health, good thoughts and connection to spirit. It is a powerful practice that destroys stress in your life, facilitates clear and intentioned thinking and allows access to the universal field of silence where you know your soul.

Try it for a week. Simply set aside 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence with your breath, your thoughts, or a mantra. At EOM, we like to use the "So Hum" mantra. "So" means "I" and "Hum" means "Am". Simply breath in and think "So", breath out and think "Am". Notice your thoughts, let them go and go back to your mantra.

If you need a little push to get you adjusted to sitting for 10 minutes with your eyes closed,

CLICK HERE

Meditation

Meditation

Learn to Meditate

Follow the link to this amazing one hour workshop on Meditation with Jon Kabat Zinn. John Kabit Zinn is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He teaches mindfulness meditation as a technique to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness.

The Heath & Wellness Clinic began this week. The focus of this first of six weeks is to establish a meditation practice. Why do we meditate? It is the basis for good health, good thoughts and connection to spirit. It is a powerful practice that destroys stress in your life, facilitates clear and intentioned thinking and allows access to the universal field of silence where you know your soul.

Try it for a week. Simply set aside 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence with your breath, your thoughts, or a mantra. At EOM, we like to use the "So Hum" mantra. "So" means "I" and "Hum" means "Am". Simply breath in and think "So", breath out and think "Am". Notice your thoughts, let them go and go back to your mantra.

If you need a little push to get you adjusted to sitting for 10 minutes with your eyes closed,

CLICK HERE

why?

Our meditation clinic met last night for the first time. We had a bit of discussion about the benefits of meditation, established a practice and then practiced a bit. I was very curious as to why people showed up. Where did they hear about meditation? What was driving them on this journey? These are the questions that, as the instructor, I don't really get to ask and if I do, I'm sure I don't really get the personal answer that I desire. I'm just curious.

For me, I established a meditation practice after reading Dr. Chopra's book "The Book of Secrets". The real question to ask me is why did I chose to read that book. I honestly don't remember. I know that I was desperately searching for some answer to get me through chronic pain and a not so happy marriage. I know that I felt my life was lacking purpose and I wasn't sure where I was supposed to be going or what I was supposed to be doing with my life. Dr. Chopra's book seemed magical in some way, but so practical too that it didn't alienate me from all this spiritual/metaphysical stuff.

I found a Chopra Certified Primordial Sound Instructor in Columbus and took her course. I then signed up for a meditation retreat through the Chopra Center. The rest is history. I've been meditating pretty much everyday ever since...that was six years ago. It has profoundly changed my life. I'm much happier than I used to be. I'm much more positive too. I'm way less grumpy, much more empowered, kinder, more compassionate, less judgmental and to be honest, simply nicer than I used to be. I've learned to accept things as they are. I've learned to change the things I don't like. I've found quiet, stillness, self-confidence and independence of spirit that I didn't know existed. These are the things that I hope for my yogis. These are the things I hope for humanity.

How do you establish a practice? You simply must have discipline. Find silence everyday for 10 minutes. You can sit by a window and simply gaze out. You can sit with your eyes closed. You can use mantra if you choose. Just start the practice of setting aside 10 minutes each day as a nourishing time to heal, to destress and to calm. If you can't find 10 minutes in your day to focus on yourself, you really need to ask yourself the larger questions of life.

So many people tell me they simply don't have time to meditate. I always wonder if they have time to be sad, to be sick or to be unfulfilled. I don't. God gave me so many breaths to breathe and each one is going to be amazing.

Now, turn off the radio, the TV, the Cell-Phone and your computer! Go sit in silence and enjoy your mind.

Meditation...the foundation for dialogue

Tonight starts our Meditation Clinic. If you have fallen off your practice or would like to develop a practice, please plan to come on Tuesdays to EOM from 6:30 - 7:00 pm to be led through a simple and easy practice. We will have some instruction, a 20 minute guided meditation and more discussion. This is a FREE clinic. It will go through April 27th when the Elemental Immersion begins. (Feel welcome to stay for New to Yoga afterwards...its $13).

