Winter Solstice

Thank you so much for participating in the Challenge.  I have really enjoyed learning how to Blog and finding bits and pieces to share and I loved doing my meditation.  I appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to write me an email or post on the blog sharing your experiences. I hope you have all gained some inner insights and had fun as well.  At the end of a Yoga Class we always sing the Long Time Sun song and I feel it appropriate to have it here.   Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous Holiday Season. 

May the long time Sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you,
Guide your way on.
Sat Nam
Marie

Day 40 - Congratulations!

Sat Nam, and what a special day it is today.  We have finished our 40 day challenge - Congratulations to all of you whether you completed or not, whether you did a few days, I hope that you will use the experience as an opportunity for contemplation in the future and always come back to your breath and your daily practice of being quiet and nurturing the soul.
For those of you who meditated every day special congratulations for keeping up, Wahe Guru.  From the comments I've received you have found it very rewarding and I hope you will keep at it. 

What an incredible day to end our challenge.  Full Moon with an Eclipse.  The full moon always acts to 'shine light into the darkness' and with this full moon we experience a particular potent energy because of the eclipse which astrologers say can increase the power of the full moon 3 times.  Combined with this potent full moon on the darkest and longest night of the year we are being given a unique opportunity to bring awareness to our most darkest corners - not just as individuals, but as a collective consciousness on the planet.

Tonight at Bonsor we will be doing a Full Moon Meditation, but for those of you who can't be there please take a few moments of inner contemplation tonight, light a candle or listen to some beautiful music or of course meditate!

Many blessings
Marie

Comments via Email

Lucia said:

What a  wonderful experience this has been for me.  I am usually wrapped
up in holiday hoopla and very stressed by this time of the year (and
burdened by old issues also).  This "dark" season (in terms of lack of
sunlight) has been historically hard for me.  And then, comes along a
small commitment to ...in my case....read a beautiful native american
prayer each day...and meditate on it for a minute or two...(I'll send you
the exact prayer I used later)....and this small action has brought me
great peace and a new approach to my life and how I view myself.  I can
only imagine what might have happened it I'd committed to the 11
minutes!!!!!

Anyway...I want to thank you so very much for opening this window to me.
I plan to continue to practice my 3 minutes (I've tried to do it in the
mornings, but if it's just too hectic....I wait and do it right before
bed).  I may find a new prayer eventually...but for now....I'm enjoying my
prayer to the four directions!

Aboriginal Dream Time - Australia

Shine is a master of the Didgeridoo, used in ancient Australian Meditation known as Dream Time, and we are blessed to have him in Vancouver.

A taste of Egypt

Challenge Survey

Please complete the Survey to help with future Challenges and you will also have a chance to win a pair of Beeswax Meditation Candles.  Please submit by Dec 28
Click here for 40 Day Survey Form

Solstice Event Info

Re:  Lunar Eclipse
I posted about the Lunar Eclipse the other day but mis-understood the day it is happening.  It will start Monday night and end Tuesday morning Solstice.  Here is a link to more info.http://www.spacedex.com/lunar-eclipse/locations/lunar-canada-british-columbia.php

Re:  Candlelight Labyrinth
Carmen had a great suggestion regarding the Skytrain.  You can transfer at Waterfront to the new line which takes you to Yaletown near Roundhouse.  Here is the link again.
http://www.secretlantern.org/events_yt.html

Day 39 - Final Check In's

Sat Nam everyone,
I have had check in's from Raven, Faye, Cathy, Monique and Carmen this weekend.  Everyone else please check in by tomorrow.  Thanks

Carmen said:
The meditation is still going well.  This week ended up having the most 'end of the day' meditations times.

Raven said"
All is well here, although I did not meditate for 3 days this week due to a hectic schedule there for awhile, but I am back at it now!

Cathy said:
Finding it really hard this week.

Monique said:
Just to let you know that I am on track with the meditation I chose - even though I have shortened a couple of sessions. 
  
Faye said:
Have added about 30 min of silence -naming mind business as "thinking"--from UTube of Deepak Chopra--followed by the meditation that I started with. I am enjoying the UTube subjects on the blog--most helpful and interesting. I believe this meditation commitment is helping me through a dark time in my life--I am feeling more grounded and peaceful. So I am fortunate that I have that to encourage me to continue during those times when nothing seems to work!

Marie said
I am also finding it hard this week as I have had a cold and one day lost my voice.  I have had to change the meditation. 

Day 38 - Almost there

Thanks Faye for your comment. This time of year can be difficult and I have had other comments that this last week especially has been a challenge to keep up the spirits and keep up the meditation. There are different reasons for this, emotions come up at this time of year, there is more conflict within us as our natural body rhythm is wanting us to be quiet and introspective but tradition requires that we attend parties and be festive. But probably most of all, it is the dark days and not getting enough sunlight. The Pineal Gland gets sluggish as it is influenced by light.
Here are a couple of things that can help.
Breathing through the right nostril brings in the Sun Energy. Block off left nostril, inhale to 5 counts through the right nostril, hold for 5 and exhale for 5. Continue for 3 minutes.

