aPhenomenon
Sadhana
Yogi Bhajan said we are afraid to face ourselves. Here is a quote, " Fundamentally you are afraid to be you. You always want to be somebody else. If you are not you, what else can help you?" 3/8/95
I think that is true of most of us. Life for me is working on myself and uncovering the layers. But...having that early morning ritual is an anchor and time of self-discovery and analysis. Only, not done by thinking and thinking but through prayer, chanting and singing. I did not jump into a 4 or 5 am rising time. Before Summer Solstice 2007, I had a sadhana that happened whenever I awoke and it consisted of maybe 30 minutes to an hour of prayers and meditating- no particular rhythm to it. I also meditated some at night. Solstice kicked me into a deeper sadhana and an earlier awakening, so to speak.
Since this summer and more recently, I have noticed my intuition heightened, more students drawn to Kundalini classes vs. my Hatha ones, I feel better about my life and can keep an even keel knowing I am taken care of.
Yes, my friends have changed as will yours. Your life will change. I can only say - if you are headed towards God, then you'll leave low things behind,strewed on the road behind you and life styles that don't support your love of the new life that you desire.
Take it easy, do it one day at a time and you'll discover how seemingly quick your truth shines.
Sat Nam
Health and Beauty
Health and Beauty
I've worked for Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Vitamin Cottage as well as a few coops and other natural food stores. What I've learned about natural foods and supplements, in general, is that everything does not work the same for everybody. We are all unique individuals with systems that behave according to our own chemistry. One person who takes 400 mg. of Vitamin E and their hot flashes reduce, does not mean it will do the same for you or me.
But, I have seen and used the following products/techniques and know they will work time and again.
Cold Showers
Let's begin with Hydrotherapy or taking a cold shower first thing in the morning. Perhaps you picture yourself standing there freezing,teeth chattering as the water pours over your entire body and you are thinking,"Never again will I do this!" Don't despair.
Try my routine. In the morning, I get ready by dry brushing (I'll explain later) my body, applying almond oil to it and then I turn the water all the way to the right for the coldest setting and step in. I wait at the back of the tub and let my feet become wet first. I then move in quickly with my right shoulder leading and then step back; I then step in with my left side. I turn around and get the back. I then wait out of the water spray as I rub my body with a loofa sponge or wash cloth to get the oil into my cells. I do the same routine again and again allowing my body to adjust to the temperature. If you bring the body to the temperature where it can meet the cold all the capillaries open up and your organs and glandular system are cleansed. Youth returns. And if I need to - I quickly wash my hair. I am done in less than 3 minutes. I rub down with a towel and feel stimulated, fresh, alert and renewed. Certainly, I am wide awake now!
Dry Brushing
Find a long-handled, natural bristle brush. Before you begin the shower, beginning with the feet, brush vigorously in a circle. Next do the legs, the hands and arms, the back, abdomen,chest and neck. Brush until your skin becomes rosy,warm and glowing. Brushing loosens up large amounts of dead skin so that is why the shower comes next.Benefits:
1. Stimulates and increases blood circulation in all underlying organs and tissues.
2. Revitalizes and increases the eliminative capacity of your skin and helps throw toxins out of your system.
3. Rejuvenates and stimulates nerve endings.
4. Prevents colds, especially when used with cold showers.
5. Contributes to a healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fats. (yea!)
6. Rejuvenates the complexion and makes it look younger, fresher and more velvety.
7. Helps prevent premature aging.
Isn't this an impressive list?!! How can you not do it!!
Yoga
I cannot say enough about this. Yoga has helped me with back pain, injuries and frozen shoulder pain. I am a calmer person because of a daily practice and meditation keeps me sane. The Pranayama or breathing has helped deepen my breath as well as help me relax.
Walking
Walking is easy. Go around the block a few times, take a stroll around the park, walk that dog, go down a country lane - so beneficial.
Be sure to go early in the day or late evening - we here in Texas are Hot these days.
Products
As we age, the hair becomes dry. You can avoid this with a twice a week application of a good oil on the hair. It helps if the hair is wet to get to the roots. After your cold shower (ha, ha) take some Almond oil and massage it in all over. Then leave it on! The longer the better. Use a non-drying shampoo (Giovanni Smooth as Silk) and see the la difference! Sure you can go to a Spa but unless you have the time every week and the bucks ($75-$125) - I'd do a home treatment. In between treatments, use a good organic essential oil such as rosemary or lavender (Young Living or Mountain Rose Herbs). Apply a little bit to your dry hair each day.
