tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20936602861537400972024-03-13T08:47:45.777-04:00Wandering Sage WisdomInsight and wisdom for challenging times.Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-59534762736187449802016-12-08T07:54:00.001-05:002016-12-10T22:47:42.398-05:00Mind Like Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For many people the practice of meditation is an opportunity for gaining some control over the often hectic thought process of the mind, the success of which is usually in direct proportion to the amount of time actually spent in meditation. If you throw a handful of dirt into a glass of water and shake it up, you have a glass of muddy water. If you set the glass aside and allow things to settle, the dirt sinks to the bottom and the water becomes clear. This is a simplification of the basic meditation process. The mind is the glass of water, the swirling dirt makes up the myriad thoughts we have filling our heads during every waking moment of every day, and meditation is setting the glass aside to allow the thoughts to settle.<br />
Most of the time we spend our days listening to this nonstop monologue inside our heads. Do this, go there, buy that, eat this, look there, smell that, I like this, I hate that, she’s funny, he’s smart, I wonder if, etc. It never ends. From the moment we wake to the moment we go to sleep, the chatter continues unabated in our heads. On and on it jumps from subject to subject, idea to idea, emotion to emotion, and thought to thought like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower, occasionally stopping to drink more fully of some idea or thought, and then off again. Sometimes, when it finally does stop on one subject it clamps onto it tightly, causing us to think continuously about it, processing the subject from every angle over and over until it borders on or becomes an obsession. We have all experienced this at some point when we have stressed about something so much that it seemed to consume us - maybe it was an unexpected money issue or a personal confrontation with someone. We can get so caught up in the worrying that even eating and sleeping become difficult. Our glass of water can get very muddy.<br />
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In traditional martial arts the concept of Mind Like Water goes deeper. Mind Like Water is used to define the state of perfect readiness in preparation for executing a response to any given situation. Imagine a pool of water. If you throw a pebble into the center of the pool, the water ripples out in a totally appropriate response in relation to the force and mass of the input. The water’s reaction is in exact proportion to the size of the pebble. If we toss a big rock into the pool, we get a large splash and bigger ripples. Each and every time the response is exactly as it should be, given what we throw into the pool. The water doesn’t overreact with a huge splash when a small pebble is thrown in. Nor does it under react with a small splash when a boulder is dropped into it. When applied, this concept can be very useful for anyone in the process of navigating through our hectic world. <br />
Water is shapeless. If you put water into a glass it becomes the glass. If you pour it into a bucket it becomes the bucket. It reacts to any situation just as it needs by following the path of least resistance. If you place a large rock in a mountain stream, the water will find a way to flow around the rock and continue on. <br />
Mind Like Water is the process of mindful awareness. When our minds are full of thoughts and distractions, we have difficulty responding effectively to situations that come up. If we have too much stuff going on in our heads, we can miss opportunities or fall into difficult situations. On the other hand, if we are focused on the present moment, we are able to see our situation clearly and react in an appropriate and effective manner. We basically become ready for anything that life puts before us. In this way we are able to bring a sense of calmness and peace to our lives. <br />
Mindful awareness of the present moment is based on intention. Intention is a concentrated focus of the mind, causing the occurrence of events in our lives. When you intend to do something, you cause it to happen. If you do something unintentionally it is from a lack of mental focus that it comes to pass. Learning to stay present is training intention. Training intention allows you to be successful in whatever you attempt. <br />
Unlike more modern styles, traditional martial artists train their minds just as hard as they train their bodies. They understand that the physical body has limitations and techniques that depend solely on physical action will always be less effective than techniques that are done with a connection between the mind and body. Summoning the mental energy needed to deal with a situation is creating intention. When the mind has a clear idea of the task at hand and its commitment to that task, the motions of the physical body will be controlled and guided to their highest levels of proficiency. Our response matches the size of the stone thrown into the pool of our mind. <br />
Water flows to the path of least resistance yet it has the power to overcome any obstacle. If we are able to maintain our center in the present moment we are able to react and adapt to situations as they appear. Cultivating this can be a challenge if our mind is swirling with dirty water. Finding a few moments each day to sit and allow the thoughts to settle will be of great benefit. You don’t necessarily have to think of it as meditation…Think of it as watering your mind.Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-36906525282094734582015-09-10T11:48:00.001-04:002015-09-10T11:48:44.119-04:00Now is the Time to Walk the Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The definition of character is what you do when no one is looking</i> – Beck Weathers</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We have now reached the time when the behavior patterns of the past no longer enable us to move forward effectively. As the old structures begin to breakdown more and more people are searching for answers to the fundamental questions regarding the purpose and meaning of life. They are motivated by a desire for a means of dealing with the myriad of challenges that face us as individuals, as a society, as a culture and as a planet. W</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The first thing we need to do is realize that the true answers are only going to come from within. We can experiment with all methods of alternative/holistic healing, but until we realize that the work needs to take place inside ourselves, the results will only be superficial. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The challenges that face us may appear overwhelming. Indeed the financial crisis appears as if it is going to fundamentally change the dynamics of our society. At times like this it is easy to give in to the forces of negativity that seem to be growing in power. For some there is a seductive aspect to the concept that things are going to fall apart. For others there is a tendency to allow doubt and fear to permeate their lives. Still others see an opportunity to profit from the disaster. None of these outlooks are beneficial in the long run.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we all struggle to adapt to the rapid changes that are occurring in the world we must take care to maintain our center. It is easy to start making compromises when times get difficult. Yet this only leads to trouble. In truth, the only way forward is to maintain peace and balance in our lives as we adapt to the ever-changing world.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Of course there are times in everyone’s lives when it is difficult to stay on the path. Events and circumstances often conspire to challenge us in ways we never could have imagined. However, if we are sincere in our desire to be of service to others, we must get our house in order. Without a sincere core of integrity within, it is impossible to offer pure, positive energy to those we come in contact with.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the alternative/holistic health community, be we energy workers, psychics, healers, teachers or simply beings exploring our own spiritual nature, we need to take a moment to turn our attention inwards and look at ourselves. The time has come for each of us to walk along the path we are so good at talking about. The time has come to let go of the behaviors that no longer serve us. The time has come for us to become the true embodiment of the spiritual essence that exists within the core of our being. We have reached the point where we must now truly evolve. In order to do this we must release the chains that bind us to our lower selves and begin to vibrate on a higher level. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The road ahead may seem dark and forbidding. We may have doubts as to our ability to continue on the path. But this is the time for each of us to step up, open our hearts and shine the light of truth and love out into the world. This is only possible if we have come to terms with ourselves. We need to walk the path we profess to travel. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Walk the talk. Lead by example and allow others to recognize and benefit from that pure energy within us. We must do no less.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I wish you warmest of blessings and much peace on your journey.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.</i><b> </b>-Thich Nhat Hanh</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/?page_id=289" target="_blank">Online Spiritual Deepening Course now available</a></span></div>
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Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-78704777941225108922015-08-19T10:50:00.000-04:002015-08-19T10:50:21.340-04:00Entering Into Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The attitude we take towards any task or undertaking reflects on how we view our self. The completed task is the outward projection of what is within us. A task done with quality and completeness corresponds to a quality and completeness within while a task half-finished or done sloppily reflects a sloppiness within us. The importance of the task is irrelevant with regard to the quality and completeness with which we undertake it. Whether we are doing life-saving surgery, writing a book, washing a car, or tying our shoes, we need to focus all of our attention and concentration on that action. In effect, we want to enter into the essence of it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By entering into the essence of something, we mean becoming one with the action we are performing. In Japanese there is a word <i>shoshin</i> which means “beginner’s mind.” As a beginner, the first time you do something you have to concentrate on it in order to do it correctly, but as you become adept at it you soon stop paying attention to the doing of it. The idea of <i>shoshin</i> is to retain the mindfulness of the beginner even as the task becomes routine. In this manner you are able to enter into the essence of what you are doing and that makes all the difference. Doing anything without entering into its essence is pointless and empty. However, the more fully you enter into something, keeping mindful of it, the more point or meaning it has and the more alive you feel by doing it. Musicians, dancers, or artists who are able to enter into the essence of their art, become their art - they transcend the <i>doing</i> and are just <i>being</i>. By entering into the essence of your daily tasks you can begin to wake up to the great secret of life – living. The quality of living that results from entering into the essence of everyday life is profound. By entering into the essence of things, it is possible to feel a connection to the creative principle of the universe. But only by actually being mindful of what we are doing can we reach that goal.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By remembering to be aware of ourselves, we begin to learn how to engage in living life as it occurs. By slowing down and experiencing each thing we do to the full extent we beginning to gain a calm sense of control over our lives. By entering into the essence of something and concentrating on the quality of our actions we begin to sense a true feeling of peace within the self. </span></div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-80694966981639144422015-08-17T12:41:00.002-04:002015-08-17T12:41:48.919-04:00Threshold<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjedxQXZLN97o7fN9tcHAYjsssBIpUtGyvSLKO-JMsn7HSbIq0buv85YQpsuN6PMwVLbG731rgT9W5OLNKsmsl387AoEpld-sV6Im01oXZu-BWYlGSaPZ_QrwOUFI-3g7pBnSwEvK_1Q/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjedxQXZLN97o7fN9tcHAYjsssBIpUtGyvSLKO-JMsn7HSbIq0buv85YQpsuN6PMwVLbG731rgT9W5OLNKsmsl387AoEpld-sV6Im01oXZu-BWYlGSaPZ_QrwOUFI-3g7pBnSwEvK_1Q/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" title="Aaron Hoopes side kick" width="308" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We stand on the threshold of a profound shift in our world. Industrial civilization has led us down a destructive, all-consuming path that has compromised our soil, food, water, and atmosphere. This way of life has fractured the idea of community and instilled selfish values in the people. It is quickly becoming apparent that our way of living has reached the point where going forward in the same manner is no longer feasible. The time has come to either do something different, or face extinction. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A growing sector of the population is starting to realize the degradation of the Earth can only be halted when the majority of people feel deeply that the Earth is sacred and should be revered and cherished. The Earth is not ours to ruin and destroy. As more and more people begin to understand what is happening to the Earth, the need for a fundamental shift becomes apparent. An environmentally-focused spiritual transformation is underway. Reverence for the Earth is becoming a sacred calling. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wandering Sage Wisdom is part of this process of evolution. We need a better way of living that is connected to the whole. We cannot hesitate any longer.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Most humans are alienated from their vital individuality — their souls — and humanity as a whole is largely alienated from the natural world that evolved us and sustains us. Soul has been demoted to a new-age spiritual fantasy or a missionary’s booty, and nature has been treated, at best, as a postcard or a vacation backdrop or, more commonly, as a hardware store or refuse heap. Too many of us lack intimacy with the natural world and with our souls, and consequently we are doing untold damage to both.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>--- Bill Plotkin</i></span></div>