Breath of Fire with Lions Paws.  (Email me if you would like instructions - I can't seem to link it to the Blog)

Lunar eclipse at Solstice

According to today's Vancouver Sun, solstice will coincide with a full lunar eclipse for the first time in 456 years so how special is that!
The eclipse will start at 10.30pm Tuesday night and last until 2.30am when the moon will reappear.
Yet another way to celebrate the end of the challenge. 'The Solstice is seen as a time of rebirth or renewal because, astrologically, it's a time when the light comes back'

Day 35 - Next Year

Wow, we are getting close now to the end of the challenge! I have been thinking about 2011 and continuing our wonderful group. Faye suggested a get together after the challenge and offered up her apartment, thank you Faye. This has given me another idea as we have meditated by ourselves so why not plan some meditating in different group settings for next year - maybe once a month. Here are a few suggestions and please feel free to add any.
1) Going out to Richmond to the Buddhist Temple and hearing the Monks Chant
2) Visiting the Abby in Mission (you can stay there as a retreat)
3) Walking the Labyrinth at Bowen Island or in the West End, or Surrey
4) Sufi Meditating
5) Aldergrove have a Buddhist retreat centre
6) In the summer going out to Robyn's Lavender Farm for Sunset Meditation
7) Morning Sadhana at Yoga West
8) Yoga and Meditation weekend on one of the Gulf Islands

What ideas do you have?

Day 34 - Labyrinth Meditation

Day 33 - Sa Ta Na Ma Walking Meditation

This week we are in what is called Mercury Retrograde. Mercury is the planet that rules communication, so during this week we may experience computer and technology problems, delays and errors in contracts, and postponed or forgotten appointments. Athough communication may be challenged, there are also benefits during this period. It is a splendid time for clearing and reorganizing. It is a good time to collect debts and finish things especially before the New Year, and it is important to get out and walk!
“Sa Ta Na Ma” is a great meditation to include when walking especially this week, staying mindful of the finger mudra associated with each syllable. Doing so will help re-wire brain structure in the midst of this Mercury Retrogade, while you diffuse some of that Mars energy in a healthy manner during your long brisk walks.
Mudra:
Sa - touch the thumb and first (Jupiter) finger - Knowledge
Ta - touch the thumb and second (Saturn) finger - Wisdom, patience
Na - touch the thumb and third (Sun) finger - vitality, energy of life
Ma - touch the thumb and fourth (Mercury) finger - Ability to communicate

Day 32

'Go inside and listen to your inner voice.
Every question has an answer.
Your soul is full of wisdom and knows the way.'
Yogi Bhajan

Sufi Meditation

Day 31

Thank you for checking in yesterday.  It was great to read your comments and I had fun putting everyone's names in a hat - got my hubby to pick the name and JOYOUS is the winner of the Lavender Eye Pillow.  Congratulations!  Joyous I will email you and arrange how to get it to you.
There will be more opportunities for treats so stay tuned.

I celebrated the 30th Day last night attending a Sufi Meditation.  I didn't whirl as I am concerned with  Vertigo, but I enjoyed watching and imagining myself whirling.  It is so beautiful to watch and the music and chanting was incredibly uplifting.  It is held every Friday night near Metrotown so perhaps in the New Year if anyone would like to experience it we can organize to go together. 

Check In's via Email

From Carmen
Meditation going well. Some days I don'gt get till end of the night however I'm glad I've done it. I always feel better afterwards, calmer, centered, peaceful. As well some times the time is longer than 11 minutes.

From Rhonda
I hit a bit of a wall yesterday with my meditation. For some reason I had trouble relaxing my mind. Up until that day I have been enjoying my mediation very much. So I will keep on going.

From Joyous
Sorry I haven't reported in for awhile but things are hectic this time of year!!! I do enjoy the tips you have on your blog. I recognize the Jack Kornfield quote about meditation being like training a puppy haha, so true!! I am sure Raven has told you that she and I attended a meditation class for 3 consecutive Wednesdays. One thing I first noticed was feeling more calm and also my dreams became more vivid and I seemed to remember more of them than before. Then a few weeks later I felt like I was not progressing and going backwards. However, our meditation teacher told us this was very common and actually meant that you are making progress. I say "One step at a time" and try not to beat myself up on the days I'm having trouble concentrating.

I think I am definitely going to change my time for meditating to early mornings as I find it difficult some nights to do it before bedtime so lately I have been doing it at different times of the day but I agree it's a good idea to try to meditate at or around the same time every day.

Day 30 - You could win a Lavender Eye Pillow!

We are 3/4 done with the challenge and for those on the 20 day challenge you are half way through, good going.
As an incentive for checking in TODAY - Day 30 you will be entered into a draw to win a Lavender Eye Pillow. You can use it for relaxation or it could make a great stocking stuffer.
You can comment right here on this post, email or facebook.
Good luck!