When I was Health and Beauty manager for Vitamin Cottage, I was asked everyday, "What do I do for dry skin?" Well, after recommending and trying many natural and organic products, I found the best solution was to add a little oil (almond, jojoba,grapeseed) to your lotion.
Now, recently I was given a bottle of Avalon Organics Vitamin C Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 15 and it actually works! It moisturizes and replenishes my skin. Unbelievable.It is paraben free so perhaps that helps.
I like Rachel Perry's Bee Pollen-Jojoba Maximum Moisture Creme with Ginkgo for my face. I also use Weleda's Daily Creme and for a really dry face - Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil (pricy!) so try Aubrey's Rosehip Seed oil.
All for now, email me with questions. Have Fun!!
Herbs to Heal
Herbal Medicine Cabinet
The following herbs and pills are in my herbal medicine chest. Most relieve or prevent such common maladies as headache, muscular pain, colds, fever, allergies, insect bites, and much more. Be sure you have these on hand for emergencies that can be handled quite sufficiently at home. I have used everyone of these and have available to purchase, an herbal salve that I make containing, bees wax, comfrey and other herbs for the skin.
Arnica - a homeopathic for muscle aches,bruising and soreness,*H.
Rhus tox - poison ivy, *H.
Belladonna- fevers, bites,*H.
Herbal salve - cuts, scratches, bites
Chamomile - in teas form or *H. upset tummy, colic, insomnia
Garlic- natural antibiotic
Ginger - tummy troubles, nausea
Peppermint - comes as an oil or tea, upset stomach, indigestion
onion - colds and flu
Vitamin C - Emergen - C is best and can dissolve in water
Lavender - oil headaches, , burns, face astringent,can be used as a spray in a water bottle for germs
honey - burns, allergies, strength
Apis - insect bites/stings (ants,bees, hornets, scorpions or snakes),*H.
Charcoal tablets - food poison, bacteria in system, diarrhea
Epsom salts - aches and pains
Tiger Balm - sore muscles
*H denotes that this is a Homeopathic- they are prepared from fresh herbs by extracting one part herb to two parts alcohol or water and they come in a fluid or pill form. You can find these at any Health Food store.
Snatam Kaur
I spoke with Snatam in Austin,Texas. She was on tour with GuruGanesha and Krishan. They did a workshop at YogaYoga and a Peace Concert that evening. Enjoy!
Snatam Kaur bows to the energy of the sound current running through her. This stream of musical vibrations is the experience of the soul connecting with God. It is obvious to the watcher that Snatam, as she sings is tuned into an inner sound that fills her with joy. Snatam believes, that the (Peace) concerts can be a spiritual experience to everyone, connecting people to love and then to peace. "It’s the heart’s intention (to be in a place of service)".
Like a mixture of Karma yoga (selfless service) and Bhakti yoga (devotion through chanting) the Peace Concerts set out to produce a spiritual experience and leave one feeling serene.
Snatam was born in Colorado when her parents were embracing the Sikh faith. The morning practice of Kirtan (devotional singing) found Snatam, as a baby, being carried downstairs in the early morning light where she lay beside her mother until it was time to sing.
"Both my parents were very musical and I look to my mom as my 1st music teacher. Music is an essential part of the Sikh practice. The Shabads (Sikh poems and chants) gave me an incredible foundation for later in life". The family moved to California into an ashram where, "It was wonderful for me, growing up with all these aunties and uncles and other children to play with". Snatam was integrated into another culture, the Punjabi Sikhs from India, through visits to their Gurdawaras, which were nearby. Her parents were invited to play music. Gurdwara means "Guru's Gate". It is a traditional Sikh gathering where the Shabad Guru, or Sacred Sound Current is celebrated.
" The basic essential love for the Sikh religion, no matter what our cultures, even if we couldn’t speak each other’s language - that basic love was there, so I was embraced and did embrace Punjabi Sikhs as my friends when I was quite young".
