Keeping Perspective

Well, a month on the beach in Australia has been a wonderful chance to put things in perspective. Zen Yoga is getting a great reception over here.

I think it is very easy to get locked into a worldview when we are going through the same motions day in and day out. Stepping out of the normal everyday pattern forces a shift in perception. Sure the same problems exist, but a change in location or situation provides an opportunity to look at things in a different way.

If you are able to implement a regular practice that allows you to get more closer in touch with your spiritual nature then you can enhance this process even more.

This type of practice is vital during times of uncertainty. The whole world may seem like it is going crazy, but if you can keep your center it is possible to navigate the difficulties without too much problem. Of course there are things that need to be dealt with. However, if you can start with breathing and movement to get the energy in your body flowing, then everything you do will become more effective.

If you already have an effective practice it may be time to take it to a new level by rededicating yourself to mindful awareness and meditation. This allows a much deeper exploration into the real purpose of life.....hint: it is not about getting more STUFF...

Back from Australia on April 15th with lots happening. Check out Eat Smart: The Zen Anti-Diet if you get a chance.

wishing everyone much peace....
Aaron

Photo Gallery - Australia & Japan

I've finally had a chance to put up some photos of my travels to Australia and Japan. You can see them here:

www.artofzenyoga.com/gallery1.htm

I'd love to hear your comments on these, please leave your comments here....

many thanks,
Aaron

Land of Oz

The weather has been quite nice for most of my stay. The sun is so hot you can really only spend short periods in the sun before you burn.

Zen Yoga on the beach at sunrise is a wonderful way to start the day. I've had a lot of opportunity to reflect on a number of things.

I think that many people have a desire to be fit and healthy. The problem is that just having a desire is too vague. We tend to get caught up in living unconsciously and time passes. We then realize we haven't been living in a healthy manner. At this stage doing something for fitness becomes a chore. If we can keep ourselves in a mindful place and make mindful choices about how we treat our bodies we have a much better chance of getting to the place we really want to be.

Always start with conscious breathing and take it from there. once the body gets more oxygen into it there is a much better impetus for movement. Make your fitness routine a habit...not an appointment.

Off to Tokyo on Thursday....

in peace,
Aaron

Walkabout in Australia

After a 24-hour trip, I made it to the land Down Under. It is summer here and about 84 degrees and sunny. I spent the first 4 days climbing in the outback mountains of the Great Dividing Range with my long-time friend and Zen Yoga instructor Paul Carney. I was lucky to swim in a couple of absolutely stunning rock pools beneath magnificient waterfalls. On one day we hiked and climbed for 7 hours and never saw another person. We did see hundreds of kangaroos however. Of course, I took lots of photos, but they will have to wait until my return to post them.

Most of the time was spent breathing in the amazing energy of the land and taking time to find that calm center within. It is really amazing what you can discover when you can disconnect from all of the distracting buzz of modern society. We really don't give ourselves enough time to do this.

Internet access is spotty, but I'll try to post again soon.

more soon,
Aaron

Australia & Japan

I'm leaving for Australia on Wednesday Feb 6th. It is about a 19 hour trip and I will be arriving in Brisbane on Feb 8th (australia time). Then I'm off on a 5-day walkabout in the tropical rainforest with an old friend. No phone, no computer......!

February 22-25th I'll be in Japan and will be holding a Zen Yoga workshop at Sun & Moon Yoga in Tokyo on Saturday Feb 23 8:00-10:00am. http://www.sunandmoon.jp/current-workshops

I will also be giving a talk and book signing at
Good Day Books http://www.gooddaybooks.com/contents/Booknotes?language=english
in Tokyo on Sunday Feb 24 6:00-8:00pm.

In addition I'm going to be interviewed by Reuters at the Tokyo Press Club while I'm there.

I haven't been back in either Australia or Japan for about 4 years and I'm quite excited about it.
Lot's of friends to catch up with.

I'll try and post some of my adventures here when I get a chance.

In peace....
Aaron

http://www.artofzenyoga.com/