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Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-48367447467526205982014-04-22T08:09:00.000-04:002014-04-24T14:38:42.639-04:00Wakeup Calling - Poetry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wakeup Calling </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>humanity rages</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>destruction in stages</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>of everything under the sun</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the birds and the bees</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the rivers and trees</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>it seems like the end has begun</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>a population of people</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>turned into sheeple</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>conditioned to crave more and more</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>life based on greed</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>want, desire and need</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>leads to nothing but war</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the planet is dying</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the animals crying</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the forests all being cut down</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the climate is hot</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>except when it’s not </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>and some say we’re all going to drown</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>living in fear</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>something is near</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>now we are all scared to death</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>chaos and change</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>can often feel strange</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>please just take a deep breath</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>we eat poison foods</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>take meds for our moods</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>we’re so ill we cannot take action</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>to keep us asleep</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>the tendrils run deep</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>with all manner of lies and distraction</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>we cut the tops off the hills</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>down below oil spills</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>for us to progress, it is said</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>it’s hard not to believe</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>if we do not grieve</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>soon we all will be dead</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>so what can we do</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>just me and you</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>to turn this whole thing around?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>one way to recall</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>our connection to all</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>is to put our bare feet on the ground</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>now feel the Earth</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>remember its worth</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>let the energy run through your soul</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>look deep in your heart</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>that’s where you start</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>to connect yourself to the whole</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>this cannot be solved</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>if you don’t get involved</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>start now, there’s no time to wait</b></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>change how you’re living</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>stop taking, start giving</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>please, before it’s too late</b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>and so there you are</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>if you’ve made it this far</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>three last things I will say if I may</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>begin with a bow</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>stay here in the now</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>and remember to breathe every day</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Aaron Hoopes</span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">April 2014</span></div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-30300658449065126142014-03-20T15:44:00.000-04:002014-03-20T15:44:04.702-04:00Self-Healing on the Vernal Equinox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQyOWrrnzCZiZZkS0WwXu5LxqF0Fi967DLLZ-AQJZg8GJkppbC9orBbV4wc3x73x49MpOipbEKmM40gGK3Rx8lEgilM3RE9LLLj-gMwfieCeBgcX8m3lyQoEofTTiXMnkbez75Mj4iA4/s1600/Crocus_flower_in_the_snow-SPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQyOWrrnzCZiZZkS0WwXu5LxqF0Fi967DLLZ-AQJZg8GJkppbC9orBbV4wc3x73x49MpOipbEKmM40gGK3Rx8lEgilM3RE9LLLj-gMwfieCeBgcX8m3lyQoEofTTiXMnkbez75Mj4iA4/s1600/Crocus_flower_in_the_snow-SPL.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">March 20 is the Vernal Equinox. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In many traditions the Vernal Equinox is the beginning of the Awakening Time. It is a time of emergence from the long dark hibernation of winter when everything comes back to life and awakens. The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of spring, a balance point of time when energy starts to rise just as the sap begins to flow upwards into the branches of the tree.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the cycle of the seasons, spring is a wonderful experience of rebirth and expression. It is important to take a moment and immerse yourself in this process. The natural world has so much healing energy, yet we almost seem to avoid it these days... This is a very powerful time of year, a time of exhilaration.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In Chinese 5 Element philosophy, springtime is associated with the element of Wood. Wood represents growth. It is the element of expansion. Wood is the lifeforce that exists within all things. In the body, the sacred point of Wood is the lower dan tien, a point approximately three finger widths below the navel. By practicing deep breathing into this point we can access the energy of the Wood and connect with the inexhaustible source within our being. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The color of Wood energy is green. Wood energy provides confidence and the ability to persevere in times of difficulty. It enhances physical strength and stamina. Balanced Wood energy is rooted and decisive. Unbalanced Wood energy brings anger and confusion. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
The increasing power of Wood provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Wood energy flow is facilitated through the Liver. The liver is the yin organ which stores blood and facilitates the flow of blood and energy through the body. The liver is responsible for the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The gallbladder is the yang organ that balances the liver and is responsible for storing and excreting bile. Cultivating Wood energy can help with subduing anger and irritability as well as banishing indecisiveness. It also helps with blood flow problems.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
After a cold winter it is always beneficial to take care of your liver. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Care for your Liver:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 - Drink water 1st thing in the morning - this supports the liver's natural detoxification process</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 - Eat green vegetables - green is associated with the liver and veggies provide chlorophyll, which is the energy of the sun.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3 - avoid refined sugar</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4 - eat more sour tasting foods to enhance bile flow, or drink Apple Cider Vinegar.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5 - reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption to ease the pressure on the liver.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6 - schedule time for self-care. Get a massage, take a hot bath, meditate!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">7 - Breathe, move and relax daily.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">8 - Practice Zen Yoga! - <a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.artofzenyoga.com</span></a> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wishing you much peace.</span></div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-50345059571645373182014-03-13T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-13T09:30:11.531-04:00March Snowstorm Poem - Still Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoGBODkwhKVyQqLVFAHJWBynXKNk4_vbBZP_jTYXBZ_TzHwiwnb5kc57sZCg9NVBikjgFr36q5C4l7EfS7dBE79pRqnKWR8hgRj-vIRgZ1t9TjMioMKu_dYGZqj2o4xiDUx_pPzRG0Rc/s1600/100_7134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoGBODkwhKVyQqLVFAHJWBynXKNk4_vbBZP_jTYXBZ_TzHwiwnb5kc57sZCg9NVBikjgFr36q5C4l7EfS7dBE79pRqnKWR8hgRj-vIRgZ1t9TjMioMKu_dYGZqj2o4xiDUx_pPzRG0Rc/s1600/100_7134.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Still Winter</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I snowshoed up the mountain</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yesterday afternoon</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Two feet of snow</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I couldn’t see the moon</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The wind blew cold as I stood there</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And soon the snow grew deep</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Apparently, from what I heard</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The trees still want to sleep</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">- Aaron Hoopes 2014</span></div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-78722471430100419902014-02-27T08:45:00.001-05:002014-02-27T08:45:24.478-05:00Snowy Owl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB-8JTwsg5UMq4V5YnCBlSAVCNRZjkqWV6_olt-TjoOHs2w9f-K_Q3aLylIP2ejc42T_Vr6WjhmUwuJLDK6-yvCMM9Br_vGA_WhjlIkIwoBPrF40AEqTdA88ZRCLUNqF9Ju8zFrUIolQ/s1600/snowowl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB-8JTwsg5UMq4V5YnCBlSAVCNRZjkqWV6_olt-TjoOHs2w9f-K_Q3aLylIP2ejc42T_Vr6WjhmUwuJLDK6-yvCMM9Br_vGA_WhjlIkIwoBPrF40AEqTdA88ZRCLUNqF9Ju8zFrUIolQ/s1600/snowowl.png" height="200" width="193" /></a></div>
I saw a Snowy Owl while out snowshoeing the other day. <div>
<br /><div>
Snowy Owls are beautiful creatures that symbolize true strength. They conserve their energy and are continually observant. They only go into action when opportunity presents itself.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When the Snowy Owl moves into a new area, it does not proclaim its presence. It enters quietly and goes about its own business.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Snowy Owl acts non-threatening in spite of its power and ability. It accomplishes its tasks with timing and skill, not intimidation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Snowy Owl teaches us that … True Strength is Gentle.</div>
<div>
<br /><br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-88787772508030638632013-02-11T15:29:00.001-05:002013-02-11T15:29:24.611-05:00Future Shocked
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1970 Alvin Toffler wrote a book titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Future Shock</i>. In the book, Toffler
defined the term "future shock" as a psychological state of
individuals and, indeed, entire societies. It refers to what happens to people
they are no longer able to cope with the pace of change in their life and the
world as a whole. It is basically having too much change in too short a period
of time. The consequences of future shock included all sorts of symptoms and
maladies, ranging from increased susceptibility to disease to depression,
erratic behavior and even total emotional breakdown. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in 1970 Toffler believed that society was undergoing an
enormous structural change from an industrial society to a
"super-industrial society". The accelerated rate of technological innovation
was leaving people disconnected and suffering information overload. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was forty three years ago. It was a time before iPhones
and tablets, cell phones and PDAs. It was before there were laptops and wifi.
It was more than twenty years before the internet. It was even before personal
computers, windows, DOS and the invention of the 8-inch floppy diskette. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it is safe to say that the rate of technological
innovation has accelerated exponentially since then. Yet, while the pace of
change is ever increasing and expanding into more and more areas of
individuals' lives, the capacity of human beings to adjust to this torrent of
change they are experiencing, is finite and seriously limited. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here we are in 2013 trying to make sense of a world that
seems to be changing faster than ever, much faster than we seem able to react
and adapt to. Everywhere people are facing major physical, psychological, and
social pressures that are threatening to overwhelm them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in shock. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shock is a state of being which occurs when we are thinking
about, or being subjected to unsettling events. It usually manifests when we
encounter the undeniable prospect of long-term changes in our life. We can be
shocked when we lose our job, have a car accident, or contract a
life-threatening disease. In addition, the perception of growing old can create
this feeling, as can a divorce or the death of a loved-one. These changes place
a new set of limits on life that can be quite unsettling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it is safe to say that we have entered a time of
profound shock. We have reached a conflagration of stress and disorientation,
not only from information overload, but from a critical mass of chemicals in
our food, toxins in our bodies and destruction of the Earth that is
unprecedented in the history of our planet. There is no going back to simpler
times. There is no more space to maneuver around these problems. There is no
avoiding it. We have to go forward through whatever darkness lies before
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The primary thing to remember, as we navigate the
difficulties ahead, is that shock can be a good thing. It reminds us that if we
keep our mind open disturbing events can be positive and constructive. Instead
of reacting blindly to shock, or worse - spiraling downward into despair, we
need to adjust our attitude to accepting, even greeting, the challenges imposed
by the new circumstance. It is a time to find our center, maintain our inner
balance and stand up straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
look at the challenges that face us as the necessary impulse to find a new,
more correct way of dealing with the difficulties we face we will be able to
make it through these dark times with a minimum of hardship. We need to align
ourselves with the greater good in all things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finding this answer often requires that we undergo some form
of deeper spiritual development. Many of us believe we live spiritual lives,
but often are quickly swayed by shocking events. Now is the time to put our
faith and power into what is right. It is easy to start making compromises when
times get difficult. Yet this only leads to trouble. In truth, the only way
forward is to maintain peace and balance in our lives as we adapt to the
ever-changing world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course there are times in everyone’s lives when it is
difficult to stay on the path. Events and circumstances often conspire to shock
us in ways we never could have imagined. However, if we are sincere in our
desire to be of service to others, we must get our house in order. Without a
sincere core of integrity within, it is impossible to offer pure, positive
energy to those we come in contact with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time has come for each of us to walk along the path of what
is good and right and true. The time has come for us to become the true
embodiment of the spiritual essence that exists within the core of our being.