Sikhs believe that God exists in all beings and Snatam grew up under the tutelage of Yogi Bhajan and his example of reaching out to people of all faiths. He founded International Peace Prayer Day and Snatam was invited to come and sing on numerous occasions. Guru Nanak’s, the Sikh founder, basic message was- if you can’t see God in all, you can’t see God at all. The Sikhs have a love and acceptance of all faiths, cultures and traditions, but distinguish themselves.
"The concept of the Bana or the clothes I wear, identify us to other people about who we are but also to ourselves. I wear a turban to be a kind and good person and to remind myself during the day to be in a state of meditation. It’s also about having a sense of love and joy and pride of who we are. When I tie my turban I try to infuse in my day- prayers and the commitment to my soul to show up that day."
The Sikhs also believe in self-less service to the community. In her mid 20’s, Snatum began working as a biochemist for Peace Cereals in Portland, Oregon. Peace Cereal was introduced by Golden Temple in 1997 as a way to support a more loving planet. Golden Temple is privately owed by a nonprofit organization and founded by Yogi Bhajan, who brought Kundalini Yoga to America.
The idea of a Peace Tour came about when Snatam found that her music career was overtaking her job as a biochemist for the company. " I approached Kartar Singh Khalsa, the CEO of Peace Cereals, and suggested these concerts." Peace Cereal was founded by Yogi Bhajan and since its inception in 1997 has promoted the transformative power of peace by donating 10% of their profits to peace building organizations, resulting in more than $1 million in donations. "No one was really knowing about it. Some of the recipients were Free the Children, Global Nomads, PeaceXPeace."
Every year Peace Cereals proudly bestow grants to organizations that are leading the way in creating peace. "Now, the focus is shifting to give larger amounts of money ."
Celebrate Peace Tours takes the message of peace where it’s needed most — orphanages, hospitals and incarcerated youth. "We offer service programs and free children’s programs, visiting impoverished communities along the way keeping that commitment to service.
"My goal for the tour - really I believe in the power of music to transform people’s lives. I’ve seen that in my own life and the power of healing, so I want to get that music out there even if it takes walking through 5 doors and gates to get to those young men and women. The only thing that seems to work is to give them a chance to hear their own voices and for them to have a moment of peace and quiet because when you’re in juvenile hall it’s really challenging."
The workshops are a way to bring this understanding of peace to people by teaching Kundalini Yoga, singing sacred songs and encouraging a daily practice. "Kundalini yoga is the yoga of awareness and tho’ it involves postures, breath and chants; the core is to become more aware as a human being in your life as it involves work, family, your inner and outer self."
The music at the concerts is composed of Sikh sacred hymns and chants, songs from the Jewish faith, the Christian religions and music from many faiths. There is music sung in English and Gurmukhi, which is Punjabi or the Sikh language and very easy to sing along to. Different age groups and diverse people are all singing together and uplifting one another. " The concerts are a safe place to experience meditation and yoga. Someone may have a friend or their child may be doing yoga and they have no idea what it is. And they come to the concert and have an uplifting experience in a non-threatening way".
Snatam, however, believes that it’s not about the concert. It’s about the tools. " I want to impart that each of us has that authentic, beautiful source of light that shines through us in it’s own way. One of the most challenging things for us is the amount of stress and chaos that’s out there and if we could only quiet ourselves down to hear our own voices and if we could quiet ourselves down to hear the voices of our neighbors, voices of our friends – then, I feel we’ll have more capability to really live and embrace peaceful lives."
http://www.sacredsoundsradio.net/interviews.html - for another interview with Snatam
Summer Solstice 2007
Summer Solstice 2007
I have been through a most wonderful experience. I went to New Mexico to celebrate the Summer Solstice and to learn about and do Kundalini yoga without any expectations. I found new spiritual friends and a path to God that makes me feel uplifted, high, quiet and peaceful.
Every day I viewed the Sangre de Cristo Mountains,which surround the Ram Das Puri Camp and there were spectacular clouds each day with huge cumulonimbus puffs bordering the sky. This sacred Indian land was 7,000 feet up and it was an adjustment for the 1st couple of days. The secret was in drinking as much water as you could hold, staying out of the sun and resting, as you needed to. Taking time out was difficult because there was something going on all the time. Classes were offered as early as 7 a.m. and continued through the day until 5. There was yogi tea in the early morning after the sun rose and Sadhana was over, breakfast at 8:30, your Seva (work) meetings at 9 and then on to classes or visiting the Bazaar or sleeping.
