Kundalini Yoga for 11/11/11 and Beyond

Even though this Meditation Challenge finished today, 11/11/11 marks the beginning of a new era and it is important to keep up with your Sadhana, whether it be Meditation, Yoga, Walking, Writing in a Journal etc. Here is a Kriya and Meditation if you want to try a Kundalini Set. The Kriya is for a Positive Mind and the meditation is for releasing negativity and developing intuition. Enjoy.

Day 40 - Congratulations!

You've done it!! Today is the last day of the challenge, and the end of what is called the Piscean Age, and now we begn the Aquarian Age which many are celebrating around the world. The vibrational frequency of the planet is accelerating to the frequency of the Heart Centre. As we transition from the Piscean Age we are moving from Love of Power, to Power of Love, from the Ego to the Heart from What can I get to What can I do?

Day 37 - Don't Give Up

We often want to quit just before the finish line so keep going - only 3 more days to go!! Here are portraits of some of the Global Meditation participants!

Day 30 - Affirmations

Affirmations are a great way to change negative thoughts into positive ones. They may be spoken out loud, repeated as a silent mantra, or you could write them down or get creative and turn them into a melody or song. It is best to make them fairly short, e.g. I have the power to change, I am learning to change my thoughts. Keep them in the present tense and try to use affirmations that suggest the possibility of change. Otherwise if you are feeling really down and you try to say I am happy and content you will not believe it as it will sound phony. Here is a beautiful mantra with Snatam Kaur, enjoy.

Day 29 - Happy Halloween

What a beautiful day with the sun reflecting light on the amazing fall colours.  We tend to think of the colour Orange during this time as we enjoy seeing all the pumpkins and possibly carving them into faces.  Orange is associated with our second chakra, the element of water and our ability to tune into our own feelings and creativity.  It is also associated with fun and social activities so if you are feeling a bit blah it is time to boost up your Orange Energy.  Wear something Orange, watch a comedy, cook up something tasty, drink a cup of Orange Pekoe Tea, or include Sat Kriya with your Meditation practice.
While meditating perhaps you can contemplate what brings you joy in your life. 

Day 27

I thought I would share a little story I told the Yoga Students last week in my Prosperity/Abundance Series.  The theme was setting your vibrational energy to your intention and goals as quite often these don't match up.
A young boy ran up to his grandfather.  "Grandfather, grandfather, tell me the secret of life!"
The old man's mouth wrinkled into a playful smile as he replied.  "my child, within every one of us, it's as if there were two wolves fighting.  One of the wolves is focused on protecting his territory, he is full of anger, criticism, and resentment.  He is fearful and controlling.  The other is focused on love, joy, and peace.  He is mischievous and full of adventure."
But grandfather," exclaimed the boy, his eyes wide with curiosity, 'which of the wolves is going to win?"  The old man replied, The one you feed."

Day 26 - 2 weeks to go!

I've had to modify my Meditation this week as I caught a cold and needed to save my voice for teaching, even then it failed me a bit yesterday.  I was also feeling that this Meditation Challenge wasn't going so well this time as I hadn't heard from some of you and I mentioned this to a friend.  I was telling her that I don't like to send too many emails as everyone is so bombarded these days and I felt technically challenged not being able to offer a more efficient way for everyone to communicate.  So basically feeling sorry for myself!  However I was encouraged when she said that my last email inspired her to start meditating again and I also realized that just by talking about it I felt more connected.  Perhaps this was also showing me that I expect others to share and I wasn't sharing my feelings.  This is not the time to struggle on alone, it is the time to reach out and connect. (So now you are going to get lots of emails from me, ha ha)

Day 24 - Happy Diwali

As you meditate today you may wish to light a candle in celebration of Diwali which is an Indian Festival of Lights.  It honours the light that comes from Spirit and lives within all our hearts.  As you meditate honour your own inner light and feel an awareness of your own divinity.

"We meditate so our minds can be sharp and alert.  We chant mantras so that our souls can be ignited by candles.  We walk in light of the beauty'   Yogi Bhajan.

Day 20 - It's not too late to join!

