Sunday, March 8, 2009
Mistwalkers - new poetry
MISTWALKERS
There are those who spend their day
Living in a different way
Apart from all the hectic noise
Away from shows and ads and toys
Away from stores and shops and such
They have enough, they don’t need much
They touch the soul of Mother Earth
They live in peace and joy and mirth
In their hearts no room for fear
Theirs eyes are bright, their thoughts are clear
Each step they take the ground is kissed
These walkers in the sacred mist
-Aaron Hoopes 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
transformational alignment
A lot of emphasis has been put on the winter solstice of 2012 as a point of transition, but like the moon that is full three days before and three days after the actual full moon, we have already entered this significant time.
The ancient Vedic texts called this time the Kali Yuga, a time when humanity has reached the depths of selfish materialism. I don't think there is any doubt that we are seeing this unfold before our eyes daily...and yet still most people seem oblivious to the tremendous changes that are taking place.
It has been determined that on the solstice of 2012 the Earth will come into precise alignment with the galactic center. What this means exactly is up for debate. However, one thing that is becoming clear is that there are going to be significant fundamental changes to our lives and the way we live. I'm beginning to look at this time as a moment of opportunity for consicous evolution. It is there waiting for those who are ready for it while everyone else will be caught up in the fear and chaos of the changes.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we get our own house in order. We need to have our physical body in a healthy state - srtong, flexible and free of chemicals and poisons....and we need our mind calm, clear and able to react to whatever situations we are presented with... Most importantly, we need to open our hearts and reconnect with the Earth. For to long we have taken from her for our selfish needs without acknowledgement of the lifeforce energy she provides us. The Earth will survive for millennia to come, if the human race is to continue to have a purpose on this planet we need to get our act together.
We have passed the time for debate about whether climate change, overpopulation and depleted resources are real problems. If you think that we will soon be returning to unlimited economic growth, rampant expansion and magic technological breakthroughs that will end our dependency on fossil fuel...nevermind.
The ancient Vedic texts called this time the Kali Yuga, a time when humanity has reached the depths of selfish materialism. I don't think there is any doubt that we are seeing this unfold before our eyes daily...and yet still most people seem oblivious to the tremendous changes that are taking place.
It has been determined that on the solstice of 2012 the Earth will come into precise alignment with the galactic center. What this means exactly is up for debate. However, one thing that is becoming clear is that there are going to be significant fundamental changes to our lives and the way we live. I'm beginning to look at this time as a moment of opportunity for consicous evolution. It is there waiting for those who are ready for it while everyone else will be caught up in the fear and chaos of the changes.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we get our own house in order. We need to have our physical body in a healthy state - srtong, flexible and free of chemicals and poisons....and we need our mind calm, clear and able to react to whatever situations we are presented with... Most importantly, we need to open our hearts and reconnect with the Earth. For to long we have taken from her for our selfish needs without acknowledgement of the lifeforce energy she provides us. The Earth will survive for millennia to come, if the human race is to continue to have a purpose on this planet we need to get our act together.
We have passed the time for debate about whether climate change, overpopulation and depleted resources are real problems. If you think that we will soon be returning to unlimited economic growth, rampant expansion and magic technological breakthroughs that will end our dependency on fossil fuel...nevermind.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Galactic Alignment: The Transformation of Consciousness
Galactic Alignment: The Transformation of Consciousness According to Mayan, Egyptian, and Vedic Traditions by John Major Jenkins
rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another step along a journey that is leading towards something quite profound. This is a book for people already familiar with the subject matter. It is a very detailed look at the evolution of consciousness that we are undergoing as we move towards 2012.
Popular culture portrays 2012 as an disaster movie. Instead, John Major Jenkins puts forth the concept that we are at an epic moment of transformation. Those who are realizing that the selfish, materialistic world we have been living in is coming to an end are the ones who are going to have the best chance to navigate the coming changes.
Something we all need to consider as we get closer and closer to 2012.
rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another step along a journey that is leading towards something quite profound. This is a book for people already familiar with the subject matter. It is a very detailed look at the evolution of consciousness that we are undergoing as we move towards 2012.