Day 29

It is time for a check in folks. How are you all doing? Are you feeling a bit frazzled these days, or standing in a line up getting impatient?
Here is a simple breath meditation that will help you to overcome any animosity, and turn these emotions into compassion instead.
The Gratitude Exercise
1. Inhale through the nose
2. Exhale completely through the mouth
3. Inhale deeply and smoothly through the mouth
4. Exhale complete through the nose
5. Continue, inhaling the mantra 'Sat' and exhaling the mantra 'Nam'

Day 28

'When you don't go within, you go without'
Yogi Bhajan

Day 27

Day 26

As we get busier toward the end of the year I've had a few comments about it being harder to fit in the meditation. A couple of you have done it late at night before bed and found it a bit tough going and have decided it is better to try earlier. Good for you for keeping up! This is when we need the meditation the most - when we are very busy. Another comment was the thought of a nice glass of wine after meditating (much better than having wine before) and a nice incentive.
There was an article today in the Sun about Meditation and in there they said 'if you don't have 30 minutes to meditate you probably need an hour.'
I also liked the part where Jack Kornfield said 'The mind is like training a puppy - You say stay but after a few breaths the puppy wanders away. You go back and gently pick it up and bring it back.'

Day 25 - Deepak Chopra

Day 24 - More treat ideas!

Good morning and what a beautiful morning it is! I am feeling a bit stiff today since I decided in addition to my 11 minute Fire Kriya, I would do Pittra Kriya which has to be done for 33 minutes, lots of moving the shoulders and is fantastic for releasing stress - that's when my shoulders get over it, ha ha.

Here is an idea for a great treat if you want to get away this month:
Winter Wonderland Package at Sparkling Hill near Kelowna. $395
Includes 2 night stay, 2 hot breakfasts for 2, 2 dinners for 2, 2 Spa Treatments, Access to the 7 uniquely themed steam and sauna rooms, indoor pool complete with underwater music, starry Swarovski crystal sky, hot pool, Kneipp water therapy, keiser-equipped fitness studio....Email me if you decide to indulge.
http://www.sparklinghill.com/


Closer to home the Lavender Farm near Aldergrove is open Saturday and Sundays right now which is a peaceful way to do some Christmas Shopping and of course treat yourself to the Lavender Scrub or Lavender Body Lotion and try some Lavender Tea!
 http://www.fullbloomfarm.ca/

What time of Day do YOU meditate?

I have been meditating at different times because I am chanting and have to work around other people in my house. It is better to try and meditate at the same time of day but whenever you can fit it in is good.
The very best time to meditate is before sunrise 4 am - 6.30am because of the angle of the sun to the Earth, also it is quieter and the body rhythms are more set to support physical cleansing than during the rest of the day.
You may prefer to meditate when you come home from work - late afternoon is also a good time and it is a nice transition into the evening.

Day 23 and its Friday!

Welcome to Ann, Annette, Spiritsay and Simone joining us. Ann and Annette are new to meditation, my Wellness Colleage Spiritsay is definitely not new and Simone is my wonderful Kundalini Yoga teaching partner in Burnaby. Simone's website Meditation Village also has lots of neat tips on Meditation so check it out - link is at the right.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Winter Solstice - Labyrinth of Light

Here is a great way to finish our challenge on Winter Solstice.  It is a walking meditative path of 600 beeswax candles in a Labyrinth at the Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown.  There will also be a crystal bowl toner playing music.  Tuesday 7-10PM Dec 21
Who is interested?

http://www.secretlantern.org/events_yt.html

Day 22 - Perseverance

Here are some recent comments about Perseverance and Consistency. Thank you all!

Posted by Sherry
When I first started my meditation, I must admit it was quite challenging for me. Now I look foward to it! The last 4 days something happened where I enjoy doing the meditation, I am more focused/present and feel great after. This challenge has been helpful to keep me going. Thank you Marie!

Posted by Raven
I haven't missed a day and loving it!

Posted by Robyn
Really enjoying the meditation, and find that being consistent is the key. I am using a new technique where I go into my higher mind and am thrilled at how quiet and clear my meditations are. In the last few days I am focusing on going to my higher mind throughout the day to get out of the drama.

Day 21 - Inspiration

I just want to re-post a comment from the other day in case you didn't see it.  Just lovely - thanks Faye!

'Good to hear about how meditation is going for others. One of my favorite chants is Ra Ma Da Sa. Did it every morning at sun rise for a year(missed a couple mornings). It was at a time when my son was struggling and I felt so helpless. Gave me something to do other than worry!! Guru Mukh said it was a healing meditation. At her workshop we chanted Ra Ma Da Sa in a group of about 100 + people. The energy in the room was palpable and so healing!. Thanks Marie! for posting that chant with the beautiful pictures. Had a sudden breakthrough this morning during meditation. It was a deep knowing of how I look outside myself for reasons for my behavoir and despondency. Tears of gratitude flooded my being! Then my brother-in-law called in complete despair--just discovered he had advanced bladder cancer. I was able to cry with him and offer support without any of my usual roles --nurse, sister, caretaker, advisor. Felt good to be purely human! So we reap the rewards of meditation with gratitude!!