Welcome to the 20th Day of the Meditation Challenge.  I have heard from some of you who are getting along fine with your Meditation.  For others you might be struggling and please reach out and ask for help if you need it.  It is not too late to join in as we still have 20 days before 11/11/11. 
Remember that there is only NOW!  When we come up with excuses like 'I'm too busy', I'll start later etc it is our ego trying to block us, as it wants to stay in charge and doesn't like it when we start working on ourselves.  Because then we start to re-connect to the heart and follow the voice of the soul, rather than the ego.  Often when we start a commitment like meditation or going to the gym, after a few days there will be all kinds of things come up to prevent us from our goal - be aware, work through this and don't give up, bring yourself back into the NOW and start again.

'The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences.    Louise Hay

Day 20 - Inspiration

Day 19 - Knitting as Meditation

I have recently taken up knitting again.  I thought I'd start with a scarf and I bought some yarn that has different textures and tones of red, and one ball makes one scarf so I don't have to worry about joining different colours.  It took me a while to get into the flow of the pattern and I had to concentrate at first.  Just like in Meditation it starts off challenging and as you do more it becomes easier.  Knitting itself is a Meditation as it lets you just be, while managing to co-ordinate the left and right brain.  As you knit each stitch and feel the rhythm and hear the clickity click of the needles,  the repetitive motion  brings you into a meditative state, soothing away your troubles and allowing the mind to break free of it`s usual patterns.
 

Day 18 - Earth's Prayer

Day 17

Day 16

Happiness is when what you think,
what you say,
what you do,
are in harmony.                        

   Mahatma Gandi

Day 15 - Imagine

Day 14 - Why Meditate at the same time?

 Meditation helps clear the subconscious of fears. As each fear comes up and we look upon it neutrally, the fear loses its power over us. We become more flexible and feel more free. Most fears were learned at a particular time of day. So these fears tend to occur most intensely at the time of day they were originally experienced. By meditating in the morning, we slowly attract the anxieties from all other parts of the day. Normally we react to anxieties on their time and conditions. In meditation, the effects of old fears come to us on our time and under our conditions. Since they come at the same time each day, it becomes easier and easier to deal with each one. Eventually the mind is cleared of the clouds of fear and begins to see the light and power of creative consciousness. Then the morning meditation clears out the daily worries and projections so no further long term subconscious fears can accumulate. Another reason for meditating at the same time is that it creates a habit or routine and this natural rhythm will help it get easier. Optimum time for meditation is between 4.00am - 6.30am. There is much prana - life force energy in these hours, fewer people are awake and busy, so the clutter and bustle of daily actitivites does not interfere with your practice. Next best time is early evening 4.00PM - 6.30PM and the next best time is when you can do it!

Day 13 - Misconceptions about Meditation

A common misconception is that meditation involves stopping the mind from thinking.  This isn't possible.  Our minds are designed to produce thoughts.  So in meditation, the trick is to simply allow our thoughts to exist, without attaching to them, and without reacting.  When we let go, there comes a point where the mind feels very quiet because we aren't reacting to our thoughts.  If you do react to your thoughts, don't react to your reaction - simply go back to the meditation.
Another misconception is that meditation is going to be blissful and we will get the aha moment.  For me I get my inspiration usually later, but meditating and clearing the mind gives me that inner peace that I need in order to be sensitive and to be more aware of my thoughts and actions.  Sometimes emotions can come up, we can feel angry or sad - it is important to acknowledge these feelings and then release them.

No one else can limit you.  If you want to limit yourself, you can.  Otherwise the entire resources of the Universe are yours to use.
              Yogi Bhajan

Day 12 - Sat Narayan

Take a journey to India and enjoy Sat Narayan with Snatam Kaur and Guruganesha Singh .Sat Narayan Wahe Guru Har Narayan, Sat Nam means True Sustainer, Indescribable Wisdom Creative Sustainer, True Identity

Day 11 - Ong Namo with Amrit Kirtan

Day 10 - How are you Doing?