Meditation has been studied since the 1920s in both the US and especially in India and China where it is more a part of their culture. The findings are remarkable. It is widely accepted that meditation helps in the treatment of stress which is of particular importance to psychosomatic illnesses. Psychosomatic illness are illnesses that have a mental component associated with the stress of everyday life. These illness include high blood pressure, lower back pain, neck pain, IBS, ulcers, headaches, dizziness, aches and pains, anxiety, phobias and hypochondria. It is unclear that meditation is effective in the treatment of addictions and depressions, however, I believe with the combination of yoga, gentle movement and emotional clearing exercises, meditation can be effective.

FINDINGS:
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Feb2003, Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine:

• Meditation strengthens the ability to ward off illness.
• Mediation has clear effects on the parts of the brain which focus on emotion (left and frontal regions which respond to anxiety).

Dr. Herbert Benson, Cardiologist, Mind/Body Medical Institute of Harvard:

• Stress management can benefit 60% to 90% of people who see doctors for illness. It is increasingly being added to traditional therapies for the treatment of patients with life-threatening illnesses like cancer and AIDS.

"The relaxation response helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and slows breathing and brain waves," he says. "Just about any condition that is either caused or made worse by stress can be helped with meditation."

For more findings, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Begin your practice by simply setting aside time. I personally prefer transcendental meditation, but you can grow into that practice. Below is a link to some beautiful music that will guide you for 10 minutes. Let you mind simply relax and go with the music. The important thing, at this point, is to take the time each day to perform the 10 minute practice:

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

I don't think people fully understand how powerful meditation can be. It is truly life-changing. Through meditation, we process all of our negative thoughts, emotions and beliefs. We are able to change our brainwaves so that they naturally lead us to choose the more nourishing choice. I believe that through meditation we begin the practice of nourishing and loving ourselves. I used to think that meditation was all about connecting to Spirit. I now see that meditation is simply my homework so that I can be with Spirit in every moment of my day. Shanti, Pamela

What are we really doing here?

Why are you doing yoga? Why are you participating in an Ayurvedic Cleanse? What are we really doing here?

We are getting happy. Getting happy is a process...a technique. It isn’t that hard. It is simply an everyday disciplined practice. This is how happiness works. First, you must be physically comfortable. If you are ill, in pain, or suffering from life’s stressors like lack of sleep, poor digestion or fatigue, you cannot be happy. Not only can you not be happy, but you can’t grow spiritually because you are mired in misery that is physically tangible. This is why we do Asana or the movement of Yoga. So, go to a yoga class or go for a walk or both. Make good nourishing choices for food and routine. Go to bed.

Second, you must breath. I guess that should be first, but I’m talking about Pranayama. Focused attention on breath. This will relax you. It will focus your mind so that your thoughts begin to slow. You will become aware of tension that you are holding in your physical body and be able to release it and manage it in the moment. If you are unaware of your breath, if you are rushing through your day, you cannot be happy. Not only can you not be happy, but you can’t grow spiritually because you are mired in stress and rushing and not taking the time to connect to your soul. So, breath. Just be aware that you are breathing. In the moments of stress and anger, pause and breath.

Third, you must meditate. Now this really should be first because it is the foundation, but I’d like to get you through the door in a more mainstream way. The Asana of yoga is widely accepted. It is readily available. Meditation is a little more work. Additionally, if you are not physically happy and if you have no focus, you cannot meditate. Meditation is the process of becoming aware of your thoughts and finally of becoming without thought. Meditation is not visualization. Meditation is not listening to soothing music. That is called relaxation and it is very important, but it is not meditation. So, do a little asana to make your body comfy, breath for a few minutes to focus your attention and relax and then meditate. Just sit, close your eyes and bring your attention to any one thing. I love mantra and “so hum” is the perfect mantra to connect to your breath. Translated, it means “I am”. And that means “I AM” I AM the whole entire universe. I AM the reason for all that is here to be here. I AM the center of the world. I AM the co-creator of my existence.

Through meditation, we create a door to our soul. Before that door opens, you have to let go of a lot of things keeping you attached to this world. You must process your past. All the aches, pains, grievances, betrayals, bad thoughts and bad deeds of the past must be released. You must find compassion and forgiveness and ultimately blessing in everything that has come your way. Once the past is gone...and this is a process...you start to shift to present moment awareness and ultimately happiness.