Popular culture portrays 2012 as an disaster movie. Instead, John Major Jenkins puts forth the concept that we are at an epic moment of transformation. Those who are realizing that the selfish, materialistic world we have been living in is coming to an end are the ones who are going to have the best chance to navigate the coming changes.
Something we all need to consider as we get closer and closer to 2012.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Mind-Body Connection
The more we train our body the stronger and healthier it becomes. In the same manner, the more we train our mind the calmer and clearer it becomes. This practice is like sharpening the blade of a sword. The healthier the body and the calmer the mind the better we are able to focus more completely on the task at hand.
Training the body is a physical challenge. Whether it is zen yoga, tai chi, marital arts, tennis, golf swimming or whatever...it is about moving the body and flowing with energy. However training the mind is a much greater challenge. There are many distractions. The practice of meditation needs to be an integral part of life even when we feel that it is not doing anything for us. The subtle changes that occur over time through the regular study of meditation are invaluable. While we may understand the concept of meditation intellectually, putting aside time to practice is often difficult. Nevertheless, the clarity of thought that meditation provides is something vital to our training that we should not be without. It brings us to a moment of zen, being fully alive in the present moment.
When we exist fully in the present moment we embody our true self. Like moving in stereo, the body and mind become a single flowing entity. By following the same rhythm, each compliments the other. We are able to react without thought or hesitation. Our reactions are perfectly appropriate depending on the situation, neither too strong nor too weak.
This is the true meaning of body and mind connection.
Training the body is a physical challenge. Whether it is zen yoga, tai chi, marital arts, tennis, golf swimming or whatever...it is about moving the body and flowing with energy. However training the mind is a much greater challenge. There are many distractions. The practice of meditation needs to be an integral part of life even when we feel that it is not doing anything for us. The subtle changes that occur over time through the regular study of meditation are invaluable. While we may understand the concept of meditation intellectually, putting aside time to practice is often difficult. Nevertheless, the clarity of thought that meditation provides is something vital to our training that we should not be without. It brings us to a moment of zen, being fully alive in the present moment.
When we exist fully in the present moment we embody our true self. Like moving in stereo, the body and mind become a single flowing entity. By following the same rhythm, each compliments the other. We are able to react without thought or hesitation. Our reactions are perfectly appropriate depending on the situation, neither too strong nor too weak.
This is the true meaning of body and mind connection.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Living on a Changing Earth
Did you ever have a thought deep in the back of your mind that there just might, possibly be a better way of living than the way that is forced upon us by the hectic, stress-filled technological society in which we live today? Alan Watts, the renowned Zen scholar, called that thought hintegedanke, which is a German word describing something just at the edge of consciousness. It is a hint of something greater, of some special connection we have with the world around us. For most, that feeling stays in the shadows of the mind as we drink our double lattés, drive our SUVs, and live our lives between the increasingly strident commercials which bombard us day and night and hope that the financial and economic disaster somehow misses us.
What might this hintegedanke be trying to tell us?
Might it be offering to show us another way?
Might it be trying to remind us of something we have long forgotten?
Might it be presenting us with a different path to walk?
I believe that we have forgotten some very important knowledge over the past five-thousand years, knowledge we were not supposed to forget. And now we find we are on the verge of collectively destroying ourselves…again.
Millennia ago, in the vague myths of the antediluvian world, the Earth was different. People were different. They lived in harmony with the world around them, connected to it.
The Mayan calendar points to the winter solstice on December 21st 2012 as the end date of a great age. It is vital that we begin to expand our awareness and pay attention to the bigger picture.
In order to survive on this changing Earth we need be able to change with it.
It starts with an awareness of the self and the world around us. Selfishness, greed and insincerity are no longer of any value to us. We must now find a purpose that is about more than personal gain.
Are you ready?
What might this hintegedanke be trying to tell us?
Might it be offering to show us another way?
Might it be trying to remind us of something we have long forgotten?
Might it be presenting us with a different path to walk?
I believe that we have forgotten some very important knowledge over the past five-thousand years, knowledge we were not supposed to forget. And now we find we are on the verge of collectively destroying ourselves…again.