We are now 10 days in to the Challenge, that is one quarter done already.  How is it going for you?  Did you know that we are linked in with a Global Meditation taking place right now with 3700 people from 64 countries!  It is not too late to join.  How are you motivating yourself?  Sometimes it is good to do your meditation before your coffee or tea or some other treat - maybe chocolate and then you have the reward at the end.   Ticking it off your calender each day might help or you may be feeling such wonderful benefits you don't need motivating!!  If you are chanting, sing with your heart, if you are doing a breath meditation and your mind wanders, observe your thoughts and then come back to the breath, whatever meditation you are doing try to be present, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go so well.  Some days will be great and others a challenge, just like life. 
Time to check in and let us know how it is going.

Day 09 - Meditative Mind

Here is a series of Pranayam (Breathing) exercises that will take 17 minutes.

Day 08 - Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is of course a time of giving thanks, realizing what we are grateful for in our lives and celebrating with friends and family, enjoying the many colourful vegetables available.  I am grateful for the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and all of my teachers past and present.  When I was in Sri Lanka we visited an orphanage of girls between 7 and 19, many of whom were affected by the devastating Tsunami a few years ago.  During the flight over, I had noticed one of my travelling companions had a lot of luggage with her and she mentioned she had paid excess baggage charges and I was thinking to myself 'wow she's taking a lot of clothes for this trip.'

When we arrived at the Orphanage I realized she had one of these suitcases with her and was deeply touched when she opened it up and the entire contents were for the children.  It reminded me again not to judge others and  how my travelling companion in that moment was my teacher, and that we can all be teachers and we can all learn from each other.  After we met with the children and gave them what we had brought, the children sang for us and one of the older girls danced the most beautiful dance.  It was a very emotional experience and as we were leaving we had tears in our eyes.  These children had been through great tragedy and loss but still managed to smile, entertain us with poise and grace and I realized that they were also my teachers, and that we gained much more from visiting these children than the humble gifts we brought. 

Many blessings for a beautiful Thanksgiving!

Day 07 - Why Meditate?

Meditating is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity as the energy and rapid changes on the planet intensify. We need to find that quiet space every day where we can just be, start to tune into our own intuition and re-connect with our heart. We also have to be able to face our day and our challenges and spending this time for ourselves gives us the ability to cope with our lives. This is especially so when our life seems overwhelming or when we are in conflict. Yogi Bhajan said that 'If you don't set up for the day, if you don't posture yourself, ready to engage the day, how are you going to keep up?". You may feel that nothing happens when you are Meditating, but by making a commitment to yourself and with consistency you will start to see many changes taking place in your life. That is why it is good to journal after your meditation each day - even if it's a couple of lines.

'Keep Up and you will be Kept Up'  Yogi Bhajan

Day 06 - Smiling Buddha Meditation

Day 05 - Loreena Mckennet & Alhambra

Loreena Mckennet & the magnificent Alhambra make a beautiful combination.  Enjoy

Day 04 - Liberation Kriya with Gurmukh

Feel like you need a challenge? Try this Meditation.

Day 03 - Eye Focus at Tip of the Nose

If you are doing the Wahe Guru Meditation here is a video to help with the eye focus at the tip of the nose.  This Drishti is also used in many other Kundalini Yoga Meditations so it is useful to watch. 
Click here for link

Day 02 - Deva Prema with Gayatri Mantra

Day 01 - You need to check in

Good morning, Please check in so we know who has started the challenge.  You can post a comment here or email me.
I completed the Global Sadhana and chanted to Snatam Kaur's version on the video.  However I found this version of Wahe Guru distracting as she sings some of it in high tone.  For me personally I prefer the more monitone version on the CD called Sa Re Sa Sa  by Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa for the purpose of this meditation.  It can be downloaded at Spirit Voyage.

Meditation Challenge Starts tomorrow!

Are you ready?  Here is what you need to prepare TODAY!
1)  What meditation are you going to do?
2)  How many minutes - 3 min, 11 min or 15 min Global Sadhana
3)  Where are you going to meditate?  (Needs to be quiet and away from main areas in your house)
4)  What time are you going to meditate?  (First thing in the morning is best but what time suits you??
5)  Check to see if your name is on the right - if it's not, you need to register.