The day actually began at 3 a.m. when Guru Singh and his musicians woke us for Sadhana (morning prayers and yoga). An amazing amount of people took cold showers at that time to prepare for the day but I did mine later when the sun warmed the air a bit. It got cold at night – down in the 40’s so that you had sweaters and socks on until 9 am.
The yoga was led by a different teacher everyday, which gave variety to it. There were also diverse musicians to sing the chants or Shabads. I especially liked the singing. Just imagine hundreds of voices; the birds that flew in and out of the shelter chirping their sweet melodies joined us. This Sadhana was followed by prayers and more chanting as the Sikhs began their morning ritual. Most of the time I stayed for this because it made me feel good and calm and blessed!
The classes offered included: healing work, learning about the Sikhs, women’s circles, posture techniques, marriage tips and many, many more. Sometimes it was difficult to choose because they all seemed so good.
After dinner, you could retire to your tent (mine was down the mountain vs. up) and I did this often or you could go to a Gong meditation or join in more music at the Yogi café – world famous musicians were there to entertain and join in the flow of this synergy.
Now the most interesting part – Tantric. I have always associated that word with Sex!
First of all – it’s called White Tantric because you wear white and cover your head and it is all about achieving spiritual growth to create positive change. We sat across from one another and did yoga. That included singing, postures and many times looking in each other’s eyes. I had 2 great partners whom I have come to think of as my sister and brother not some romantic liaison. I did 2 days of Tantric. The other Tantric day I volunteered to help in the medical tent.
The Tantric is somewhat indescribable. Most people would think we were nuts but seriously there was a current of energy that you could hook into and is still with me. This is how it was explained to me. We interacted with our partners, the group and ourselves. The entire process allowed us to accomplish a tremendous amount of inner work in a short time.
As I said, no expectations. I came; I joined in and let myself be open to the experience of it all. I think, I am a new person today.
I am happy, I am doing Sadhana on my own, I am singing more and out loud and I hope to do work that brings this type of yoga to many.
Let me not forget to mention that there were people from all over the world. I met folks from Mexico City, India, Canada, England, Holland and all parts of the USA.
Of course I’ll go back and even now I think about the Winter Solstice in Florida, as I have always wanted to enjoy Christmas without packaging! Sat Nam!
Marriage on the Spiritual Path
Book Review by Kathe Forrest
Marriage on the Spiritual Path
: Mastering the Highest Yoga, by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa. Kundalini Research Institute; www.kriteachings.orgMarriage on the Spiritual Path is quite an impressive title, yet Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa has delivered a powerful book for those seeking a strong and committed relationship. This book was written for "people on any spiritual path" and is not a religious book.
Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa, (author of Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power) has been giving advice on marriage for over 38 years. Marriage on the Spiritual Path is a marriage manual for those about to tie the knot or for those wedded many years.
Shakti’s teacher, Yogi Bhajan (Master of Kundalini yoga and credited with bringing the technology to the west), spoke to couples about the differences between a man and a woman, how to get along with each other, the power of a woman and much more. Shakti has written and put together a 15-chapter volume, which includes his lectures on this most spiritual path.
Chapter Three for instance, takes you to the heart of the matter by explaining What is Love? Shakti writes that it is heart- centered – with consistent giving and being kind. That it’s unconditional, accepting the differences between the two of you. Other chapters include: Words for Women and Messages for Men, similar to John Gray (Men are from Mars) but coming from a spiritual perspective. There are also chapters on money and how to settle differences.
Above all, Shakti encourages Discussion! Talk about everything – do you want children? How will you raise them? Do you want to live in the country or the city? The in-laws. Have these dialogues before the Big Day! Marriage on the Spiritual Path includes and does a very good job of describing "technology" to use in your life together. "Seeing the God in your partner changes your whole perspective and meditating together raises your consciousness."
The last few chapters include personal stories from married couples as well as two complete wedding ceremonies, one performed by Yogi Bhajan and one (non-Sikh) by Shakti, an ordained minister. Recognizing your commitment before friends and family and doing it in a sacred environment is important, writes Shakti.
Marriage on the Spiritual Path is recommended for everyone who is looking for not only an entertaining read but also down to earth insights on a most Holy Path.
Kathe has been teaching yoga since 1999 and in Texas since 2002.