Millennia ago, in the vague myths of the antediluvian world, the Earth was different. People were different. They lived in harmony with the world around them, connected to it.
The Mayan calendar points to the winter solstice on December 21st 2012 as the end date of a great age. It is vital that we begin to expand our awareness and pay attention to the bigger picture.
In order to survive on this changing Earth we need be able to change with it.
It starts with an awareness of the self and the world around us. Selfishness, greed and insincerity are no longer of any value to us. We must now find a purpose that is about more than personal gain.
Are you ready?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Happy, Healthy & Peaceful Holiday
Well, another holiday season is upon us...yet this one seems different somehow. Obviously there are a lot of things happening in this world that are having significant impact on many people.
Usually we want to think of the holidays as a time of joy and happiness, however, more often than not the holidays can stir up quite a lot of stress. Combine this with a general uncertainty about the future and we can find ourselves a little overwhelmed.
Fortunately, just as it feels as if things are unravelling, there is also something quite amazing taking place. We are beginning to sense a shift in consciousness. No longer are the old patterns working for us and many people are starting to look for answers deeper within.
Obviously this is a long process, but there can be no doubt that things are accelerating.
It would serve all of us this holiday season to 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 their own selves. 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.
Like dropping a pebble into a pool of water and watching the ripples spread out, we determine the ripples we send to the people around us. Let it then be positive and loving.
I wish you happiness, health and peace for this holiday season
It would serve all of us this holiday season to 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 their own selves. 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.
Like dropping a pebble into a pool of water and watching the ripples spread out, we determine the ripples we send to the people around us. Let it then be positive and loving.
I wish you happiness, health and peace for this holiday season
…and as always…
Aaron Hoopes
The next Zen Yoga Online Course will begin January 15th.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Start from Zero
A fit, healthy body and a calm, clear mind lay the fertile ground for our spiritual nature to grow and develop --zin
One of the biggest hurdles we face when making life changes in body fitness is starting from a negative.
The first step is to approve of the body you have right at this moment - NOT the body you want, NOT the body you are going to have in six months after you work out, NOT the body you had last year or ten years ago, but the body you have right NOW.
Oh no!...you say...OH YES!...that body with the belly that pops over the belt buckle or the thighs that rub together, or with the yellow stained teeth, or whatever you think is wrong with you.
Regardless of all the faults, real or imagined, it is the only body you have.
And here you are...alive.
If you have to live with it, you might as well come to terms with it instead of fighting it.
Acceptance of that fact is like opening a door to a new world.
Imagine a line of numbers
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Zero is the center point..the place to begin so you can go up into positive numbers.
Instead, if you begin with a negative number, you spend all of your time trying to get to zero, so you can begin.
Your body…right now…exactly as it is….is zero.
From zero...go up.
How strong, how fit, how healthy you are is how strong, fit and healthy you are.
Start from there.
Everyone can do some sort of breath and movement practice in order to start the process of getting the body feeling better.
http://www.artofzenyoga.com/
One of the biggest hurdles we face when making life changes in body fitness is starting from a negative.
The first step is to approve of the body you have right at this moment - NOT the body you want, NOT the body you are going to have in six months after you work out, NOT the body you had last year or ten years ago, but the body you have right NOW.
Oh no!...you say...OH YES!...that body with the belly that pops over the belt buckle or the thighs that rub together, or with the yellow stained teeth, or whatever you think is wrong with you.
Regardless of all the faults, real or imagined, it is the only body you have.
And here you are...alive.
If you have to live with it, you might as well come to terms with it instead of fighting it.
Acceptance of that fact is like opening a door to a new world.
Imagine a line of numbers
-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Zero is the center point..the place to begin so you can go up into positive numbers.
Instead, if you begin with a negative number, you spend all of your time trying to get to zero, so you can begin.
Your body…right now…exactly as it is….is zero.
From zero...go up.
How strong, how fit, how healthy you are is how strong, fit and healthy you are.
Start from there.
Everyone can do some sort of breath and movement practice in order to start the process of getting the body feeling better.
http://www.artofzenyoga.com/
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