Mirabai Ceiba - Water Blessing

Global Sadhana with Snatam Kaur & Gurmukh

If you are wondering what meditation to do why not join the thousands of Yogis and Yoginis around the world for this Global Sadhana which will take approximately 15 min. It starts with Sitali Pranayam for 3 minutes, followed by a Chanting Meditation for 11 minutes. Sitali Pranayam has a powerful cooling relaxing effect while maintaining alertness. It is said that doing 26 of this breath by itself in the morning and evening will help detoxify the body. A very well known practice, it soothes and cools the spine in the 4th, 5th and 6th vertabrae. This breath is often used for lowering fever and helps reduce any emotions that are disrupting you, so a good one to do if you are angry or upset. It involves making a taco with your tongue (curling it) on the inhale and exhaling through the nose. The second meditation is chanting Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio. Wa - Bliss Ge - Here and Now Guru - From darkness into light Jio - Soul. The affect of this mantra and meditation tunes you into the Divine Energy that is accessible to all of us. Hand position is: hold the hands in front of the heart centre, right hand on top of the left, both palms face down.The right thumb is bent and comes under the left hand and touches the left palm.The left thumb is bent and also touches the left palm. The bent thumbs are pressed together so the thumb nails touch. Look at the tip of the nose. You can sing along here with Snatam Kaur, or download the sound track from Spirit Voyage.
 Click here for instructional video

So Darshan Chakra Kriya - Meditation

Balancing Head & Heart Meditation

Meditations for Addiction

Radiant Body

Summer Solstice

Thank you for all those who participated in the Challenge.  I hope you will continue with your meditation through the Summer.  We had a beautiful Yoga Evening at the Lavender Farm, Langley last night to celebrate the Solstice and enjoy the Healing Meditation of Ra Ma Da Sa.  We will continue with Yoga on Tuesday nights through July. 
May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your Way On
Sat Nam 

Bringing Meditation into the School System

Quick Stress Release for Emotional Balance

It has been easy to get caught up in the Emotions of the past week and I know some of you have struggled with Meditation and staying focussed.    It is important to take a break from watching the news, go for a walk or do something  to nurture yourself, and try the following Exercise.
First drink a glass of water. 
Sit in Easy Pose, place the arms across the chest and lock hands under the armpits, palms open and against the body.  Raise the shoulders up tight against the earlobes and apply Neck Lock, close the eyes. 
The breath will automatically become slow.  Continue for 3 minutes.

This meditation is very good when one is worried or upset and doesn't know what to do. 
When we feel emotional or out of focus we need to give attention to our body's water balance and breath.  Humans are approximately 70% water, and behaviour depends upon the relation of water and earth, air and ether.  Breath, representing air and ether is the rhythm of life.  Normally we breath 15 times a minute, but when we are able to rhythmically slow down the breath to only 4 breaths per minute, we have indirect control over our minds, promoting a calm mind regardless of the state of affairs. 
When there is a water imbalance in the system, and the kidneys are under pressure it can cause worry and upset.  Drinking water, pulling the shoulders up to the ears and tightly locking the entire area creates a solid break that can be applied to the four sides of the brain.  After 2 or 3 minutes, thoughts will be there, but one does not feel them.  This is a very effective metion of balancing the brain. 
After 2-5 minutes, relax the hands down and sit quietly and enjoy the inner space of peace.  You will notice that you have crated a space independent of your mind.  Your mind will still have thoughts and you can observe it but you can choose to be in your peaceful space.

Crystal Bowl Meditation

If you haven't seen Crystal Bowls being played have a look at this video.

Sanctuary in the Garden

Yesterday I was feeling a bit out of sorts.  On Thursday I had gone downtown to teach my Yoga Class and witnessed the many people writing messages of inspiration on the boarded up windows of The Bay, there hadn't been a window spared.  I saw a young boy writing on the concrete with chalk his message of hope and I wanted to reach out and give him a hug.   I continued down Granville Street and saw the many shops with their merchandise spread all over the  floor and the stunned, sad look of the owners and shop attendants.   

So I was still processing all this yesterday and I decided to go out into my garden.  Lately when I have gone out I have thought about all the things I need to do out there, all the weeds that need pulling and I've become overwhelmed.    This time I decided to let all that go and just sit on the steps and look at the beautiful flowers.  I saw quite a few bees, buzzing from flower to flower and became absorbed in watching them and as I sat there I marvelled at the wisdom of nature.  As I processed my thoughts and meditated on the beauty of life buzzing around me I started to feel very grateful that I had this place to just be. 