She teaches Hatha and Kundalini. She is also a Freelance Reporter/Producer, Digital Editor and has produced news and feature stories for various regional and national programs including Art Beat and W.I.N.G.S.
Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
Autry Auditorium - basketball gym - May 1,2007 10:11 a m
So many people are waiting to see this "simple monk".
The Dalai Lama - ruler of the Tibetan people- is an advocate for peace, promoter of compassion and kindness, which is what he will speak about in a few minutes.
This room holds over 5000 and people have come 2 hours early to wait in a line that snakes around the Autry Auditorium. The event is running late because the number of people waiting to see His Holiness is so great and they are checking everyone through a metal detector before entering the gym. This is not His Holiness' request but our government.
I sit with my son in the bleachers. We have side seats to view. Excellent seats!
Why am I here? This unique individual has a hold on me as he does others in the crowd. I hear the guy behind me remark to a business associate, "He's something else". The Dalai Lama is happy and cheerful and seems to float through life without a struggle even though he has had his share.
It begins. There is a standing ovation as His Holiness bows to us all - such a simple gesture that means so much. Carol Quillen, director of the Bonuik Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance, exchanges white, silk scarves as a token of respect.
He makes a joke as he sits, unties his shoes and goes into the yoga Easy pose. He says to us all, "Very comfortable"! ,as if we should all relax and sit back. He then says he is going to meditate without talking to us, another joke. The crowd laughs heartily. " I have no miracle powers, he says, if you came for that you'll be disappointed".
He begins by stating that he appreciates the spirit of Houston and its multiculturalness. You are already practicing Compassion and living as one community. He says we must all take an active role and bring this sharing to other areas of people with different cultures and spiritual beliefs.
What is happening in the Middle East is due to politics and that is more complicated but differences in faith is easier to solve. He says too much emotion is dangerous and there is no room to see the reality. There is a "New Reality" where everyone depends on each other, nation-to-nation, country-to-country. The differences between us are secondary to the planet. We are all human beings. So... we, in Houston, should make an effort to bring this spirit to other places. He cannot do it but will sit back and watch from India. He can only ask and promulgate. (The crowd laughs).
He asks his interpreter - about what his lecture is today. Again we laugh - forgiving him because he speaks to many and travels the world with his messages.
Compassion and Everyday Living
He begins with a discussion of an everyday occurrence - our moods.
Compassion can come from our hearts if we are calm.
So, the idea is to become less disturbed and when something (tragic, upsetting, sad) happens and we become upset or angry - we can let it go sooner with a mind that is calm.
He suggests spending a few minutes competing with the sunrise - Meditating.
You will have more strength in the mind. If you begin with a better awareness of emotions and thoughts, then you might have a better attitude and better emotions. The effect on your day will depend on your familiarization with the practice to ''keep'' calm. If each day you develop admiration about these positive emotions and they are in your mind, so during the day, the mind is strengthened and if you come across some difficulties because of the preparation, it will have some effect.
What is Compassion?
There are 2 kinds:
One is Attachment in relationship with a bias, and a closeness with the capacity to develop hatred. It is related to mental projection that is biased. It is possible to develop strong anger that is 90% not reality. So this closeness is not genuine but limited.
The second Compassion is warm heartedness and will influence our health for bad or good. Genuine compassion is unbiased; it is respect of a Human Being and not mixed with attachment. Your compassion can continue no matter what others do or what they believe in. Use sound reasons and develop a mental attitude of unbiased love and with effort and common sense you can maintain compassion.
God means infinite love. Every human action should be with respect to others and then individual differences can be handled easily.
We are born with the seed of compassion.
Pay attention to compassion in everyday life!
Then there were questions that he was asked. Here is one.
What can I do to develop Peace in my life?
Answer:
His Holiness cited an 18th century manuscript.
If one tries to control his entire external circumstances that are hostile - it is impossible. However, taking care of one's own tendency toward anger and hostility will serve the same purpose.
So take care of you, of your own experience with anger and other feelings. Like an ocean's waves - emotions come and go - but the bottom of the ocean stays calm. An individual can have this basic state of remaining calm.
The humbleness of this man is summed up in his last remarks,"So if there is any individual who really feels these points that I have spoken of today -make sense, then make some effort and put these into your life.
Those people who feel they are not much use - then forget, no problem!"