We have reached the point where our only option is to truly evolve. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we become aware that there is a cosmic structure to the
universe to which we are meant to relate and that we are meant to find our
life’s meaning in relation to a higher form of consciousness, we need to find
the truth within ourselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The road ahead may seem dark and forbidding. There are new
shocks at every turn. We may have doubts as to our ability to continue. But the
shocks are meant to help us recognize our natural limitations and wake us up to
the higher consciousness of the universe. This is the time for each of us to
step up, open our hearts and shine the light of truth and love out into the
world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not be discouraged. Now, more than ever, this world needs
you. We are entering a future of uncharted territory. Everyone is experiencing
shocks. Be compassionate and let the light of the truth within you be your
guide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wishing you much peace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please visit my new healing website: <a href="http://www.mountainqi.com/">www.mountainqi.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-16387430173772441242012-11-22T09:16:00.001-05:002012-11-22T09:16:30.496-05:00Full Circle
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jQTRm713xX11zEE2dMVvUaLVG6QHiUpMgVl_tSSHzPRJ-RUfP_UxIMPQhYVjd2ghcLtcnD3SCDpZszKLWVBtGIYZNAoOK68U-HGKC3eUVEkMTfLhUj0w-icdh3ZNFTcEZKOsl9uQ32c/s1600/jan2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jQTRm713xX11zEE2dMVvUaLVG6QHiUpMgVl_tSSHzPRJ-RUfP_UxIMPQhYVjd2ghcLtcnD3SCDpZszKLWVBtGIYZNAoOK68U-HGKC3eUVEkMTfLhUj0w-icdh3ZNFTcEZKOsl9uQ32c/s320/jan2011+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I harvested my pumpkins and tomatoes yesterday. The first
frost of the year was upon us and it had to be done. Yet, while gathering the
wonderful bounty the harvest provided, I couldn’t help but feel something for
the plants. They had been flourishing all season, putting all of their energy
into growing strong and healthy and producing their beautiful fruits
(vegetables) and here I was yanking them out of the ground and tossing them on
the compost pile. One minute they were rich and healthy plants and the next
they were mulch. It was a very poignant moment of experiencing the cycle of
life. Of course everything is born, grows and dies, but there seems to be a
cognitive dissonance in people these days. They can understand the concept
abstractly, or on a television program, but there seems to be very little true
understanding of the full meaning of this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When something dies it goes back to the earth to nourish the
next thing that grows. It is part of the beauty of the life process. All things
follow this cycle. The dawn brings the birth of a new day while the dusk
signals the onset of night and the end of daylight. The new moon appears each
month, grows in size until full, and then wanes. The seasons cycle from spring
to summer to autumn to winter in a never-ending circle of birth, death and
rebirth. We, as human beings have roughly 80 years from start to finish and
once things begin to breakdown the end can come much quicker. On a longer
timeline the cycles of ages can take thousands of years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The larger cycles can often have an influence and impact on
other shorter cycles. The cycle of the seasons from autumn to winter brings the
frost that kills the plants, ending their cycle. The fall of a civilization can
cut short the life cycle of a large number of the people living within that
civilization. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This cycle is very apparent in the course of the development
of societies. A group of people come together with common values and
commitment. They form a community which begins to grow and prosper. Given time
and good fortune, it can become a robust society full of culture and
innovation. Eventually it might even become a great civilization with influence
that spreads to other societies. Eventually however, things begin to break
down, decay sets in, and the society passes into the annals of history and
finally...myth. A new day then dawns on the next group of people gathering
together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the core of this cycle is change. Change represents the
movement from one state of being to the next and so on. For anything to grow
and develop there must be change. In fact we live in a world that is in a
constant state of change. It is just that the changes are most often too subtle
for us to notice except over long periods of time. In middle age we can look
back on our childhood and notice how much things have changed, but on a day to
day basis things seem the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEe4FusUPXd3CZGCFy_OM3zPZ7j8h8Lu_CgMGqlToKQs_hIUwoYihpi2p_-Y2U1u5l9MW-jxTEeJZipuQu-8K6VqU3hgLU41wZC1WYuy1VsYXkReZMIxVI3djSxX9tXIz2T7jwYvT2CM/s1600/2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEe4FusUPXd3CZGCFy_OM3zPZ7j8h8Lu_CgMGqlToKQs_hIUwoYihpi2p_-Y2U1u5l9MW-jxTEeJZipuQu-8K6VqU3hgLU41wZC1WYuy1VsYXkReZMIxVI3djSxX9tXIz2T7jwYvT2CM/s320/2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For us, here and now at the end of 2012, we have entered a
time of dramatic change. We have reached the end of a great cycle of ages and
it is going to have an impact on all of us. As this larger cycle reaches its
conclusion and begins its rebirth, all of the smaller cycles within it are
going to have to adapt to the end of the old cycle and new way of being. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For many it is easy to interpret this as saying that we have
reached the end of our civilization, however I don’t believe that is correct.
It is more of a time of dramatic change that will have a significant impact on
our civilization. We will still exist after this time of change, but the world
may look rather different once we have navigated our way through it. The most
important thing we can do is to be aware of the changes and put ourselves in a
position to react and adapt to them in a calm and mindful manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By being aware of the cyclical nature of
things we can be prepared to deal with the changes as they occur. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cycle is best expressed in the symbol of the yin/yang.
It is one of the oldest and best-known life symbols in the world, but few
understand its full meaning. It represents the two poles of existence, which
are opposite but complementary, and which replace each other in a constant
cycle. The darkness and light revolve around each other, one growing strong as
the other weakens and vice versa. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned above, these cycles can be large or small. We
encounter some of them on a daily basis, while others can take years or decades
to cycle through. The large cycle we are living through at the moment is on a
scale we are not really able to comprehend. The end of this cycle has been
taking place for the past 20 years. It will take just as long for the beginning
of the new cycle to commence. We stand at a significant moment in time. The end
of this cycle signifies the power of the dark ascending as the light weakens.
It will be some time before the new cycle begins and the light returns. We need
to consider our actions carefully. In times like this it is important for those
with the power of light to retreat, so that the darkness cannot encroach upon them.
This retreat at is not to be confused with running away. Instead it is a sign
of strength to gather one’s forces in a safe place and wait until the time is
right to emerge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The light will return. Those who have held to the path of
truth and peace and light will be in ascension. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will come full circle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until then...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nourish your Body</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Calm your Mind</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Expand your Heart</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honor your Soul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wishing you much peace.</div>
<br />Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-2920348710193002602012-05-30T10:51:00.000-04:002012-05-30T10:51:52.520-04:00Vibrational Changes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tnjee_3jmzASZIpbwBoVl6paPS-VcC_qCjDdUQWMBICZI9TBdvuziZ5svsxIRCtei8Xg31FPCX68knRZm8eXDWF6L77fsOHniDEPGyF45oXG2omVYa-hilN1g7zg1QNWkl5OcvJzpBM/s1600/69+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tnjee_3jmzASZIpbwBoVl6paPS-VcC_qCjDdUQWMBICZI9TBdvuziZ5svsxIRCtei8Xg31FPCX68knRZm8eXDWF6L77fsOHniDEPGyF45oXG2omVYa-hilN1g7zg1QNWkl5OcvJzpBM/s320/69+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Events of the world
appear to be moving quite rapidly. This phenomenon has been called the
Quickening or Earth Changes. Whatever name you decide to give it, the bottom
line is that for many people there is finally a dawning recognition of the
dramatic changes we are facing in the world as events begin to impact daily
life. This brings with it a palpable sense of upheaval and disturbance that can
breed fear and uncertainty. And while many people are scared or confused at the
disruptions that are taking place, they fail to recognize their own behavior
that continues to contribute to the situation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">At a fundamental
level these changes are vibrational. Everything is vibrating. We are all in a
state of energetic vibration. However as the finite limits of the planet are
neared these vibrations are starting to shift and grow in intensity. With the
increasing intensity we start to become more aware of the vibrations. These
vibrations can affect our lives in many ways, but most often it results in
higher levels of stress and tension during the daily interactions we have.
Dealing with these vibrations can be a challenge as they can often be very
destabilizing to our inner equilibrium. At times, it can even seem as if
everything is on the verge of falling to pieces. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU2d4XW8JbMtIpits98Hd_WQLtoBIOjViDBqhhmV4rmm_8JhwNgu5h-0Z-qLCiyf5eQ0R2b7BouXiHN2n1V04I9pdZMnbhUZ9TBXIyCAqQYVGei_v1z_v7bAC2DzjEMhVncGpNm07Uo4/s1600/Aaron+yoga+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU2d4XW8JbMtIpits98Hd_WQLtoBIOjViDBqhhmV4rmm_8JhwNgu5h-0Z-qLCiyf5eQ0R2b7BouXiHN2n1V04I9pdZMnbhUZ9TBXIyCAqQYVGei_v1z_v7bAC2DzjEMhVncGpNm07Uo4/s320/Aaron+yoga+083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">People in the
spiritual community have more skills to deal with these vibrational shifts than
the average person. They usually have some type of meditative and/or healing
modalities that help to counter effects of shifting vibrational energy fields,
yet even those who are grounded in spiritual practices can be knocked off
balance by people or events beyond their control. In addition modern
technologies including phones, computers and televisions create their own
vibrational fields that disrupt our connection to the planet. Becoming aware of
these vibrations is imperative if we are going to move forward towards a more
enlightened way of being.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Modern society appears to have reached another important
crossroad. <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We have had a number of opportunities
in the recent past and it is hard to know how many more there will be. </span>Like
the pendulum that swings from one extreme to the other, our way of living has
reached the point where going forward in our destructive all-consuming manner
is no longer feasible. As a civilization we have come to consider the Earth,
the plants, the animals, other human beings and everything else, whether it is
nailed down or not, resources to be exploited. This no longer serves us (it
never did to begin with) and we must do something different. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long ago humans lived in harmony with the world around them.
They had a relationship with spirit, and an underlying reverence for the
life-force that flowed through everything. They entrained with the vibrations
of the Earth. From the Celtic concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dana</i>
to the Chinese <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tao</i>, people used to
live in reverence of the world and pay homage to the spirit that exists within
all things. And that spirit was strong within them. We need to return to this
way of being. Our connection to the world is vital to our survival. We need to
break out of the shell created by the vibrations of the technological
distractions of the world. We need more time with the trees and the animals. We
need to listen to silence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Global awakening was
never going to come from the top down. It must start with each of us as
individuals. We can continue headlong over the edge of the abyss or step back
and turn down a different path. And while many have chosen to relinquish their
will and courage to embrace the excessive materialism of today, many others are
starting to feel unsatisfied with that world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">It is imperative we
regain our sensitivity to the vibrations, lest we become like those doomed
animals in Pink Floyd’s “Sheep” <i>Meek and obedient we follow the leader down
well-trodden corridors into the valley of steel</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">I have always
believed that if you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what
you have always gotten. The logical conclusion to this is that if you are
unsatisfied with what you have then in order to change that you need to do
something different. This is easy to say but can be extremely difficult to put
into practice. This process starts in the mind. You have to make a mental
commitment first if you want to succeed at this.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UL3KOov827YLyle3StKdNJU7qIQB5A9PqoPuEXYn3d2Hp3EvruUPoew1SYw0AxnXsOW0lTXuvZ1balUEI8nhtNV8fnyY-yX6T4pwErU0WjWfxd-nhmh-OsGeo5Tgpj8UUPGtKKLGaY8/s1600/new+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UL3KOov827YLyle3StKdNJU7qIQB5A9PqoPuEXYn3d2Hp3EvruUPoew1SYw0AxnXsOW0lTXuvZ1balUEI8nhtNV8fnyY-yX6T4pwErU0WjWfxd-nhmh-OsGeo5Tgpj8UUPGtKKLGaY8/s320/new+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A great cycle is
coming to an end and a new age is dawning. It is time to turn away from the
lower vibrations. It is time to focus on our spiritual development and vibrate
on a different wavelength.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">10 Things to Do To
Change Your Life</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Turn
off the television. Unplug it. Toss it out the window. Everyone enjoys a
movie or show sometimes, but end your relationship with commercial
television today.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spend
at least one day a week away from the computer, phone and internet. No
calls, no emails, no Facebook…just leave it alone for a whole day and see
if you can notice a vibrational difference.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Grow a
plant from a seed. Water it, nurture it, experience it growing.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cultivate
a relationship with a tree. Sit with it and see if you can learn
something.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Give
up junk food. No excuses, just stop eating low vibration food.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Give
thanks to spirit at mealtimes for the blessing of having food to eat</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
a new spiritual discipline like yoga, tai chi, meditation, tea ceremony,
or anything that teaches you to be more mindful.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
to play a musical instrument. It doesn’t matter if it is a harmonica, drum
or trumpet, allow the vibration of music to move through you.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Walk
outside in nature everyday. Feel the vibration.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">. Make
someone else feel good about themselves.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stand on the threshold of a profound shift in our world.