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Perhaps we are in need of some Perspective and Emotional Balance from the last couple of days in Vancouver.
This is a basic technique in Kundalini and Hatha Yoga.
Inhaling through the left nostril stimulates the brain's capacity to reset your framework of thinking and feeling, allowing new perspectives. Exhaling through the right nostril relaxes the constant computations of the brain, which helps to break automatic patterns. Regulating your breath pattern in this way sets a new level of brain functioning which establishes emotional balance and calmness after periods of intense stress or shock.

Here is how to do it:
Eyes - focus at the Brow Point
Mudra - Use the right thumb and right Mercury finger (pinkie) to close off alternate nostrils.
Breath Pattern - Close off the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale deeply through the left nostril. When the breath is full, close off the left nostril with the little finger and exhale smoothly through the right nostril. The breath is complete, continuous and smooth. (If you are used to using the thumb and index or ring go with that)
Time - Continue with long, deep regular breaths for at least 3 minutes.
To End - Inhale, exhale completely, hold the breath out and apply mulbandh. Relax

Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse today

Full Moon is a great time for inner reflection, yoga, meditation and ritual. Light a candle, and especially for Moon in Gemini, work with chimes and bells to help clear your space and use an essential oil. Lavender is a lovely oil for stimulating and soothing the nervous system simultaneously. Hyssop oil will help open the lungs and allow your breath to be deep and strong. Peppermint and thyme oils are also wonderful for stimulating the best qualities in Gemini and releasing any stagnancy and confusion, replacing it with clarity.
In the middle ages local healers used astrological wisdom in performing treatments. The moon was believed to provide the greatest aid to healing, and often herbs would be gathered under the light of the Full Moon and medicinal plants would be grown and harvested only during certain lunar phases.
So take some time out today to re-centre and re-connect.

Har Har Mukanday

Check out Mirabai Ceiba's latest album called Awakened Earth with the mantra Har Har Mukanday. Har is the creative aspect of Infinity. Mukanday is the Liberating aspect of the self. This mantra turns obstacles into opportunities and helps remove fear.

Kirtan Kriya

Kirtan Kriya helps brings mental balance and is a great meditation for busy minds. 
Sit straight in easy pose.  Meditate at the brow point.
Chant the following mantra.
Sa - touch the first (index) finger and thumb - Sealing in Knowledge
Ta - touch the second (middle) finger and thumb - Sealing in Wisdom
Na - touch the third (ring) finger and thumb- Sealing in Vitality
Ma -touch the fourth (pinkie) finger and thumb - Sealing in the ability to Communicate

This Mantra represents the cycle of creation.   From the Infinite (Sa) comes life and individual existence.  From life (Ta) comes death or change.  From death (Na) comes rebirth (Ma) of consciousness to the joy of the infinite through which compassion leads back to life. 

Begin chanting Sa Ta Na Ma in a normal voice for 2 minutes, then whisper for 2 minutes and then go deep into the sound silently.  Vibrate in silence for 4 minutes, back to whisper for 2 minutes and aloud for 2 minutes. 
Inhale and Exhale.
To complete the meditation, stretch the hands up as far as possible and spread the fingers wide.  Stretch the spine and take several deep breaths.

Day 30 - Let's Re-commit!!!

We have 10 more days to go until Solstice!  I know some of you have missed some days but let's re-commit to allowing time each day for these last 10 days.   This time of year brings new opportunities and healing especially with a lunar eclipse of the moon on Wednesday the 15th in the astrological sign of Gemini - the sign of duality and the energy that represents opposite polarities.  This is a good time for integrating, coming together with our yin (female) and yang (male) sides and balancing our left analyzing, rational mind with our right intuitive, emotional side.
Have you tried meditating with your partner?  Sherry is practising Kirtan Kriya back to back with her partner and really enjoying it - she says it's good to have some back support as well!!

Sa Ta Na Ma Video

This is a beautiful video by Snatam Kaur with Sacred Geometry, Flower of Life and Fibonacci sequence. Enjoy!