But wait...we still have to deal with the future. Get clear about what your intentions and desires are for your future. Know that you, as the co-creator, truly can manifest anything that you desire. Know what you want. Ask for it. Know that you will get it. Through this process you can stop worrying about your future and living in the future. This facilitates present moment awareness.

Living in this present moment, through meditation you will be aware of your thoughts. When you start to worry, you can stop yourself. When you are being critical, judgmental, unforgiving or harsh, you can choose a different path. You will become compassionate, loving and helpful.

At some point in your practice of meditation, once you are done thinking about the past and worrying about the future, you will meditate. You will enter a zone of total peace and connection. You may or may not remember anything that happens during meditation. What does happen? I have no idea. For me, I come out of my meditation relaxed, focused and HAPPY!

What are we really doing here? We are getting HAPPY.

Insanity

I'm sailing a ship of insanity floating in a sea of tranquility. Come join me.

I'm slowly losing my mind. The more and more grounded, centered and clear I become, the more I simply float away. I find my days full of peace and dreaminess. Problems dissolve and solve themselves. I have time for everything and a wonderful kind of peace.

I am surrounded by the rest of the world which doesn't seem so peaceful and easy. People that talk too much and don't listen. People that are hostile and negative. I find that I don't want to be around them. I grow tired quickly in their presence. I'd rather sit quietly alone. I could become the hermit and live quite happily.

I'm sure I appear spaced out and disinterested as I engage in my daily activities and honestly I am. I can't stand exchanging pleasantries. It bores me. I just really want to know what is going on with you. What are you working on and how are you changing your life? Why do you stay with him or not quit that job? Why aren't you living with passion? I crave newness.

I feel time ticking away and I am driven to solve and help. I feel the intense drive to initiate change and I can't stand to see you stuck. Move.

Oddly, sitting still is the best way to move. Namaste

(I am reading Oriah's new book, "The Invitation". Chapter 1 gave me some weird permission to think these thoughts freely. Her passion and desperation for connection and change resonate with me.)

What to read

People are always asking me what I am currently reading as I tend to take my studies into my yoga classes. At the present, I am focused on "The Thursday Night Tarot" by Jason C. Lotterhand. I'm loving it. It is simply put and makes tarot accessible for anyone regardless of where they are in their journey.

Lots of people believe Tarot is about predicting the future. While it can be used for that, this book is not about that. This book is about the spiritual journey that a person goes on in his search for enlightenment. Each card represents an Archetype that lives inside you in your subconscious and outside you in our culture. You begin with the Fool and work through the deck until you get to the World. When I say work, I mean you meditate and study each card. The universe does the rest.

The point is to learn about yourself. In his book, Lotterhand says: "The goal is to be yourself. It's hard to be something if you don't know what it is. The work is basically an attempt to explain ourself to ourselves. This means having detailed knowledge of yourself, not just in principle but in detail, with all the ins and outs." To me, this is yoga.

I'm still explaining myself to my myself. I learn and grow everyday. I enjoy surprising myself sometimes too.

Why are we here?

The great seers and sages of India known as Rishis sat in perpetual contemplation of the universe.  Just like us they questioned the purpose of man's existence.  Through their deep meditations they received the answer from the Universe.   The answer is "leela".

Translated from the sanskrit, "leela" means "to play".

We are simply here to enjoy this existence and to have fun.  Think of your time here as a visit to the nicest hotel and you are the guest of honor.  Everything is free and decadent.  Know that none of it is yours and that you will check out in the end.  

Enjoy your stay.

Meditation

Learn to Meditate

Follow the link to this amazing one hour workshop on Meditation with Jon Kabat Zinn. John Kabit Zinn is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He teaches mindfulness meditation as a technique to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness.

The Elemental Immersions begin this week. The focus of this first of four weeks is to establish a meditation practice. Why do we meditate? It is the basis for good health, good thoughts and connection to spirit. It is a powerful practice that destroys stress in your life, facilitates clear and intentioned thinking and allows access to the universal field of silence where you know your soul.

Try it for a week. Simply set aside 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence with your breath, your thoughts, or a mantra. At EOM, we like to use the "So Hum" mantra. "So" means "I" and "Hum" means "Am". Simply breath in and think "So", breath out and think "Am". Notice your thoughts, let them go and go back to your mantra.

Namaste!