Wake up, strengthen your body and clear your mind. There is much work to be
done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please visit our new website <a href="http://www.shenqiyoga.com/" target="_blank">Shen Qi Yoga</a> (pronounced Shen 'Chi')</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wishing you much peace.</div>
<br />Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-39412803750199393192012-04-20T11:07:00.000-04:002012-04-20T11:07:56.721-04:00Unplugged From Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN1G1XR1mfBX3vWMOhDHv7D-0XXs1gobwlKIV3ND4NtPnYVhF1cvaf8nR2MEVPjNSOLy_hAPlsZQuKrW-2j3apWWgLEg7pW_nh4F4OmpeeVAbQJnOyfcEdnBDRcSfY5KJqccCqIypx7I/s1600/Aaron+yoga+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN1G1XR1mfBX3vWMOhDHv7D-0XXs1gobwlKIV3ND4NtPnYVhF1cvaf8nR2MEVPjNSOLy_hAPlsZQuKrW-2j3apWWgLEg7pW_nh4F4OmpeeVAbQJnOyfcEdnBDRcSfY5KJqccCqIypx7I/s320/Aaron+yoga+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These days we seem to be plugged into everything. Handheld mobile wifi platforms are making it possible to stay connected everywhere we go. Wall-sized, flat screen, high definition televisions dominate our living spaces, feeding us a, never ending, diet of information and advertising. Facebook, Twitter and texting have become the preferred method for keeping in touch with people. There is no doubt that it can be very stimulating to feel so connected and yet it can hardly be denied that there is an feeling of underlying emptiness. We have lost something. The more plugged into things we get, the more disconnected from nature we become.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Take a moment to reflect on your daily life and determine how much time you spend in front of the computer, on the phone, watching television, texting, blogging, facebooking or whatever. Now subtract the amount of time you spend sitting outside, walking in the woods, gardening or otherwise interacting with nature. The result is your Nature Deficit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The bigger the Nature Deficit the more out of balance with the life force of the natural world you are. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All living things are connected by the life force that flows through them. If you can imagine this connection as billions and billions of tiny web-like fibers linking all things in creation, you can begin to understand how we are intertwined. This web of life is made up of the life force energy that is part of everything. And every living thing is part of it. The plants and animals of the world, including humans, all have a relationship to each other. At the most basic level this is obvious. It is no accident that the oxygen we breathe is a by-product of the plants as they go through the life process of photosynthesis. Just as the carbon dioxide we exhale is exactly what plants require to live. But the connection goes even deeper than that. In their book <i>The Secret Life of Plants</i> Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird proved, in experiment after experiment, that plants have a much more complex interaction with the world around them, than we think they do. They react to thoughts, feelings and emotions in a manner that could be described as quite humanlike if we were to be so arrogant as to assume we are the ones that originally developed such reactions. This is the same for animals as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlL5njA65zruOe5wG1t9G_E79ySezOZSVGHMm08ZPFryUKhLUUiiebbdZP028Pbx2sBW0EDqmhNxGSla0wszuDWYlWtiEOleLlhT-swSF3L18gZr4_FXJNOuiPDZqbWBnuUFWx-dF-7o/s1600/new+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlL5njA65zruOe5wG1t9G_E79ySezOZSVGHMm08ZPFryUKhLUUiiebbdZP028Pbx2sBW0EDqmhNxGSla0wszuDWYlWtiEOleLlhT-swSF3L18gZr4_FXJNOuiPDZqbWBnuUFWx-dF-7o/s320/new+102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But something has gone wrong. We humans have become blind to our connection as we rush to cut down the forests, mine the mountains, and frack everything else in between. We are destroying the habitats of wild creatures and making much of the world uninhabitable. We don’t realize or even seem to care that we are damaging the web of life and, ultimately, ourselves. The reason for this is our Nature Deficit. When we are disconnected from the natural world we lose our ability of feeling empathy for what is going on. Our obsession with technological innovation and our infatuation with electronic connectivity cuts us off from the web of life force energy and substitutes it with an artificial construct, in many ways similar to the concept portrayed in the movie The Matrix.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Most people do not realize that when they turn on their television, they are seeing a repetitive pattern of flickering images, which creates a state similar to hypnosis. Studies have shown that within the first minute of television viewing, brain waves switch from predominantly beta waves, indicating alert and conscious attention, to predominantly alpha waves, indicating an unfocused, receptive lack of attention. Our brain's left hemisphere, the part that processes information logically and analytically, tunes out while the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes information emotionally and non-critically, is allowed to function without hindrance. The result is that when viewing television, we do not consciously rationalize the information resonating within our unconscious depths at the time of transmission. We become more open and suggestible to the messages that are being conveyed. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN90DKLt8Hm5LBLRw0OzKi9zZEsp9A8lA8jPjF4yHxVb9_WV7Dd0bI5I0gpQ5nm0YFAR1OUldIP6OIoV07YLDDsloyrYL9c_ufOs4YBihlopGSqGsxbkh0mkPI2y0SIrWB7ASoQxReOE/s1600/22+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN90DKLt8Hm5LBLRw0OzKi9zZEsp9A8lA8jPjF4yHxVb9_WV7Dd0bI5I0gpQ5nm0YFAR1OUldIP6OIoV07YLDDsloyrYL9c_ufOs4YBihlopGSqGsxbkh0mkPI2y0SIrWB7ASoQxReOE/s320/22+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it any wonder that, in a world where children spend an average of 44 hours a week connected in some way to electronic media, levels of anxiety, depression and attention-deficit have gone through the roof?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is no better for adults.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is at times like this when we need to be guided back to the wisdom the other living beings of this planet have for us. We need to reconnect with nature to bring our lives back into balance. And I’m not talking about watching a show on the Discovery Channel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Heart of Nature</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recent discoveries in neuroscience have proven that more than 50% of the heart is comprised of neural cells. It is from our hearts that we process our energetic connection to everything we come in contact with. The problem is that we have cut ourselves off from this connection by allowing ourselves to be distracted by technology and all of its associated noise. We cannot hear it if we are not listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The consciousness of plants may be vastly different from our understanding of consciousness. Interacting with plants is not simply about talking to them. It is much more about opening the lines of communication with them on an energetic level and sharing our lifeforce. By opening our hearts and experiencing nature in its fullness we can begin to realize this connection. It is a purely experiential experience. We have to spend time in nature to truly feel it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are reading this, then it is very likely that you already understand what I am saying. You have felt this connection to nature. You have probably also felt the frequency of distraction that comes from our fascination with electronic technology. It is also very likely that you know someone who is caught up in that frequency and unplugged from nature. It is time to pass this message on and change the dynamic that has ensorcelled us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, right now, go for a walk outside with someone you know who could really use some nature energy. Breathe deeply and open yourself to the life force energy around you. It is time to plug back into nature. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you much peace.</div> Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-60752218077451843772012-03-29T11:52:00.000-04:002012-03-29T11:52:17.085-04:00Generation of Energy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg2pLr5aONWM73HouHiRFaNNZ2DW0b5wzJyTrseSUK_siuP-gI2d6_8gXbNSDzCyoQSJ2oEnXTcCiIOk-BX2BFqTub0nmKJxeRQpntKoebSDC0QVillapjcznxZdXB62vtZ0gF8PTwV0/s1600/rzg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNg2pLr5aONWM73HouHiRFaNNZ2DW0b5wzJyTrseSUK_siuP-gI2d6_8gXbNSDzCyoQSJ2oEnXTcCiIOk-BX2BFqTub0nmKJxeRQpntKoebSDC0QVillapjcznxZdXB62vtZ0gF8PTwV0/s320/rzg1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">A body full of energy should be our natural state of being. We should feel wonderful and alive every waking moment. The process of deep breathing provides us with a continuous exchange of energy. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as well as it should. On a purely physical level, the human body was designed to be active, yet most of the things we do in an average day require very little physical effort. In fact, we often spend most of our days doing work that does not exercise the physical body at all. The result is that any unused energy that we have built up within the body gets transformed into muscle tension. This type of physical tension is often the source of the myriad aches, pains, twinges and worse, which we begin to experience as we grow older. These can easily turn into chronic illnesses that often become overwhelming. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">During our daily life tension is gathered and deposited in various places throughout the body. For some people it may be the neck, shoulders, or lower back. In others it may be in the knee joints or feet. Still others may find it affects them internally, in their gastrointestinal tract, for instance. This tension can be quite debilitating. Left unaddressed, it can easily make you feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders pushing you down. It is impossible to relax because the body just plain hurts. Physical tension is a difficult barrier, however, until you can release it and reduced the physical pain and discomfort, it is very difficult to generate new energy. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Releasing this build up of tension is done through teaching the body to surrender its weight to the pull of gravity. It is a process of learning to unclench and unwind the musculature and open the energetic pathways in the body so there is a smooth flow. It is learning to let go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br />
</div><h1>Tension Release Practice</h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">There are a number of techniques for releasing tension. The simplest and quickest involves the use of the Yin/Yang concept by contrasting tension with relaxation. In this process you push the body to experience an excess of tension so that when balanced by an equally full experience of relaxing allows the body to return to a state of balance and serenity. The contrast produces a relaxation that is more pronounced, identifiable and deeper. The key to this practice, as with most vital practices, is deep breathing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">This exercise is best practiced in bed at night before you go to sleep. You should be lying flat on your back with your legs straight and your feet flopped apart. Close your eyes and take a few natural breaths as you allow your body to settle down. Imagine that each breath allows you to sink deeper into the bed. When you are ready, inhale deeply into your abdomen. Fill up your belly, then your ribcage, and finally, your chest. You want to feel as if you are expanded completely as you fill up. Stop and hold your breath in. Next curl your toes and squeeze your feet as tightly as possible. Hold the squeeze for a moment and then exhale as you release, allowing the air and tension to flow out of you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Take a couple of natural breaths if necessary and then begin again. Inhale into the belly, ribcage and chest. Feel the fullness as you hold your breath. This time, after you curl your toes and squeeze your feet, squeeze your calf muscles, thigh muscles and buttocks. Tense all of your muscles from your hips down to your toes, so that the whole lower half of your body is tight and rigid. Hold the squeeze for a moment and then release it as you exhale. Let go of all the muscles. Allow yourself to uncoil and unwind as you release, relax and let go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Again, take a couple of natural breaths. As you breathe in, feel as if you are filling up from the lowest points of your body as the oxygen-rich blood courses through the clear passages of your legs. When you are ready, begin again. Inhale; expand your belly, ribcage and chest. Hold your breath as you squeeze your toes, feet, calves, thighs and buttocks. Next begin to tighten the muscles of your stomach and back. Squeeze your ribcage and the muscles around shoulders and under your armpits. Hold the squeeze for a moment and then release it as you exhale. Let go of all the muscles. Allow everything to uncoil and unwind as you release, relax and let go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">One more time, begin again. Take a couple of natural breaths to allow the energy to flow through you. Then inhale, expand your belly, ribcage and chest. Hold your breath as you squeeze your toes, feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, tummy, ribcage, chest and under your arms. Next, make fists with your hands and squeeze them. Tighten the muscles of your arms, shoulders and neck. Grit your teeth and make your whole body rigid. Hold the squeeze for a moment and then release it as you exhale long and slow. Let go of everything and feel as if you are sinking into the bed. Sink down as you breath deeply and let go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">As you lie there, continue to breathe and see if you can begin to feel the energy flowing throughout your body. The contrast between the extreme tension and the resulting relaxation should be very pronounced and give your body a warm, energized feeling. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">This exercise will help to break through the hard shell of tension that has encased you. It is something that can be practiced at any time, even sitting in a chair at work. It only takes a few moments, but the benefits can last for hours. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Once the tension has been released our breathing naturally becomes deeper and less strained. This is the time to take a deeper breath and help to circulate more energy through your body. Each deep breath you take helps to assist that energy flow through your body to all the places that need it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Generation of energy always starts with the breathing. If we can learn to incorporate deep breathing practice into our daily life, we find we have reserves of energy we were never aware of. If provides us with a valuable tool to help us face the challenges that appear before us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">I know that I said I would be addressing spending quality time in nature in this post, but because of the weather, I've been outside most of the time. I will be getting to the subject shortly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Wishing you much peace.</div> Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-2883027960432537352012-01-24T12:11:00.000-05:002012-01-24T12:11:23.108-05:002012 - Year of the Yang Water Dragon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX24Fw2LrbZzo73sR-rMQdutC1Bsk4_fBrmJFaIRI9mXyUU4JQHnNPBK9bROsDOPblYaLaN7gbPAHz2AVA8Sq2gAJiMKe74q3NNv1vifLfV2ucr9NOLnSTUGG25LVOHtHourxBE-jFt40/s1600/dragon2xx.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX24Fw2LrbZzo73sR-rMQdutC1Bsk4_fBrmJFaIRI9mXyUU4JQHnNPBK9bROsDOPblYaLaN7gbPAHz2AVA8Sq2gAJiMKe74q3NNv1vifLfV2ucr9NOLnSTUGG25LVOHtHourxBE-jFt40/s320/dragon2xx.bmp" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Dragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">January 23, 2012 marks the end of the year of the Yin Metal Rabbit and the start of the year of the <strong>Yang Water Dragon</strong>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully the year of the Yin Metal Rabbit has given us time to reflect on things and make some decisions as to how we are going to proceed. Now the <strong>Yang Water Dragon</strong> brings with it an elemental force that must be reckoned with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Dragon is a sacred creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the dragon was often regarded as divine. However the Dragon also symbolizes an uninhibited bundle of elemental energy that can quickly get out of control. </div><div class="MsoNormal">This could very well be a year that Mother Nature weighs in on how things should be run on this planet. It is worth noting that the largest earthquakes in recorded history have all taken place in <strong>Yang Water Dragon</strong> years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This year is symbolized by the element of Water above Earth. </div><div class="MsoNormal">In the <strong>I-Ching</strong> this hexagram is called <strong>Pi</strong> (Holding Together)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFHoaJhyphenhyphenbvhiM1BvpVkgxQN5IAiraohqAp_KuhONr3antbqI-JMvqz8fK0QId8RynB1EdOAmRHsX91-gz4HpxMHOHlXmXRYLg8zju46PswW5MjVwNCVhzMUvW-1O63eVAfnmSk4znaA4/s1600/8-pi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFHoaJhyphenhyphenbvhiM1BvpVkgxQN5IAiraohqAp_KuhONr3antbqI-JMvqz8fK0QId8RynB1EdOAmRHsX91-gz4HpxMHOHlXmXRYLg8zju46PswW5MjVwNCVhzMUvW-1O63eVAfnmSk4znaA4/s200/8-pi.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PI - Holding Together</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Water and Earth hold together because of their natural affinity. It is a time of strengthening our inner attitude and holding to what is correct within ourselves. This holding together begins with holding ourselves together morally and spiritually. It is a time of maintaining integrity in the face of fear or desire.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We can no longer afford to compromise our integrity simply to satisfy our selfish wants. It is no longer helpful to look sideways at all the distractions keeping us in a state of ignorance. </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">As I said in my last post <a href="http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com/2012/01/correct-yourself.html" target="_blank">Correct Yourself</a>, regardless of what you believe or how well you distract yourself, a fundamental shift is upon us. What are you doing to adapt? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Take a look at your life. What part of it is wasteful, greedy or selfish? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">An even more important question is; <strong>Are you spending enough quality time out in nature? </strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is a question that I will be addressing in my next post.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
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</span></div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-31449199573649910712012-01-02T10:03:00.000-05:002012-01-02T10:03:51.119-05:00Correct Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B62YAYYFzWo/TwHGUX3tgCI/AAAAAAAAASo/BeHwfZogWf0/s1600/200801033951-6590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B62YAYYFzWo/TwHGUX3tgCI/AAAAAAAAASo/BeHwfZogWf0/s320/200801033951-6590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And so it begins…2012 has arrived and, whether there is some prophetic galactic convergence on the winter solstice in December or not, change is upon us. There has been a fundamental shift in the world that we can no longer turn a blind eye to. It is starting to affect the daily lives of more and more people. The circus-like distractions of the mainstream media are no longer able to divert our attention from what is happening. The basic tenets of fairness and rule of law have been broken by greed and selfishness. Free market Capitalism is failing, the climate is a wreck, and the already-scarce resources of the planet are shrinking every day. Hubris and fear threaten to tip the world into chaos. The world is much in need of correcting.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is an old Chinese proverb that states if you want to correct the world, correct the state; if you want to correct the state, correct the family; if you want to correct the family, correct yourself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is time to correct yourself. It is the only way you are going to make it through this. You can no longer live in distraction and fear. You must now turn towards what is good, and right and just. This means taking responsibility for yourself and owning what is yours. It means you must start working on being present in every moment of every day and maintaining balance along your path.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Staying present can be a challenge for yogis who live in the mountains and meditate every day. For the rest of us in today’s crazy world it is downright impossible. But we must now do the impossible if we want to avoid the inevitable. Yes, there is too much going on and it may often feel like you are one inch from the edge, however, if you are to continue on this journey and bring peace, love and light into the world, staying present is vital. Staying present provides a solid ground from which to focus on difficulties as they arise. It is a way to take control of things and get your life in order. It is no longer an option to spend your time distracting yourself as you try to escape from being present. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are three ways of distract yourself from staying present: Looking Forward, Looking Backward, and Looking Sideways.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking Forward is focusing on the future. This happens when you become diverted from the present moment by wishing or wanting things to be different. It also happens when you seek to protect yourself from imagined consequences of present situations or when you try to find ways to undo what you have done. In reality Looking Forward is merely an attempt to escape from a present moment you are unhappy with. The truth is that the only way around a problem is through it. Face your difficulties with courage and honesty. The creative power of the universe is available if you are able to acknowledge the power of right and good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking Backward is focusing on the past. This happens when you spend your time wishing you had made different choices and blaming yourself for things that have happened. You also are Looking Backward when you feed your ego by congratulating yourself on things you have accomplished. Looking Backward is another method for escaping from the present moment. It is time to let go of all of the baggage you are carrying. If you are dragging all of that stuff behind you it is impossible to open yourself to new opportunities and experiences that appear before you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking Sideways is looking at anything but yourself in the present moment. This happens when you spend your time comparing your situation with others. If you gauge your rate of progress through the rate of progress of others it is very easy to get caught up in envy and resentment. Envy comes from the perception that others have more than you do and resentment comes from the perception that others have it easier. The truth is that everyone is on his or her own journey. Each of us has our own struggles. Someone’s good fortune is not to be looked upon with covetous eyes. Turn your attention away from what other people do or have. Focus on yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When you are not satisfied with your lot in life it is very easy to get drawn down into a negative spiral of fear and disappointment. Focusing on Looking Forward, Looking Backward or Looking Sideways is a diversion from dealing with the present moment. When you are distracted by wishing, wanting, blame or resentment, you are unable to act spontaneously as the moment demands. If you are looking at the goal rather than the needs of the moment, it is very likely you will stumble over something in the road. If you are looking back at where you came from rather than the path forward, you are likely to run smack into something. If you are looking around at what the other people are doing rather than paying attention to your own life, you will get lost. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The time is now to pay attention to yourself. Let things happen by allowing to be guided by the present moment. Focus only on that which is before you. Cultivate an attitude that is concerned with what is essential and correct. Leave the rest be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The force of inner truth influences us. No matter the darkness we find before us, going through it is the only way to reach the light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be simple in your needs. Be sincere in your interactions with others. Be serene in your state of mind. It is the only path forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you much peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-76649372962822867582011-12-23T11:06:00.000-05:002011-12-23T11:06:30.120-05:00Peaceful Holiday 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3HelRXZnfo/TvSm3L0xW9I/AAAAAAAAASc/amDv52Q4NJM/s1600/dec3+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3HelRXZnfo/TvSm3L0xW9I/AAAAAAAAASc/amDv52Q4NJM/s320/dec3+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another holiday season is upon us. As usual the holidays can stir up quite a lot of stress. When we combine this with the general unease that seems to pervade the world at the moment, it breeds difficulty and uncertainty into our daily life. And while many are caught up in the distractions that appear to be growing louder and more insistent, a lot of people are truly ready for some sort of shift in awareness that will change the dynamics of this situation.<br />
<br />
In truth there is no other place to look than within ourselves. We are only going to find the way forward by turning inwards and getting our own house in order.<br />
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This holiday season let’s all try to be a little more forgiving and humble in our thoughts and actions. We always have a choice as to how we react in any given situation. Everyone has felt the energy change when an angry person walks into a room. Everyone gets a little on edge. Remember…this dynamic works both ways. If we can find a calm center within ourselves then we give others a reference point to find calmness within themselves. The holidays really need to be about cultivating peace and harmony in the world. Finding faults in others or laying blame for things elsewhere simply creates friction and unease.<br />
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2012 is around the corner. It is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Change is here whether we are ready or not. It is time to stand in your place of wisdom and be present.<br />
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I wish you happiness, health and peace for this holiday season. Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-52137158236307829282011-11-11T20:09:00.001-05:002011-11-11T20:17:33.776-05:00The Poetry of Yoga <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacJukpsk8Sw9I8FjTkPHzJUzy1UP0GuJcgF1Fqtd0sSe3Q5T2VAEeLCXDY1KWzYWFx_aLNGEdu6loehKHmyk-7lw2rntg8_IWTIRzKKYd2hxv0v79V8MtlWvg9f5R2Fh1EDuILmye898/s1600/poy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacJukpsk8Sw9I8FjTkPHzJUzy1UP0GuJcgF1Fqtd0sSe3Q5T2VAEeLCXDY1KWzYWFx_aLNGEdu6loehKHmyk-7lw2rntg8_IWTIRzKKYd2hxv0v79V8MtlWvg9f5R2Fh1EDuILmye898/s320/poy.jpg" width="213" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Poetry and Yoga… as inseparable as ocean and sand. Together they create a mirror glass reflecting the enlightenment inside of us. Yoga turns us inward as we discover the graceful flow of our bodies interacting with breath and spirit; poetry channels expression outwards, pouring in the shape of words onto paper. Letters bend as a yoga asana, creating paragraphs with our lives. Feelings unravel in the form of sentences buried deep inside.</i></span></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">HawaH, Creator & Visionary, The Poetry of Yoga</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is an honor to be included in HawaH's new book.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please take a look at it if you have the time.<br />