Day 25 - Calm Heart Meditation

For all the hockey fans out there you may need to try the Meditation for a Calm Heart!!
Sit up tall, close the eyes or look straight ahead with the eyes 1/10th open.
Bring left hand on the centre of the chest at the Heart Centre.  The palm is against the chest, and the fingers are parallel to the ground, pointing to the right.
Make Gyan Mudra with the right hand (touch the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb)
Raise the right hand up to the right side as if giving a pledge.  The palm faces forward, the three fingers not in Gyan Mudra point up.  The elbow is relaxed near the side with the forearm perpendicular to the ground.
Concentrate on the flow of the breath.  Inhale slowly and deeply through both nostrils.  Then suspend the breath in and raise the chest.  Retain it as long as possible.
Then exhale smoothly, gradually and completely.  When the breath is totally out, lock the breath out for as long as possible - No GASPING!
Continue for 3 minutes.

Day 10 - Time to Check In

We are 10 days into the meditation already - how is it going for you? It is TIME TO CHECK IN. Please email or write a comment on the Blog.
Remember to go to TIPS for information posted earlier to help you with the Challenge.

Too busy to meditate? Come back to your breath - you can do this anywhere!
BREATHE CONSCIOUSLY.
Inhale to a count of 5, hold the breath for 5, exhale to a count of 5
OR, Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale mouth, inhale mouth exhale nose and continue for 1-3 minutes.
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!

Deva Premal and Miten

Just listening to beautiful music is a meditation.

Day 09 - Releasing Negative Emotions

Day 03

Participant List is to the right.  If you are in on the challenge and your name isn't there please email me.
Remember your meditation time is not working out your day or going over what so and so said - it is concentrating on your meditation and just being aware of being aware!!! 
Enjoy.

Day 01 - Meditation to Tranquilize the Mind

This meditation will tranquilize the mind within 3 minutes.  The hand position is called 'the mudra which pleases the mind."  You can use an affirmation as the mantra but make it short as you need to repeat the mantra while holding the breath in and out.  An example might be 'I am capable' or 'I am confident' or 'I am manifesting my vision' etc.
Here is how to do it.
Sit in easy pose with a straight spine.  With the elbows bent, bring the hands up and in until they meet in front of the body at the level of the heart.  The elbows should be held up almost to the level of the hands.  Bend the index fingers of each hand in toward the palm.  Join them with each other as they press together along the second joint.  The middle fingers are extended and meet at the fingertips.  The other fingers are curled into the hand.  The thumbs meet at the fingertips.  Hold the mudra about 4 inches from the body with the extend fingers pointing away from the body. 
Focus at the tip of your nose.  Inhale completely and hold the breath while repeating the mantra of your choice 11 times.  Exhale, hold the breath out, and repeat the mantra an equal number of times.
Tip:  Try 5 times first time around and then try adding another repetition of the mantra when you are comfortable with the breath.
Practice for 3 minutes.  (From the book 'The Survival Kit Meditations & Excercises for Stress & Pressure of the Times')

Full Moon Celebration

Wisdom of Nature

Celebrate the Full Moon in the stillness of Full Bloom Lavender Farm in Langley.  Participate in a releasing meditation and fire ceremony.  Tuesday May 17 at 6.30PM
Click here for details

Meditation Challenge starts this Friday!

3 important things to decide before Friday:
What medtation are you going to commit to?  (I will be posting a couple of suggestions this week or indicate on the sign up form you need help)
What time of the day are you going to meditate?
Where are you going to meditate?

If you are new to the challenge click on Meditation Tips for more help.
Don't forget to SIGN UP!  I will be doing up a Participation List this week
www.insighttowellness.com/meditation

Happy Mothers Day

A beautiful day to honour the Shakti Power of the Mother. Here is a meditation to try demonstrated by Snatam Kaur.
The words are:
Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Namo Namo
Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Namo Namo
Prithum Bagwati, Prithum Bagwati, Prithum Bagwati, Namo Namo
Kundalini, Mata Shakti, Mata Shakti, Namo Namo
Enjoy!

Lavender Yoga

It's Lavender time again!  Kundalini Yoga starts up again at Full Bloom Lavender Farm, on Saturday May 07 at 9.00AM to 10.30AM and this series will also include Aromatherapy. This week we will be meditating on the beautiful Rose Essential Oil.
Click here for more info:

Global Healing Ra Ma Da Sa Chant

Guanyin Healing Chant

Guru Ram Das Guru Chant

Here is the music for the second part of the Meditation

Day 40 - Congratulations!

Congratulations to all those who took part in this latest challenge, and congratulations Faye for winning the candles. I know it has been a struggle for many of you and that lots of things came in the way. Some have missed days and others haven't been able to keep up but thank you to each and every one of you for making the effort.
I encourage you to reaffirm your commitment to spending time each day for your Meditation and or quiet time. Things are changing very fast right now on our planet and it is is very important, actually essential to be consistent with this part of your daily life.
'Through meditation you can calm the mind and develop your intuition to recognize what is real and important to you.' Yogi Bhajan

Day 39 - Snatam Kaur

Snatam Kaur in Concert in North Vancouver at Centennial Theatre Mar 16 at 7.30PM
Get your tickets at Yoga West, Banyen Books or online at Centennial Theatre.
This concert sold out last year so better to get tickets ahead of time

Day 38 - Full Moon Global Peace Meditation

Egyptians demanding their basic rights is a reflection of a Global Awakening of unprecedented proportions.
Please join in tomorrow at 10.00am PST if you are able to for the Full Moon Global Peace Meditation for Egypt.  The time at Giza will be 8pm Friday evening.

If you can't do your meditation at this time please take a few moments during Full Moon to come together in Unity Consciousness to declare a desire for a universal release from oppression and a swift transition, increased awareness and Worldwide Peace and Prosperity for all.

Day 36 - Event

An intimate evening with a Tibetan Musician Jamyang Yeshi and screening of award winning 'Shining Spirit' Documentary.  March 06 at 7.30PM St James Hall, 3214 W 10th Ave, Vancouver
For more information click herewww.tibet.ca/vancouver

Day 35 - Happy Valentines Day

Draw for candles tomorrow morning at 10.00am.  Check in NOW so your name is in the hat.

Day 34 - Let's Check In

Happy Valentines Day for tomorrow.  To celebrate I am giving away a pair of red wax candles.
For a chance to win you must check in with me tonight or tomorrow via the Blog or email me and I will draw on Tuesday morning. 
Good luck.

It's Day 30

Here is a Retreat coming up in Costa Rica with Snatam Kaur in April.  Now that would be a great treat!

http://www.spiritvoyage.com/retreat.aspx?EventID=TIX-900855

Day 29 - Stay Strong

Day 28 - What are you grateful for today?

I am grateful that I can sit up for longer, lay down on my back and that my back is getting better each day.
I am also grateful for the absolutely beautiful day we have had.

Day 27

My commitment to the Meditation Challenge has been tested this week.  I have hurt my back and can't, sit, stand, or lye down for long.  But I have managed to keep up the meditation lying in bed.  I find it very comforting although a bit uncomfortable.  Have also been breathing into the pain and visualizing healing energy and each day it is getting a little better.
Marie

Day 23 - Malas and Meditation

Malas are used by different cultures, religions for meditation and here is a great link to how they are used for Meditation in Kundalini Yoga. 

http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/mala-meditation/

Day 22

Day 21 - Over the Hump!

When you are angry, frustrated, depressed and need counseling - sit down and meditate.  Your mind will fight you, but don't lose your strength.  Mind is your own child.  Train it, don't cater to it.  Your soul can come to you through the mind.  The only thing that works is when you can see your own soul, your own light, through your mind. 
                              Yogi Bhajan

Day 19 - Time - Your Most Precious Commodity - How are you using it?