zin</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepoetryofyoga.com/">The Poetry of Yoga</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-89513309136222631112011-10-13T10:46:00.000-04:002011-10-13T10:46:24.744-04:00Revisiting the Tao<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyleoXUwh8eTVOOQ-05ysPiYsmJyiXjrPPh4_ofJHMP_YxH4g4WL8GtyiuCKbvwLdwOj44QvTWc8sIQM71zAWuDUI9n4GdHru8Kg1PuhRvGWsIwV8pcgC1XkTJ7_jY4UT782y5gtllQE/s1600/jan2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyleoXUwh8eTVOOQ-05ysPiYsmJyiXjrPPh4_ofJHMP_YxH4g4WL8GtyiuCKbvwLdwOj44QvTWc8sIQM71zAWuDUI9n4GdHru8Kg1PuhRvGWsIwV8pcgC1XkTJ7_jY4UT782y5gtllQE/s320/jan2011+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recent wood carving of mine</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The word Tao (pronounced daü) in Chinese means "the way," indicating a path of thought or life that concerns the essential unifying force of everything that exists in the universe. Taoism is following the way if living in harmony with that force. Many people on a spiritual path embrace the principles of the Tao without realizing it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tao-te Ching</i> is the earliest document in the history of Taoism. It is a viewpoint that emphasizes individuality, freedom, simplicity, mysticism, and naturalness. Considered one of the great philosophical works of ancient China, <i>Tao-te Ching</i> literally means “The Classic of the Way and Its Power.” The book is less than 5,000 words long and is very likely one of the oldest written texts in the world. Authorship of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tao-te Ching</i> is generally credited to a man named Lao-Tzu but knowledge of him is so scarce that only legends remain. His name itself, means “old master” or “wise sage” and his teachings are very pertinent in our modern world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Tao is all encompassing. Despite the appearance of differences in the world, within the Tao everything is one. Since all is one, matters of true and false or good and evil are irrelevant and only arise when people cannot see beyond their narrow perception of reality. Taoism is a system of philosophical thought that puts emphasis on the spiritual life instead of the material world. The Tao is considered unnamed and unknowable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Followers of the Tao avoid wasting their energies on the pursuit of wealth, power, trivial knowledge and other distractions. Instead, they concentrate on the reality of life itself of breathing, moving and living in harmony with the natural world in the present moment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Living the Way of the Tao can be expressed by the term <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wu-wei</i> which means doing – not doing. This concept does not signify non-action, instead it refers to action without attachment to the action, action without thought of the action. This is very close to the concept of Zen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The roots of Zen also come from ancient China as well as India and fundamentally focus on the concept of pure human spirit. It can be imagined as the integration of the disparate aspects of the self into one complete and divine being. Zen is also the foundation of the Bushido code, the way of the warrior. The samurai, who lived their lives at the edge of a sword and could die at any moment, were taught to concentrate on and immerse themselves in the here and now in order to connect with the fundamental core of their being. It helped them develop the powers of concentration, self-control, awareness and tranquility. If they approached each battle as if it were their last, they would be able to have every part of their being at their disposal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Zen itself has no theory. It is not meditation. It is not thinking. It is not not-thinking. It is not something you learn. It is simply something you are. To practice Zen is to live fully and completely, not in the past or the future, but right here and right now. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As with the Tao, the power of Zen is in simplicity, and yet it teaches one to become a master of all things by learning to go with the natural flow of the universe. Trying to walk upstream against the river is pointless. It is better to accept that change is inevitable, learn to embrace it and make the most of it when it comes. Both of these concepts are based on simplicity. If you have no expectations, then everything that happens is a surprising success. If you have no desires, then everything you get is a bonus. It is being alive in the present moment, experiencing life as it happens and reacting to it in a calm and natural way. It is living fully and completely. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the words of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, one of India’s most widely respected spiritual teachers, it is known as “aliveness.” It is a feeling independent of any outward forces. It is being happy without having a reason to be happy. The difficulty lies in reaching this state of being and experiencing it. It is easy to speak of it. Living it is another story.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lao Tzu, in writing the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tao Te Ching, </i>observed that plants, animals and humans are born supple and soft, yet when they die they are stiff and brittle. In order to experience the kind of “aliveness” Lao Tzu and Rajneesh are referring to, we must be supple and soft. We must breathe, move and relax. We need to learn to allow the soft and supple aspects of life to prevail. We need to pay attention. That which is hard and stiff will be broken. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The modern lifestyle in our Western world runs counterproductive to the concepts of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Tao and Zen. We give the highest value to technology and progress, believing that we have unlimited resources to continue along the path we are traveling. We think it is our right to take as much as we can for ourselves regardless of how it impacts other people or the planet we live on. We embrace the distractions of media, television and technology because they allow us to ignore the real truth of our predicament. We are caught in a hoax where we acquire and discard anything and everything in an endless cycle of mindless consumerism that is rapidly destroying our world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have lost our grace. When the world rewards competition and selfish acquisition, while the ideas of cooperation and sharing are seen as a way to fall behind, something is wrong. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "\@System"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Living in Zen or embracing the Tao is about existing in the present moment. It is enjoying life regardless of the circumstances. It enables us to find the freedom to enjoy whatever we have at this present moment. It enables us to break free of the technological, consumerism trap we find ourselves in. We must recover our grace. True freedom is adapting to the infinite variety of life conditions without losing confidence in our ability to connect to the deeper spiritual essence within.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Being distracted is no longer a valid excuse. We should all be aware by now that we live on a finite planet and taking whatever we want goes against the natural flow of life. It will only lead to difficulty and disaster. It is not the way. To reclaim our grace we need to remember that we are all part of the whole. Help others. Give of your time and resources. We can only succeed together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you much peace,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div> Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-65129759700289988212011-08-30T10:12:00.000-04:002011-08-30T10:12:46.353-04:00Honoring the Journey <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>--Ursula LeGuinn</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOndifItMLMmbFxoR1oPxEWBYcugpFIUpTqqtgzzuXOw9BRGuLnLiTiKEHwjgBiLELIa54Klp-zYBfi8x7er8WaaKxenchonTobXoiRh4KYS7efONl5ZiBTHYu0My5nXYr-hWNDT6HpOA/s1600/road2nowhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOndifItMLMmbFxoR1oPxEWBYcugpFIUpTqqtgzzuXOw9BRGuLnLiTiKEHwjgBiLELIa54Klp-zYBfi8x7er8WaaKxenchonTobXoiRh4KYS7efONl5ZiBTHYu0My5nXYr-hWNDT6HpOA/s320/road2nowhere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Life itself is the journey. Learning the hard lessons of life and improving ourselves is a never-ending process. Often the lessons we are given appear as mistakes, misunderstandings or failures, but in truth the only mistake, misunderstanding or failure is not learning the lesson itself. If we don’t learn it the first time it is very likely that the lesson will be repeated over and over until we actually do learn it. We only realize that we have finally learned a lesson when our behavior and actions begin to change. Changing our actions and behavior takes place when we convert the knowledge we gain from the lessons into wisdom that we can apply to new situations. For some this process of conversion from knowledge to wisdom lasts a lifetime. For others, the wisdom gained moves them along the path more quickly until they reach a point where they need to go deeper within themselves in order to make further progress. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The deeper journey takes place within the self once we have reached a point where the wisdom we have gained from the lessons tells us there is more work to be done. It is a journey that in which we become a seeker of a deeper wisdom that lies at the core of our being. The journey inward can be a perilous and frightening trek. In this journey we must peel away all of the masks and illusions our ego has created and look into our soul. We must start to realize that all of our actions and behaviors have consequences that may not be apparent at first glance. Many people are very good at fooling themselves and pretending what they do doesn’t have any real negative impact on their lives or the lives of others. Once we start that journey inwards we can no longer accept that illusion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most or us know that eating fast food, smoking cigarettes, and watching television are activities that can be detrimental to our body and mind, while strip mining, pesticides, and pollution are detrimental to the environment, but many people engage in these behaviors and fool themselves into thinking they are not actually causing any harm. They convince themselves their behavior is not bad enough to actually cause a problem or that they are personally strong enough to resist any negative vibrations that might result. It becomes too difficult to really look at their behavior and admit the truth of what they are doing to themselves or the planet we live on. The reason it is difficult is because if they were to admit that truth to themselves it would become impossible not to take action to change the behavior…and too often the behavior is easier, economical or pleasant than the alternatives. Instead they choose to pretend to be ignorant so that they can continue their behavior and perpetuate the illusion. However, admitting the truth to ourselves is, in fact, the only way forward on this journey. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Until we are able to turn our attention inwards and own what is ours, we are merely fooling ourselves. Yes, we may be fooling everyone else as well, but that doesn’t really matter. It is our self that we must live with. And the only way to do that is to wake up. It is time to wake up to ourselves. When we wake up to the present moment and our place in the world, we are truly on that journey inwards. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Waking up comes at different times for different people. Often it comes at a time when the path forward, continuing the same behavior, is no longer possible. People who have heart attacks from poor diet and exercise choices are a good example of this. They have reached a point where they must either change their behavior or their progress forward stops…dead. In this type of situation the journey becomes much more difficult because their body has abandoned them. And life only lasts as long as the body continues to function. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Waking up before there is no other choice is a much more agreeable option. If you are reading this it is likely that you have already made that choice. Recognizing that we have a choice and choosing to wake up takes place for many people when they have spent enough time in practices that develop mindful awareness of the present moment. In those practices we are able to find ourselves. The most effective practices for cultivating mindful awareness are meditation and deep, conscious breathing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meditation calms the flurry of thoughts in the mind and settles all of the hectic noise that seems to pervade every moment of our day. It gives us an opportunity to cultivate clarity of thought. Regular practice teaches us to create space between the thoughts for mindful awareness to blossom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simplicity of sitting in meditation belies the profound benefits of the practice. It provides a solid base to begin the process of waking up to the present moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Breathing is a fundamental action of our physical body, something we are doing all day, everyday, throughout our lives. For the most part, breathing is unconscious and shallow. The more we are able to become aware of our breathing, the deeper it becomes. With deeper breathing we are able to center ourselves. Conscious breathing is a practice done with both the body and the mind. The body executes the action while the mind brings quality and depth to the breath. This connection between the body and mind is essential to the journey inwards. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As our journey continues, we can begin to explore other practices that assist in deepening our experience. Meditation, tai chi, yoga, mindful eating, ceremony, ritual and communing with nature are all methods moving further along the path. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what your practice, no matter where you find yourself along the path, take a moment to honor your journey. It may be a struggle at times and there may be demons you have to face, but the courage to face them grows stronger the more you use practice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Your journey is unique. Embrace it and travel onwards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you much peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1880336685&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div> <br />
Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-90588303081222771912011-07-24T17:21:00.002-04:002011-07-31T13:14:12.113-04:00Summer Gardens and Thoughts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFSKo_SwummYN4G2-3DoBBoi1QZn5ZXO_SYeDD-eBYtHk9ty-Ks8TZ-2AQTPfsREE9W9HCl2iCbDka2VK59vx7nJRs2N81mrckv2lDtq47SVXw3H2fmfGO0dmxVsicf9j6YC9wbd38g4/s1600/new+152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFSKo_SwummYN4G2-3DoBBoi1QZn5ZXO_SYeDD-eBYtHk9ty-Ks8TZ-2AQTPfsREE9W9HCl2iCbDka2VK59vx7nJRs2N81mrckv2lDtq47SVXw3H2fmfGO0dmxVsicf9j6YC9wbd38g4/s320/new+152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake Terrace Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is really quite amazing how quickly time passes in the summer. I've been spending so much time outside in the gardens, not to mention the woods or the horse farm, that there has been little time to get on the computer. And even when I do get on the computer I can't seem to get too excited about sitting in front of it. And with our<a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/?page_id=305"> Zen Yoga Retreats</a> coming up we have plenty of work to do.<br />
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Of course part of it is that the summers here in the mountains of Vermont are short and you want to take advantage of it as much as possible. Another reason is simply that sitting in front of the computer gets old. Being out and experiencing life is a true joy. We tend to fool ourselves when we blog or text or surf the net, thinking we are interacting with other people and the natural world, but it just isn't true. <br />
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I've written a bit recently about the vibrational changes that many people are feeling taking place in the world. It is hard to turn a blind eye to these changes once you start to feel them.<br />
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We really need to take some time for ourselves. This time needs to be spent out in nature, away from the technological chains that are binding us to the modern world.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToiVsx89931K-zhbAMG4B2h3WiPTsNZhOHjWX2OvpTbn-qkQw1XwVCqyKIOyERk5mKNWuehqUjs5BbuUz1ZWvyT3zdhU7d2gjFaOZc1EmEfmbVjvEdb6UTQ47Vq7KKDKFf2U1UcVFHa8/s1600/new+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToiVsx89931K-zhbAMG4B2h3WiPTsNZhOHjWX2OvpTbn-qkQw1XwVCqyKIOyERk5mKNWuehqUjs5BbuUz1ZWvyT3zdhU7d2gjFaOZc1EmEfmbVjvEdb6UTQ47Vq7KKDKFf2U1UcVFHa8/s320/new+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ask yourself; When was the last time you stood in front of a huge bonfire and watched the flames dance into the night sky?<br />
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Strengthening our relationship with the element of Fire is vitally important. We take all of the energy we use for granted. We flick a switch and the lights come on.<br />
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This goes for the other elements as well. Are you aware of the water you use in daily life? Do you let the tap run while you are brushing your teeth?<br />
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We can no longer choose to be ignorant of these issues. There are too many of us on this planet and not enough of everything to go around. It is time to pay attention.<br />
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Spending time honoring the elements and nature should be a daily practice. We need to be a bit more humble in our approach to things. We are not the center of the universe.<br />
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Anyone needing a deeper exploration into these studies is welcome to join our <a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/?page_id=241">SELF-MASTERY ONLINE COURSE - </a><a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/?page_id=241">The Fundamentals of Zen Yoga</a><br />
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until next time...wishing you much peace<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-17652998680762593512011-07-06T09:51:00.000-04:002011-07-06T09:51:02.847-04:00Conscious Breathing<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">It’s time to focus on breathing again…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju91kLauouuaOiI2h0v1Eq2zaVghIA4sPtSgN29JBFDYd_l0e0XrHdx6V_zYZj3YKGGPrfOwnWnzKDr3nwBHXlxMQUN4rYX2XI2ApYvmx1ADjDS037pgB4pdBJqqB1LlFHOT7bWfFuLK0/s1600/may2011+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju91kLauouuaOiI2h0v1Eq2zaVghIA4sPtSgN29JBFDYd_l0e0XrHdx6V_zYZj3YKGGPrfOwnWnzKDr3nwBHXlxMQUN4rYX2XI2ApYvmx1ADjDS037pgB4pdBJqqB1LlFHOT7bWfFuLK0/s320/may2011+038.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Breathing is essential to life, yet it often the most neglected aspect of any physical training program. The simple fact is that breathing is the fundamental aspect of our physical body. It is a continuous rhythm that runs throughout our whole life. The body can go </span>for days, even weeks without food. It is able to survive two or three days without water.<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> But it is virtually impossible to go without breathing for more than a few minutes. Without fresh oxygen to the brain the bodily systems quickly shut down and we die. Breathing is natural, and automatic, something we rarely tak e the time to notice, unless we are winded from a burst of exercise or emotional stimulation. This is fine for most people for much of their lives, since the body was created to work efficiently without having to pay attention to breathing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">This normal, everyday breathing can be defined as subsistence breathing. The amount of oxygen taken in during subsistence breathing is sufficient for everyday life. It brings just enough oxygen into the body to keep it functioning. Imagine a subsistence farmer who works the land and scrapes just enough food together to feed his family. Quite possibly he can continue this way for many years. His existence, though meager, seems sufficient. But, what if there is an unforseen disaster, which affects his ability to continue, such as a prolonged drought, flooding, or an early frost? If the farmer has not stored up his reserves, then simple survival may be almost impossible. The same goes for breathing. Subsistence breathing, though meager, is adequate as long as the body is healthy and active. But what happens if there is an accident, sickness, or trauma? Without an excess of stored energy, there are no reserves to tap into when needed. It becomes difficult for the body to repair itself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Conscious breathing is the process of becoming aware of the </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\@System"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">body’s </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">inhalation and exhalation of air</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "\@System"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">.</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> Nearly four thousand years ago in ancient China and India people understood that becoming conscious of the body as it is breathing is the key to a long, healthy life. Just the action of noticing the breath brings our awareness to it and increases its quality.</span> One of the most common themes in the teachings offered by spiritual leaders is the principle of internal cleansing, getting rid of that which is old, worn out, and stale, and exchanging it for what is new, fresh, and energized. That, of course, is the central principle of conscious breathing as well. During inhalation we are bringing in fresh oxygen, nutrients, and vital energy. During exhalation we are expelling carbon dioxide and other toxins and poisons that we produce or collect in our daily living.<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Give yourself a few moments every day to take a few long, deep breaths. Stay focused on that moment and enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">wishing you much peace,<br />
Aaron</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;">If you want to learn more about breathing try Breathe Smart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0974324701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; tab-stops: -.5in;"><br />
</div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-42792074442391798352011-06-20T09:27:00.001-04:002011-06-20T09:30:00.927-04:00The Taoist Path<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnccM1dVikGrmiYhCV2XXtJd9WsjlMKRIvWs6NspAnsMeVhXOJjr8bIaurIqgIihLUuWRgshnOSfqWHfLE4wBDfMMdPtV0dbgc08h_GO9D9dqWWaG80SQnTVDNuEgsGyCOG97Kob14Bc/s1600/tao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnccM1dVikGrmiYhCV2XXtJd9WsjlMKRIvWs6NspAnsMeVhXOJjr8bIaurIqgIihLUuWRgshnOSfqWHfLE4wBDfMMdPtV0dbgc08h_GO9D9dqWWaG80SQnTVDNuEgsGyCOG97Kob14Bc/s320/tao.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">Taoism is a 5,000 year old tradition. It is not really a religion but more a way of life. It is based on living in harmony with the natural world and uncovering the connection we have with all things. True Taoism or Inner Taoism (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">tao jia</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">) is focused on the internal spiritual unfolding of the individual as he/she comes to an understanding of the forces of balance (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">yin/yang</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">) and energy (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">chi or ki</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">) that govern all of creation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">At the core of Taoism is the Tao. The Tao is all encompassing. It is the energy of everything in existence. Despite the appearance of differences in the world, within the Tao everything is one. Since all is one, matters of true and false or good and evil are irrelevant and only arise when people cannot see beyond their narrow perception of reality. Taoism is a system of philosophical thought that puts emphasis on a deeper exploration of life instead of the shallow materialistic world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">Taoism is a holistic tradition that addresses all three parts - body, mind, spirit - of the whole individual. The physical practice of Taoism is concerned with breathing and movement exercises to circulate energy and maintain health. The mental practice of Taoism is meditative in nature and focuses on introspection into the nature of existence. The spiritual practice of Taoism seeks to understand and reveal the grand interconnection of the universe and merge with it through esoteric and mystical experiences.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;">The Taoist masters of old recognized that most people are only recreationally spiritual, meaning that they are not really interested in anything beyond surface spirituality. Life is too hectic and busy to spend time in contemplation of the Tao. They developed simple exercises of energy circulation to enable people to live healthy, peaceful and successful lives. The idea was that if people practiced these arts for their own gain long enough, they would eventually stumble upon a deeper realization of the Tao and their connection to it.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=4770030479&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-57254288948409643072011-06-01T17:13:00.000-04:002011-06-01T17:13:07.725-04:00Living in the Matrix<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">“</span><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;">All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force…</span></strong></em></div><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></strong></em><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;">We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind.</span></strong></em></div><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></strong></em><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;">This Mind is the matrix of all matter</span></strong></em><strong><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;">”</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">---Max Planck</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcW4WVvLR3g2mXcR3D15BSO0l5IXq36Sd7Ql5KwUFZo1E-_bWn2jFlLCIrzqyNPMFIaHbW8Jwxpdk_LMZ7Cc5shuDBBrJN8BMo364i_4M-mv8Xk9XK472HmjWKqcpWnMxto2r8u9YZgo/s1600/matrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcW4WVvLR3g2mXcR3D15BSO0l5IXq36Sd7Ql5KwUFZo1E-_bWn2jFlLCIrzqyNPMFIaHbW8Jwxpdk_LMZ7Cc5shuDBBrJN8BMo364i_4M-mv8Xk9XK472HmjWKqcpWnMxto2r8u9YZgo/s320/matrix.jpg" width="320" /></a>Max Planck was the German physicist who was generally regarded as the inventor of quantum theory. He was the first person to coin the term “the Matrix.” The concept of the matrix was popularized in the movie The Matrix starring Keanu Reeves. In the movie the matrix was the sinister creation of the machines that turned on mankind and created a reality to keep humans ignorant of the fact that they were being harvested for their energy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The reason this movie resonated deeply with so many people is that there seems to be some kind of conscious awareness in the back of the mind, (a hintegedanke?) of the basic precept - that most humans spend their waking lives hypnotized by their sensory world, which gives them the illusion of a material world, while in reality, they are merely living in a construct, a world of thought created to keep them ignorant of their own place in the universe. Disconnected from their real identity and their creative potential, they wander through life unaware of what they are missing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, the idea of a reality created by machines to subjugate humankind is pure fiction, yet it has a strange ring of truth that comes very close to something basic, almost primordial, deep within us. In daily life it is not uncommon to encounter people who seem oblivious to the reality of what is going on around them. These folks, when faced with the many unknowns of life and questions about its purpose, gradually relinquish conscious control in order to have their basic sensory needs satisfied. They are so plugged into their matrix that they become accustomed to being told what to eat, what to think, what to believe, and how to act. They get caught up because they lack an awareness of how potentially powerful their own thoughts are and of their connection to the whole. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, when people are caught up in the matrix, their thoughts and concerns revolve around competition and mistrust in all of their encounters. Their political, economic, religious, and social agendas become battlegrounds for flexing their misguided individuality. These people often feel as if there is much that remains unknown, yet blindly accept superficial answers to philosophical or existential questions because to find out more might shake the ground they are standing on. Their reality is the only reality. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For many, fear becomes the great motivator. Attempting to overcome fear by facing it becomes a constant obsession. Paranoia and violence are the acceptable norms because it provides a feeling of aliveness. For these people greed, lies, mistrust and a lack of care are rewarded and power becomes the ultimate goal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of us are not ready to be unplugged from the matrix of our own minds. We have become too comfortable. By staying mindlessly connected to this construct of the ego, we remain trapped in their matrix, a prisoner of fear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It can seem a rather bleak picture, yet one we cannot ignore if we are to become aware of our place in the web of life and the fundamental truth of existence: <a href="http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com/2010/07/creating-reality.html">we create our own reality</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">wishing you much peace,</div><div class="MsoNormal">the wandering sage </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div align="left"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-65836803464660586482011-05-09T07:41:00.000-04:002011-05-09T07:41:07.990-04:00The Web of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4R0gepgCH_6hyphenhyphenHHxj8THCaT2VSqn5_HBw3zwa3n0qwV8ZNPcmT_AsggjHgir30MoCTEXNCXaa2zFs10ge-_mEaSj3JX4clTEyTx3a8akE4ETvyv1ZzA-zF1aUCCZ6XUhzijc5-kDgQ/s1600/web-of-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4R0gepgCH_6hyphenhyphenHHxj8THCaT2VSqn5_HBw3zwa3n0qwV8ZNPcmT_AsggjHgir30MoCTEXNCXaa2zFs10ge-_mEaSj3JX4clTEyTx3a8akE4ETvyv1ZzA-zF1aUCCZ6XUhzijc5-kDgQ/s320/web-of-life.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The idea that there is an intricate web-like structure connecting all things is not new. The concept of a web that connects all life has been used by philosophers, poets and mystics throughout the millennia to describe the interconnectedness of all things. Similar concepts are found in diverse traditions, both ancient and modern, throughout the world. It makes no difference from what angle it is viewed, ancient or modern, spiritual, religious, philosophical, or even scientific, the idea remains fundamentally the same - there is something that connects us with everything else in existence. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While each of the various different views may define or describe the web of life in differing terms it always ends up resembling a network of interwoven strands creating a universal interdependence among all things.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One way of describing this web is to call it The Mind of Nature. All living things are connected by the life force that flows through them. If you can imagine this connection as billions and billions of tiny weblike fibers linking all things in creation, you can begin to understand how we are intertwined within the web of life. This web is made up of the life force energy that is part of everything. And every living thing is part of the web. The plants and animals of the world including humans all have a relationship to each other. At the most basic level this is obvious. It is no accident that the oxygen we breathe is a by-product of the plants as they go through the life process of photosynthesis. Just as the carbon dioxide we exhale is exactly what plants require to live. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But the connection goes even deeper than that. In </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Secret Life of Plants</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird proved, in experiment after experiment, that plants have a much more complex interaction with the world around them, than we think they do. They react to thoughts, feelings and emotions in a manner that could be described as quite humanlike if we were to be so arrogant as to assume we are the ones that originally developed such reactions. This is the same for animals as well, yet humans often treat them as inferior beings.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The web of life links everything, but we, as individuals, seem to be blind to this linkage as we rush to cut down the forests and destroy the habitats of wild creatures. We don’t realize or care that we are damaging the web and, ultimately, ourselves. Nor do we understand that nature, with the web at its core, will respond – inevitable responds – to its mistreatment or mismanagement and will eventually take retribution in severe disruptions and major catastrophes within the human environment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The web is strong and resilient, but it is fragile at the same time.</span></span><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060915870&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2093660286153740097.post-47803554579061130182011-04-17T10:01:00.000-04:002011-04-17T10:01:22.566-04:00Doing Something Different<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOgC0KDGUa4NnxIgPm3yN7IView7Zu3ALcLB9fw8WtO_bOg3VIqQJkC1fd6EAlu9mM8uQWUZII-Mf3ztL3NMs5mkcQn81dJsawL_QHJwjfAiqqkEfeaKK-K5yCPoqmzbeLqDLfOd2rwI/s1600/100_7178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOgC0KDGUa4NnxIgPm3yN7IView7Zu3ALcLB9fw8WtO_bOg3VIqQJkC1fd6EAlu9mM8uQWUZII-Mf3ztL3NMs5mkcQn81dJsawL_QHJwjfAiqqkEfeaKK-K5yCPoqmzbeLqDLfOd2rwI/s320/100_7178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The waters around our <a href="http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com/2011/02/body-maintaining-structural-integrity.html">Ark</a> seem to be moving ever swifter. This phenomenon has been called the Quickening or Earth Changes. Whatever name you decide to give it, the bottom line is that for many people there is finally a dawning recognition of the dramatic changes we are facing in the world as events begin to impact daily life. This brings with it a palpable sense of upheaval and disturbance that can breed fear and uncertainty. And while many people are scared or confused at the disruptions that are taking place, they fail to recognize their own behavior that continues to contribute to the situation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Vibrations </strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">At a fundamental level these changes are vibrational. Everything is vibrating. We are all in a state of energetic vibration. However as the finite limits of the planet are neared these vibrations are starting to shift and grow in intensity. With the increasing intensity we start to become more aware of the vibrations. These vibrations can affect our lives in many ways, but most often it results in higher levels of stress and tension during the daily interactions we have.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Dealing with these vibrations can be a challenge as they can often be very destabilizing to our inner equilibrium. At times, it can even seem as if everything is on the verge of falling to pieces. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">People in the spiritual community have more skills to deal with these vibrational shifts than the average person. They usually have some type of meditative and/or healing modalities that help to counter effects of shifting vibrational energy fields, yet even those who are grounded in spiritual practices can be knocked off balance by people or events beyond their control. In addition modern technologies including phones, computers and televisions create their own vibrational fields that disrupt our connection to the planet. Becoming aware of these vibrations is imperative if we are going to move forward towards a more enlightened way of being.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal">Modern society appears to have reached another important crossroad. <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We have had a number of opportunities in the recent past and it is hard to know how many more there will be. </span>Like the pendulum that swings from one extreme to the other, our way of living has reached the point where going forward in our destructive all-consuming manner is no longer feasible. As a civilization we have come to consider the Earth, the plants, the animals, other human beings and everything else, whether it is nailed down or not, resources to be exploited. This no longer serves us (it never did to begin with) and we must do something different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Relationship with the World</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Long ago humans lived in harmony with the world around them. They had a relationship with spirit, and an underlying reverence for the life-force that flowed through everything. They entrained with the vibrations of the Earth. From the Celtic concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dana</i> to the Chinese <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tao</i>, people used to live in reverence of the world and pay homage to the spirit that exists within all things. And that spirit was strong within them. We need to return to this way of being. Our connection to the world is vital to our survival. We need to break out of the shell created by the vibrations of the technological distractions of the world. We need more time with the trees and the animals. We need to listen to silence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Global awakening was never going to come from the top down. It must start with each of us as individuals. We can continue headlong over the edge of the abyss or step back and turn down a different path. And while many have chosen to relinquish their will and courage to embrace the excessive materialism of today, many others are starting to feel unsatisfied with that world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">It is imperative we regain our sensitivity to the vibrations, lest we become like those doomed animals in Pink Floyd’s “Sheep” <i>Meek and obedient we follow the leader down well-trodden corridors into the valley of steel</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><strong>Changing Your Mind</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">I have always believed that if you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you have always gotten. The logical conclusion to this is that if you are unsatisfied with what you have then in order to change that you need to do something different. This is easy to say but can be extremely difficult to put into practice. This process starts in the mind. You have to make a mental commitment first if you want to succeed at this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A great cycle is coming to an end and a new age is dawning. It is time to turn away from the lower vibrations. It is time to focus on our spiritual development and vibrate on a different wavelength.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><strong>10 Things to Do To Change Your Life</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://community.yogajournal.com/_Unplug-Your-Television/blog/3427044/25925.html">Turn off the television.</a> Unplug it. Toss it out the window. Everyone enjoys a movie or show sometimes, but end your relationship with commercial television today.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spend at least one day a week away from the computer, phone and internet. No calls, no emails, no Facebook…just leave it alone for a whole day and see if you can notice a vibrational difference.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Grow a plant from a seed. Water it, nurture it, experience it growing.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cultivate a relationship with a tree. Sit with it and see if you can learn something.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://www.zenantidiet.com/">Give up junk food.</a> No excuses, just stop eating low vibration food.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Give thanks to spirit at mealtimes for the blessing of having food to eat</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn a new spiritual discipline like <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Zen-of-Yoga&id=4500532">yoga</a>, <a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/">tai chi</a>, <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Keys-to-Meditation&id=4572790">meditation</a>, tea ceremony, or anything that teaches you to be more mindful.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn to play a musical instrument. It doesn’t matter if it is a harmonica, drum or trumpet, allow the vibration of music to move through you.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Walk outside in nature everyday. Feel the vibration.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">. Make someone else feel good about themselves.</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We stand on the threshold of a profound shift in our world. Wake up, strengthen your body and clear your mind. There is much work to be done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wishing you much peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.artofzenyoga.com/">Zen Yoga Website</a> is being revamped...please stop by and let me know what you think.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div>Wandering Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729499527315177304noreply@blogger.com5