Tomorrow we are half way there and it's TIME to CHECK IN. 
If you haven't had much TIME to meditate here are some thoughts that may help.
Try going back to 3 minutes a day.  Do it right after you brush your teeth.  You have TIME to brush your teeth yes?  It is in your routine - automatic.  that is how meditation becomes when you get into the habit - thus the 40 days.  Cathy said to me the other day she can't imagine NOT meditating now. 
We are very good at getting side tracked on Facebook, having a cup of coffee etc - actually we are expert at it says the authors of some of these Procrastination books. 
Would you rather say I don't have time for me - meaning I'm not worth it OR would you like to say to yourself YES I AM worth it, I say YES to me!
Many blessings. 

Day 15 - Resistance, Unfocussed Mind - What is happening?

Some of you have tried to leave a comment on the blog and are having trouble.  You need to keep clicking away until you get a response that says 'posted'.  I know it's annoying when you go to the trouble to write something and it goes no-where so I appreciate your attempts and if it is easier to email me I can transfer the comments to the blog.
I've heard from a few of you that you are having a bit of trouble with the mind this month - not being able to settle, and some are finding you want to change the meditation.  If you are really having difficulty I would rather you change the meditation than give up!  HOWEVER try to become aware of what is going on - there is usually a reason for our resistance.  I remember when I chose Kirtan Kriya a few years back and after a couple of days I wanted to change and I wasn't allowed.  I didn't realize then that subconsciously I had chosen this for my own good - it really helps the throat chakra and releasing sub conscious patterns.  When I started teacher training the first meditation we had to do for 40 days was - you guessed it - Kirtan Kriya.  Didn't like it then either, BUT I am happy to say that I am now doing this meditation for 31 minutes and loving every minute of it.  Sooooo be patient, and be loving to yourself! 

Day 12 - Snatam Kaur coming to Vancouver Mar 16

Sat Nam,
How is everyone doing?  I have heard from Raven, Cathy, Christine and everyone else is in hiding.  Although I have been a bit quiet myself lately.  Still enjoying my 31 minutes. 
More details about Snatam's Concert coming soon.

Day 08 - Thich Nhat Hanh coming to Vancouver

Thich Nhat Hanh Zen Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh will lead a retreat at UBC in August as well as a public talk. He is one of the most respected meditation teachers and peace activists. You can find out more by clicking on the link

Day 07 already

It is time to check in! I am still at 31 minutes with Kirtan Kriya. I have heard from Carmen, Dianne and Lisa on the weekend. Everyone else please let me know how you are doing.

Day 04

Well, I am continuing with 31 minutes of Kirtan kriya, so far so good.
Happy Meditating!

Day 03 - Healing Circle

Hari Om Yoga Studio in Langley is having a Healing Circle Jan 29th at 2.00PM - 4.15PM. Cost is $20.00 - ($10.00 going to Cancer Society)
What is a Healing Circle?
A healing circle is a space created by opening our minds and our hearts to health and wellness and generating healing energy towards a person whether they are in attendance or not.
This circle is being facilitated by Adrienne, one of the Hari Om teachers.
For more information click here.

Day 2 - Here is a smile!

This came through a Blog on Spirit Voyage, thought I would share it.

"Is it ok for a Buddhist monk to send emails?
As long as it doesn't have attachments..."

1/11/11 Day 01

Sat Nam and Welcome to the start of our new Meditation Challenge. Please check in today so I know if you have started. Thanks Cathy for doing so already.
I also need to know what type of meditation everyone is doing. I am kick starting the challenge with 31 minutes of Kirtan Kriya today (mainly because I have found a nice mp3 to chant with and want to try it out) and I will either continue with 11 minutes of that or 11 minutes of the Prosperity Meditation. If you need help with anything let me know. Also if your name is not on the right you need to join in by emailing me or writing a comment on the blog.
Enjoy!

Prosperity Meditation

Happy New Year

What a gorgeous day it is here in Vancouver!  Hope you all had a great holiday season and that you are looking forward to the year ahead.  Some of you I know have continued with your meditation - Dianne and Faye still going, Cathy and Sherry and myself changed the meditation but are still continuing. 
Thank you to those who filled in the survey - I hadn't realized it is actually anonymous so I don't know who has completed it except for those of you who added your name to the comments!!
So I'm afraid I have to ask those of you who completed the survey to email me and let me know with the exception of Dorothy, Lindy, Faye, Vivian, Monique and Raven (I have your names).  This is for the chance to win the Indigo Candles.